Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

And {G1161} these {G5023} signs {G4592} shall follow {G3877} them that believe {G4100}; In {G1722} my {G3450} name {G3686} shall they cast out {G1544} devils {G1140}; they shall speak {G2980} with new {G2537} tongues {G1100};

And these signs will accompany those who do trust: in my name they will drive out demons, speak with new tongues,

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues;

Context

Mark 16:17 is part of what is commonly known as the "longer ending of Mark" (Mark 16:9-20). While some ancient manuscripts omit these verses, they have been traditionally accepted and included in most Bibles, including the King James Version, for centuries. This passage records Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and final instructions to His disciples before His ascension. It immediately follows the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to preach the Gospel to every creature.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Empowerment for Believers: This verse promises supernatural abilities to those who believe in Jesus. These "signs" are not merely for show but are manifestations of God's power working through His faithful servants to validate their message and ministry.
  • Authority in Jesus' Name: The crucial phrase "In my name" underscores that the power and authority to perform these signs do not originate from the believers themselves but from their connection to, and reliance upon, the resurrected Christ's supreme authority. It is His power, not theirs, that accomplishes these acts.
  • Confrontation with Evil: The ability to "cast out devils" signifies the spiritual warfare inherent in spreading the Gospel. Believers are equipped to confront and overcome the forces of darkness, just as Jesus did during His earthly ministry (Mark 1:27).
  • Supernatural Communication: "They shall speak with new tongues" refers to the miraculous ability to speak in languages previously unknown to the speaker. This gift, famously demonstrated on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4), served both as a sign to unbelievers and an aid in disseminating the Gospel across diverse linguistic barriers.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Signs" (Greek: sēmeia): This term refers to miraculous proofs or indicators, often accompanying a divine message or messenger. They serve to confirm the truth of what is being proclaimed.
  • "Cast out devils" (Greek: daimonia ekbalousin): The word "devils" here is daimonia, referring to demons or evil spirits, not the Devil himself (Satan). The act of casting them out is a forceful expulsion, demonstrating power over spiritual oppression.
  • "New tongues" (Greek: glōssais kainais): "Tongues" (glōssais) refers to languages. "New" (kainais) implies a fresh, unprecedented quality, not necessarily foreign languages in the sense of xenolalia (though this is implied in Acts 2), but a new spiritual utterance.

Practical Application

While the specific manifestations of these signs may vary across times and cultures, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. Mark 16:17 encourages Christians to:

  • Live by Faith: The promise is for "them that believe," emphasizing that faith is the channel through which God's power flows.
  • Recognize Spiritual Authority: Believers are called to operate not in their own strength, but in the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, exercising authority in Jesus' name against spiritual opposition.
  • Embrace Divine Enablement: God continues to equip His people for ministry, whether through miraculous signs, spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4), or practical abilities, all for the purpose of advancing His kingdom and spreading the Gospel.
  • Understand the Purpose of Power: These signs are ultimately for the confirmation of the Word preached, providing credibility to the message of salvation in Christ. They are not for personal glory but for God's glory and the edification of others.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 5:16

    There came also a multitude [out] of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:28

    And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:10

    To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

  • Acts 8:7

    For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed [with them]: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

  • Luke 10:17

    ¶ And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

  • Acts 10:46

    For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

  • John 14:12

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

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