Mark 9:40

KJV

For he that is not against us is on our part.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he that {G3739} is {G2076} not {G3756} against {G2596} us {G2257} is {G2076} on {G5228} our {G2257} part {G5228}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For whoever is not against us is for us.

Berean Standard Bible

For whoever is not against us is for us.

American Standard Version

For he that is not against us is for us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 9:40, Jesus declares a profound principle of spiritual alignment, stating, "For he that is not against us is on our part." This concise aphorism, delivered in response to John's sectarian complaint about an unauthorized exorcist, broadens the disciples' narrow view of divine activity, emphasizing that God's kingdom work is not confined to a single group or formal affiliation but extends to all who genuinely operate in Christ's name and do not oppose His purposes. It serves as a timeless call for inclusivity, unity, and a focus on mission over exclusive group identity within the body of believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows an incident where the apostle John reports to Jesus that he and the other disciples had "forbidden" a man who was casting out demons in Jesus' name because "he followed not us" ([Mark 9:38](/mark/9-38 "Mark 9:38 - The Unaffiliated Exorcist")). The disciples, still grappling with the nature of Jesus' kingdom and their own roles within it, displayed a possessive and exclusive attitude towards spiritual authority. Jesus' response in [Mark 9:39-40](/mark/9-39-40 "Mark 9:39-40 - Do Not Forbid Him") directly corrects this narrow perspective, asserting that anyone performing good works in His name should not be hindered. The broader context of [Mark 9](/mark/9 "Mark 9 - Discipleship and Kingdom Principles") includes teachings on true greatness (serving others), warnings against causing others to stumble, and the radical demands of discipleship, all of which underscore the expansive and counter-cultural nature of Jesus' kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The first-century Jewish world was characterized by significant sectarianism, with various groups (Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots, etc.) often holding exclusive claims to truth and proper religious practice. The disciples, being products of this environment, naturally adopted a similar "us vs. them" mentality, believing that only those formally aligned with their immediate circle had legitimate authority. Jesus' statement directly challenges this ingrained cultural tendency, presenting a radical inclusivity that transcends human-made boundaries. His teaching here anticipates the future expansion of the church beyond Jewish confines, emphasizing that God's work is not limited by human organizational structures or traditional loyalties.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 9:40 contributes significantly to several key themes in the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Nature of the Kingdom of God**, portraying it as far broader and more inclusive than human institutions or exclusive groups. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **True Discipleship**, which is characterized by humility, service, and an open recognition of God's work through diverse means, rather than by a possessive claim to authority. Thirdly, it serves as a powerful warning against **Sectarianism and Spiritual Elitism**, encouraging believers to prioritize unity and the advancement of Christ's mission over internal divisions or exclusive loyalties. This principle is echoed in the parallel account in [Luke 9:49-50](/luke/9-49-50 "Luke 9:49-50 - Jesus' Teaching on Inclusivity"), reinforcing its importance in Jesus' teaching. The verse also subtly touches on the theme of **Spiritual Authority**, demonstrating that such authority is derived from Christ's name and purpose, not from human appointment or organizational affiliation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **For (Greek, _gár'_):** This particle introduces a reason or explanation for the preceding statement. In [Mark 9:39](/mark/9-39 "Mark 9:39 - Do Not Forbid Him"), Jesus instructs, "Do not forbid him," and [Mark 9:40](/mark/9-40 "Mark 9:40 - For He That Is Not Against Us") provides the logical justification for that command. It signals that Jesus is offering a foundational principle.
* **against (Greek, _katá'_):** Used here with the genitive case, *katá* signifies opposition or hostility. "Not against us" implies an absence of antagonism towards Jesus and His mission. It denotes a lack of active resistance or an adversarial stance, which is the baseline for being considered an ally.
* **on our part (Greek, _hypér'_):** This preposition, when used with the genitive case as it is here, means "on behalf of," "for the sake of," or "in favor of." The phrase "on our part" thus conveys active support, alignment, or working towards the same cause. It's the positive counterpart to "not against us."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he that is not against us":** This clause sets the condition for alignment. Jesus establishes a simple dichotomy: one is either against Him and His disciples, or not. The focus is on the absence of opposition. It implies that anyone who is not actively hindering or opposing the work of God, even if they are not formally part of the immediate circle, is to be considered. This challenges the disciples' assumption that "not with us" automatically means "against us."
* **"is on our part.":** This clause states the consequence of the condition. If someone is not actively opposing, they are, by default, working in alignment with or for the benefit of Jesus' mission. This is a pragmatic declaration of alliance, recognizing that shared purpose, even without shared affiliation, constitutes partnership in the Kingdom. It shifts the emphasis from internal group membership to external impact and shared objective.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 9:40 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, presenting a direct contrast between "not against us" and "on our part." This stark opposition highlights the binary choice Jesus offers, simplifying complex group dynamics into a clear principle of alignment. The verse also functions as an **Aphorism** or **Proverbial Statement**, a concise, memorable, and universally applicable truth. Its succinctness makes it easy to recall and apply, serving as a guiding principle for discerning allies in the Kingdom. Furthermore, the statement carries significant **Implication**, subtly critiquing the disciples' sectarianism and self-importance by expanding the boundaries of who can be considered a legitimate worker for God. The very structure of the statement, "he who is not X is Y," is a form of **Chiasmus** in its conceptual balance, reinforcing the idea that neutrality towards Christ's work is, in effect, a form of support.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 9:40 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God's kingdom and the unity of His people. It asserts that the divine work is not limited to specific human organizations or exclusive groups, but is far broader, encompassing all who genuinely operate under Christ's authority and for His purposes. This challenges any form of spiritual elitism or sectarianism, urging believers to recognize and affirm God's activity wherever it occurs, provided it is not in opposition to Christ. The verse underscores that ultimate allegiance is to Christ and His overarching mission, not to human traditions or denominations. It calls for humility and a generous spirit in acknowledging fellow laborers, fostering an environment of collaboration rather than competition or exclusion among those who name the name of Christ.

* [Luke 9:50](/luke/9-50 "Luke 9:50 - Parallel Account of Inclusivity"): This verse provides a direct parallel, with Jesus reiterating the exact same principle to John, underscoring its importance.
* [Philippians 1:15-18](/philippians/1-15-18 "Philippians 1:15-18 - Preaching Christ, Regardless of Motive"): Paul expresses a similar sentiment, rejoicing that Christ is proclaimed, even if the motives of some preachers are impure, because the ultimate goal (Christ preached) is achieved.
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4-7 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity of Spirit"): Paul speaks of the diversity of spiritual gifts and ministries, all empowered by the same Spirit for the common good, emphasizing unity in diversity within the body of Christ.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 9:40 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging us to cultivate a spirit of broad-mindedness and cooperation within the diverse landscape of Christian faith. It calls us to look beyond denominational labels, theological nuances, or preferred ministry styles, and instead, to discern and affirm the genuine work of God wherever it manifests. This means actively seeking opportunities for collaboration with other ministries, churches, and individuals who are faithfully proclaiming the Gospel and serving humanity in Christ's name, even if their methods or affiliations differ from our own. It encourages us to resist the temptation to criticize or dismiss those who are "not against us," but rather to celebrate their contributions to the Kingdom. Ultimately, this verse prioritizes the advancement of Christ's mission and the unity of His body over exclusive group identities, fostering a generous and charitable spirit among all who genuinely serve the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, inadvertently exhibit a sectarian spirit that Jesus' words challenge?**
* **How can I better recognize and affirm the work of God being done by individuals or groups outside my immediate church or denomination?**
* **What practical steps can I take to foster greater unity and collaboration with other believers who are "not against us" but "on our part"?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that all religious paths are equally valid, or that doctrinal differences don't matter?**

Answer: No, [Mark 9:40](/mark/9-40 "Mark 9:40 - For He That Is Not Against Us") does not suggest that all religious paths are equally valid or that doctrinal differences are inconsequential. Jesus' statement is specifically about those who are "not against us" (i.e., not against Him and His mission) and are operating "in my name" ([Mark 9:39](/mark/9-39 "Mark 9:39 - Do Not Forbid Him")). This context is crucial: the man was casting out demons *in Jesus' name*. This implies a fundamental alignment with Christ and His authority. The verse encourages a generous spirit towards those who genuinely serve Christ, even if they are not formally affiliated with our specific group. It does not negate the importance of sound doctrine or the unique truth claims of Christianity. Rather, it cautions against an exclusive spirit among those who do believe in and follow Christ.

**How does this verse apply to situations where there are significant theological disagreements between Christian groups?**

Answer: While [Mark 9:40](/mark/9-40 "Mark 9:40 - For He That Is Not Against Us") promotes inclusivity and unity, it primarily applies to those who are genuinely working for Christ's kingdom and not actively opposing His core truths. In cases of significant theological disagreement, especially concerning foundational doctrines (like the deity of Christ, the Trinity, or salvation by grace through faith), discernment is necessary. This verse calls us to recognize allies in the broader Christian family, focusing on common ground in Christ and His mission. It encourages cooperation on shared goals (e.g., evangelism, social justice) where possible, even if full doctrinal agreement isn't present. However, it does not mandate compromise on essential truths or fellowship with groups that deny core Christian tenets. The principle is about recognizing genuine, Christ-centered work, not about erasing all distinctions or validating all beliefs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 9:40, while a pragmatic statement about spiritual alliances, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His very mission was to establish a kingdom that transcends human boundaries and invites all who believe into a relationship with God. Jesus is the unifying head of the church, and all genuine spiritual authority flows from Him. The man casting out demons in Jesus' name was effective precisely because of Christ's power, not because of his association with the disciples. This highlights that the Kingdom is Christ's, not ours, and its expansion is dependent on His authority, not human organizational structures. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus broke down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) and established a new covenant open to all who would believe, regardless of their prior affiliation. His prayer in [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity") for the unity of His followers underscores this expansive vision, where all who are "in Him" are "on His part," working together, empowered by the one Spirit, for the glory of the one Lord ([Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - One Body, One Spirit, One Lord")). Thus, Mark 9:40 is a call to align with Christ's own inclusive heart for His Kingdom, recognizing His sovereignty over all who genuinely confess His name.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 12:30

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

Luke 11:23

He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.