Matthew 17:19

KJV

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} came {G4334} the disciples {G3101} to Jesus {G2424} apart {G2596}{G2398}, and said {G2036}, Why {G1302} could {G1410} not {G3756} we {G2249} cast {G1544} him {G846} out {G1544}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the talmidim went to him privately and said, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He said to them, "Because you have such little trust! Yes! I tell you that if you

Berean Standard Bible

Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

American Standard Version

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast it out?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:19 records the disciples' perplexed and private inquiry to Jesus following their public failure to cast out a demon from a boy. Their question, "Why could not we cast him out?", reveals their confusion and perhaps embarrassment, especially given their prior success in similar acts of spiritual authority. This moment serves as a pivotal point for Jesus to impart deeper truths about the nature of faith, prayer, and the spiritual power required for certain battles, highlighting the disciples' ongoing need for growth and complete dependence on their Master.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the dramatic event of the Transfiguration on the mountain, where Jesus' divine glory was revealed to Peter, James, and John ([Matthew 17:1-8](/matthew/17-1-8 "The Transfiguration of Jesus")). Descending from the mountain, Jesus and the three disciples rejoin the others, only to find them embroiled in a difficult situation: a father has brought his demon-possessed son to them, and despite their efforts, the disciples have failed to heal him ([Matthew 17:14-16](/matthew/17-14-16 "The Healing of a Demon-Possessed Boy")). Jesus then intervenes, rebuking the demon and healing the boy instantly ([Matthew 17:18](/matthew/17-18 "Jesus Heals the Boy")). The disciples' question in [Matthew 17:19](/matthew/17-19 "Disciples' Question About Their Failure") naturally arises from their public failure and Jesus' immediate success, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on faith and prayer in [Matthew 17:20-21](/matthew/17-20-21 "Jesus Teaches on Faith and Prayer").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, demon possession was a recognized phenomenon, often associated with various physical and mental ailments. Exorcism was practiced by various religious figures, including some Jewish exorcists, though with varying degrees of success. Jesus' ministry, however, was marked by an unprecedented authority over demons, distinguishing Him from all others. The disciples, having been previously commissioned by Jesus and given authority to cast out demons and heal diseases ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Jesus Gives Authority to His Disciples")), would have been accustomed to success in these endeavors. Their failure here would have been particularly perplexing and potentially humiliating, challenging their understanding of their delegated power and their role in Jesus' ministry. The act of coming to Jesus "apart" (κατ' ἰδίαν, *kat' idian*) signifies a desire for a private, confidential explanation, away from the crowds and the other disciples, underscoring their vulnerability and earnestness.

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 17:19](/matthew/17-19 "Disciples' Question About Their Failure") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. It highlights the theme of **discipleship**, showcasing the ongoing spiritual formation of the disciples, who, despite their calling and previous empowerment, still have much to learn about the nature of spiritual authority and dependence on Christ. It underscores the **limitations of human power** even when divinely delegated, emphasizing that true spiritual power flows from God alone and is not merely a formulaic ability. The disciples' failure and subsequent question also introduce the crucial themes of **faith** and **prayer**, which Jesus immediately addresses in [Matthew 17:20-21](/matthew/17-20-21 "Jesus' Teaching on Faith and Prayer"), revealing that certain spiritual strongholds require a deeper level of spiritual engagement and reliance on God. Ultimately, this passage reinforces the **supremacy of Jesus' authority** over all spiritual forces, contrasting His effortless victory with the disciples' struggle.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Why (Greek, _diatí'_):** From *dia* (through) and *tis* (what), meaning "through what cause?" or "wherefore." This interrogative adverb indicates the disciples' profound confusion and desire for an explanation. It's not a casual question but a direct challenge to their understanding of their own spiritual authority and the nature of the spiritual battle they just lost. Their use of "why" signifies a search for the underlying reason for their unexpected failure.
* **could (Greek, _dýnamai'_):** To be able or possible; to have power. This verb speaks directly to the disciples' perceived lack of ability or power in this specific instance. They had previously been able to cast out demons, so their inability here was a stark and unsettling contrast. The question "Why *could* not we?" highlights their bewilderment at the apparent absence of the power they believed they possessed.
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** From *ek* (out) and *ballō* (to throw); to eject, drive out, expel. This is the standard term used for exorcism in the Gospels. The disciples' failure to "cast out" the demon underscores the severity of the spiritual resistance they encountered and their inability to overcome it with their current level of spiritual understanding or preparation. It emphasizes the direct confrontation with an evil spiritual entity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came the disciples to Jesus apart":** This phrase marks a significant transition from the public scene of the healing to a private, intimate conversation. The term "apart" (κατ' ἰδίαν, *kat' idian*) emphasizes the disciples' desire for a confidential discussion, perhaps out of embarrassment or a genuine need for deeper instruction away from the crowds. Their initiative to approach Jesus underscores their recognition of His ultimate authority and wisdom as their Master and the source of their power.
* **"and said":** This simple conjunction introduces the direct speech of the disciples, highlighting their immediate and pressing concern. It shows their willingness to confront their failure and seek understanding directly from Jesus, rather than speculating among themselves or becoming discouraged.
* **"Why could not we cast him out?":** This direct, pointed question is the heart of the verse. It reveals the disciples' profound perplexity and perhaps a sense of frustration or even shame. They had been given authority to cast out demons ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Jesus Gives Authority to His Disciples")) and had successfully done so before. Their inability in this specific case challenges their understanding of their delegated power and prompts Jesus' subsequent teaching on faith and prayer.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices. The primary device is **Dialogue**, as it records a direct question from the disciples to Jesus, initiating a crucial teaching moment. The disciples' question itself functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, not necessarily expecting a simple "yes" or "no" answer, but rather an explanation for their failure, thereby setting up Jesus' subsequent profound teaching on faith and prayer. There is also an element of **Irony** in the situation: the disciples, who had previously succeeded in exorcisms, fail here, while Jesus, who has just been transfigured in glory, effortlessly casts out the demon. This highlights the stark contrast between human limitations and divine power. Furthermore, the scene serves as **Foreshadowing** for Jesus' teaching in the following verses, where He will explain the spiritual principles necessary for overcoming such formidable spiritual opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 17:19 serves as a crucial theological pivot, moving from a demonstration of divine power to an explanation of the spiritual principles required to access and wield that power. The disciples' failure underscores the truth that spiritual authority is not an inherent ability or a mere formula, but a dynamic reliance on God's power, requiring a deep, active faith and a life of prayer. This incident exposes the reality that some spiritual battles are more intense than others, demanding a greater measure of spiritual discipline and dependence. It reminds us that even those entrusted with God's power can face limitations if their faith is weak or their prayer life is lacking, pointing to the ongoing need for spiritual growth and humility in ministry.

* [Mark 9:28-29](/mark/9-28-29 "Jesus Explains the Need for Prayer and Fasting") – Mark's parallel account adds Jesus' specific mention of prayer (and fasting in some manuscripts) as necessary for this kind of demon.
* [Luke 17:5-6](/luke/17-5-6 "The Apostles Ask for More Faith") – Jesus' teaching on faith, even as small as a mustard seed, having the power to move mountains, echoes the principle He teaches here.
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "The Prayer of a Righteous Person") – Emphasizes the power of a righteous person's prayer, connecting effective spiritual action to a life of prayer.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The disciples' honest question in Matthew 17:19 resonates deeply with believers today. We often experience moments of spiritual frustration or perceived failure when our efforts, even those undertaken with good intentions and a desire to serve God, seem to fall short. This verse invites us to humbly acknowledge our limitations and to turn to Jesus, the ultimate source of all power and wisdom, with our "why" questions. It teaches us that spiritual effectiveness is not merely about having authority, but about cultivating a vibrant, dependent relationship with Christ through unwavering faith and persistent prayer. When we encounter obstacles that seem insurmountable, instead of despairing, we are called to seek deeper understanding from our Master, allowing our failures to become catalysts for profound spiritual growth and a renewed reliance on His limitless power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "failures" or spiritual roadblocks have you encountered that prompted you to ask "Why could not I?"**
* **How does your immediate response to spiritual limitations compare to the disciples' approach to Jesus?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you need to cultivate a deeper dependence on Jesus through faith and prayer?**
* **How can acknowledging your limitations lead to greater spiritual growth and a stronger reliance on God?**

### FAQ

**Why did the disciples, who had previously cast out demons, fail in this instance?**

Answer: The text implies that this particular demon, or the spiritual stronghold it represented, was of a more formidable nature, requiring a deeper level of faith and prayer than the disciples had exercised. Jesus' subsequent explanation in [Matthew 17:20-21](/matthew/17-20-21 "Jesus' Teaching on Faith and Prayer") points to a deficiency in their faith and, according to some manuscripts and the parallel in [Mark 9:29](/mark/9-29 "Jesus Explains the Need for Prayer and Fasting"), a lack of prayer (and fasting). It wasn't that their authority was revoked, but that their spiritual readiness and reliance on God's power were insufficient for this specific challenge, highlighting that spiritual warfare requires more than just delegated power; it demands a vibrant, active faith and a disciplined prayer life.

**What is the significance of the disciples coming to Jesus "apart"?**

Answer: The phrase "apart" (Greek: *kat' idian*) indicates a private, confidential conversation. This suggests several things: the disciples may have felt embarrassed or ashamed of their public failure, wishing to discuss it away from the crowds. It also shows their genuine desire for an honest, unvarnished explanation from Jesus, without the pressure of public scrutiny. This private setting allows for a more intimate and direct teaching moment, where Jesus can address their spiritual shortcomings and deepen their understanding of faith and spiritual power. It underscores their recognition of Jesus as their ultimate teacher and the source of all spiritual truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 17:19, with the disciples' bewildered question, beautifully highlights the unique and unparalleled authority of Jesus Christ. Their failure to cast out the demon, contrasted sharply with Jesus' effortless success in [Matthew 17:18](/matthew/17-18 "Jesus Heals the Boy"), underscores that while disciples are granted delegated authority, Jesus possesses inherent, ultimate power over all spiritual forces. He is not merely a conduit of power, but the very source of it, the one who has "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "The Great Commission")). This incident foreshadows His ultimate victory over sin, death, and the devil through His atoning work on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")), where He disarmed the powers and authorities. Through His resurrection and ascension, Christ continues to reign supreme, and it is only in Him that believers find the true power to overcome spiritual opposition ([Ephesians 6:10-12](/ephesians/6-10-12 "The Whole Armor of God")). The disciples' failure, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder that all spiritual power flows from Christ, and our effectiveness in ministry is directly proportional to our abiding in Him and relying on His finished work and ongoing intercession ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "Jesus the True Vine")). He is the true deliverer, the one who came "to destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "Purpose of the Son of God")).

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

Mark 9:28

And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

Mark 4:10

And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.