King James Version

What Does Luke 10:17 Mean?

Luke 10:17 in the King James Version says “And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 10:17 · KJV


Context

15

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

16

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

17

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

18

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. The disciples return with chara (χαρᾶς, joy)—not mere happiness but deep spiritual delight at witnessing God's power. Their exclamation focuses on demon subjection: the Greek hypotassetai (ὑποτάσσεται) is present passive, indicating ongoing subordination. Demons don't merely flee—they are subjected, placed under authority.

The phrase through thy name (en tō onomati sou, ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου) is theologically critical. The disciples wield no personal power; authority comes entirely through Jesus' name. In Hebrew thought, a name represents the full person, character, and authority. Invoking Jesus' name means operating under His delegated power, not magical incantation. This anticipates Acts where the apostles perform signs "in the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 3:6, 4:10, 16:18).

Yet Jesus immediately redirects their focus (v. 20) from spectacular ministry success to the greater joy of salvation—names written in heaven. Ministry power can become a snare if it eclipses personal relationship with God. The seventy learned what all ministers must: the greatest miracle is not power over demons but reconciliation with the Father through the Son.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This mission of the seventy (or seventy-two in some manuscripts) occurred during Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem. Unlike the Twelve's mission restricted to Israel (Matthew 10:5-6), this broader sending likely included Samaritan and Gentile regions, prefiguring the church's universal mission. First-century exorcism was common among Jewish and pagan practitioners, but Jesus' disciples demonstrated unique authority that amazed even themselves—demons obeyed immediately without elaborate rituals or formulas.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the disciples' amazement at demonic subjection reveal what they didn't yet fully understand about Jesus' identity and authority?
  2. Why does Jesus redirect their joy from ministry success to salvation, and how does this guard against spiritual pride?
  3. What does invoking Jesus' name truly mean, and how does this differ from treating His name as a magical formula?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Ὑπέστρεψαν1 of 17

returned again

G5290

to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 17

And

G1161

but, and, etc

οἱ3 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑβδομήκοντα4 of 17

the seventy

G1440

seventy

μετὰ5 of 17

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

χαρᾶς6 of 17

joy

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

λέγοντες7 of 17

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Κύριε8 of 17

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καὶ9 of 17

even

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰ10 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δαιμόνια11 of 17

the devils

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

ὑποτάσσεται12 of 17

are subject

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

ἡμῖν13 of 17

unto us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

ἐν14 of 17

through

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ15 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀνόματί16 of 17

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

σου17 of 17

thy

G4675

of thee, thy


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 10:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 10:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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