King James Version

What Does Mark 9:40 Mean?

Mark 9:40 in the King James Version says “For he that is not against us is on our part.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 9:40 · KJV

Context

38

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

39

But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

40

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

41

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

42

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus stated a crucial principle: 'For he that is not against us is on our part' (ὃς γὰρ οὐκ ἔστιν καθ' ἡμῶν, ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἐστιν). This seems opposite to Matthew 12:30: 'He that is not with me is against me.' The difference is context. In Matthew 12, Pharisees attributed Jesus' exorcisms to Satan—active opposition. Here, the person performed genuine ministry in Jesus' name—active alignment. Jesus teaches nuanced discernment: don't assume neutrality equals hostility. Those performing kingdom work in Christ's name, even outside official structures, should be affirmed not opposed. However, active opposition (Matthew 12:30) reveals spiritual allegiance. In contested territory (spiritual warfare), neutrality is impossible—either advancing or opposing. But those genuinely working for Christ, though not organizationally aligned, deserve partnership not prohibition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This principle guided early church relationships. Paul affirmed Apollos' ministry though he was taught independently (Acts 18:24-28; 1 Corinthians 3:4-6). Early Christians distinguished between (1) heretics denying essential doctrine (1 John 2:18-23; 2 John 7-11), (2) immature or incomplete believers (Acts 18:24-26; 19:1-7), and (3) genuine believers with different practices or emphases (Romans 14:1-15:7; 1 Corinthians 8-10). Jesus' principle 'not against us is for us' applies to category three—genuine believers working in Christ's name deserve partnership. However, false teachers actively opposing Christ (category one) must be rejected. Discernment distinguishes between doctrinal disagreement among believers and fundamental opposition to Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' principle balance necessary doctrinal boundaries with generous affirmation of all genuinely advancing His kingdom?
  2. What's the difference between healthy theological discernment and sectarian exclusivism that divides Christ's body unnecessarily?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ὃς1 of 9
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

γὰρ2 of 9

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

οὐκ3 of 9

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐστιν4 of 9

“he that is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καθ'5 of 9

“against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὑμῶν,6 of 9
G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὑπὲρ7 of 9

“on”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ὑμῶν8 of 9
G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐστιν9 of 9

“he that is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 9:40 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 Mark 9:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 12:30Luke 11:23

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