Luke 10:17
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
Original Language Analysis
Ὑπέστρεψαν
returned again
G5290
Ὑπέστρεψαν
returned again
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
1 of 17
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 16:20And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.Mark 16:17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;Luke 9:1Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.Luke 10:1After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.Luke 10:9And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the disciples' amazement at demonic subjection reveal what they didn't yet fully understand about Jesus' identity and authority?
- Why does Jesus redirect their joy from ministry success to salvation, and how does this guard against spiritual pride?
- What does invoking Jesus' name truly mean, and how does this differ from treating His name as a magical formula?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.