Luke 10:20
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Original Language Analysis
πλὴν
Notwithstanding
G4133
πλὴν
Notwithstanding
Strong's:
G4133
Word #:
1 of 21
moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
χαίρετε
rejoice
G5463
χαίρετε
rejoice
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
5 of 21
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματα
the spirits
G4151
πνεύματα
the spirits
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
8 of 21
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
χαίρετε
rejoice
G5463
χαίρετε
rejoice
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
11 of 21
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματα
names
G3686
ὀνόματα
names
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
16 of 21
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
ἐγράφη
are written
G1125
ἐγράφη
are written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
18 of 21
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
Cross References
Revelation 20:15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.Revelation 20:12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.Hebrews 12:23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,Revelation 21:27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.Revelation 3:5He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.Daniel 12:1And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.Exodus 32:32Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.Philippians 4:3And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.Revelation 13:8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.Ezekiel 13:9And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.
Historical Context
The 'book of life' concept appears throughout Scripture (Exodus 32:32, Psalm 69:28, Daniel 12:1, Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:5). Being 'written in heaven' means secure citizenship in God's kingdom, election to salvation, eternal life. Jesus' correction addressed tendency to find identity in ministry success rather than relationship with God. Successful exorcisms could produce spiritual pride; Jesus redirects focus to grace—salvation is gift, not achievement. Early church leaders needed this reminder—power and success in ministry don't validate one's salvation (Matthew 7:21-23). Election and grace, not ministerial effectiveness, assure eternal life.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus redirect joy from ministry success to salvation, and what does this teach about proper sources of spiritual joy?
- How does having your name written in heaven provide greater security and joy than any ministry accomplishment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus continues: 'Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.' Jesus redirects the disciples' joy from spiritual power to spiritual position—from successful ministry to secure salvation. The phrase 'your names are written in heaven' (Greek 'ta onomata hymōn engegraptai en tois ouranois,' τὰ ὀνόματα ὑμῶν ἐγγέγραπται ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς) refers to the book of life (Revelation 20:15)—eternal security in God's kingdom. Ministry success is temporary and derivative; salvation is eternal and fundamental. Primary joy should be relationship with God, not power or effectiveness in ministry.