Luke 9:50
And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Μὴ
him not
G3361
Μὴ
him not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὃς
he
G3739
ὃς
he
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καθ'
against
G2596
καθ'
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
13 of 17
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Cross References
Luke 11:23He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.Matthew 12:30He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.1 Corinthians 12:3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.Luke 16:13No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Historical Context
This principle would prove crucial for the early church's expansion beyond its Jewish origins. Acts repeatedly shows God working outside established channels—Philip in Samaria, Peter with Cornelius, Paul's Gentile mission. The lesson John learned here prepared the apostles to recognize authentic faith in unexpected places and people, preventing the church from becoming an exclusivist Jewish sect.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you discern the difference between defending essential gospel truth and defending mere organizational or denominational boundaries?
- What legitimate kingdom work might you be 'forbidding' through criticism, suspicion, or non-cooperation simply because it doesn't align with your preferred methods or affiliations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Forbid him not (μὴ κωλύετε, mē kōlyete)—Jesus issues a present imperative prohibition: 'stop forbidding him.' The command directly reverses the disciples' exclusivism. Christ refuses to monopolize ministry or restrict the use of His name to credentialed apostles. For he that is not against us is for us—this kingdom principle counters sectarian gatekeeping. Anyone doing kingdom work in Christ's name demonstrates allegiance, regardless of formal association with the Twelve.
This maxim has a flip side elsewhere: 'He who is not with me is against me' (Luke 11:23). Together they teach that neutrality toward Christ is impossible, but diversity within genuine faith is acceptable. The man casting out demons in Jesus's name had clearly chosen sides—his exorcisms proved it. The disciples' concern for organizational control mattered less than the reality of kingdom advance. Jesus prioritizes fruit over franchise, substance over structure.