Bible Strands
Luke 9:50
“Do not stop him,” Jesus replied, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus replies to John and the disciples after they report trying to stop an unauthorized exorcist. He speaks this instruction immediately following John’s complaint and before the narrative shifts to his journey toward Jerusalem.
The words — The Greek imperative μὴ κώλυε (mē kōlye) combines the negative particle μὴ (mē) with a present tense verb to issue a direct, ongoing prohibition against hindering the man’s activity.
The thread — The text states that neutrality toward the disciples’ mission equals alignment with it, contrasting with the parallel declarations in Matthew 12:30 and Luke 11:23 that frame neutrality toward Christ as opposition, while Philippians 1:15 notes that mixed motives do not nullify the proclamation of Christ.
Why it lands — The text commands the cessation of restrictive policing over spiritual work and asserts that effective action outside one’s own group advances the mission rather than opposing it. It requires readers to evaluate ministry by its fruit and alignment with Christ’s name instead of organizational boundaries.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
Cross-references
- Matthew 12:30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.
- Luke 11:23 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.
- Philippians 1:15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
- 1 Corinthians 12:3 Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
- Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
- Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
- Mark 9:41 Indeed, if anyone gives you even a cup of water because you bear the name of Christ, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.
- Matthew 17:26 “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him.
- Joshua 9:14 Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not seek the counsel of the LORD.
- Matthew 13:28 ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. So the servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’