Luke 10:19
Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus shifts from seeing Satan fall from heaven to giving His followers authority to tread on dangers, revealing that this isn't just about physical protection, but about their ability to overcome all the schemes and harmful influence of the enemy, assuring them that truly nothing can ultimately harm their souls.
The seventy disciples have just returned, jubilant because even demons are subject to them in Jesus' name. Jesus acknowledges their joy but redirects their focus, revealing that their power over spiritual forces, symbolized by serpents and scorpions, is directly linked to Satan's own defeat. He emphasizes that their true cause for rejoicing is not this earthly authority, but their eternal security in heaven.
When Jesus told his disciples they could tread on serpents and scorpions, was he talking about literal snakes and bugs? Or is there a deeper meaning?
The imagery of treading on serpents and scorpions is powerful. While there are instances of literal fulfillment, like Paul's encounter with a viper in Acts 28, the primary meaning points to spiritual authority.
Jesus says 'nothing shall hurt you.' Does this mean believers are immune to all harm, even physical danger?
The promise 'nothing shall by any means hurt you' is a profound assurance of God's protection, but it requires careful understanding.
Understand the original words
exousia · Greek Noun
The right, power, or jurisdiction granted by God to exercise authority, particularly over spiritual forces of evil, in the name of Christ.
ophis · Greek Noun
A term often used symbolically in the Bible to represent evil, deception, demonic forces, and the enemies of God's people.
ouranos · Greek Noun
Refers to the realm of God's presence, the eternal dwelling place of the redeemed, and the ultimate source of spiritual authority and joy.
This promise, rooted in ancient Psalms and directly spoken as Jesus sent out his disciples, reassures them of divine protection not just from literal dangers like snakes, but more importantly, from the spiritual power of the enemy and ultimately, from anything that could harm their souls.
c. 40-30 BC
Psalm 91 Popularity
Psalm 91, with its promises of divine protection against dangers like serpents and lions, was likely a well-known and comforting text for many Jews.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, gathering disciples and teaching about the Kingdom of God. His authority and power are increasingly evident.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Sends Out the Seventy
Jesus commissions seventy disciples, giving them authority to heal and proclaim the Kingdom. This event directly precedes the promise in Luke 10:19.
c. AD 30
Disciples Report Victories
The seventy disciples return with joy, reporting their success in casting out demons in Jesus' name, leading to Jesus' teaching on true rejoicing.
This Psalm is directly alluded to, speaking of treading on lions and cobras, which parallels the authority given to believers over dangerous creatures and spiritual enemies.
Romans 8:28This passage echoes the assurance that nothing can ultimately harm those who love God, aligning with the promise that 'nothing shall hurt you' in Luke 10:19.
Romans 16:20This verse speaks of God crushing Satan underfoot, which connects with the authority given to believers to overcome the power of the enemy mentioned in Luke 10:19.
Mark 16:18This passage from Mark's Gospel also promises believers will handle snakes and scorpions without harm, mirroring the specific authority granted in Luke 10:19.
Acts 28:3-5This New Testament account provides a literal example of this promise being fulfilled when Paul was bitten by a viper but suffered no ill effects, demonstrating the protective power of God.
barnesLuke 10:19: "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
To tread on serpents - Preservation from danger. If you tread on a poisonous reptile that would otherwise injure you, I will keep you from danger. If you go among bitter and malignant enemies that would seek your life, I will preserve you. See the notes at Mark 16:18 . Scorpions - The scorpion is an animal with eight feet, eight eyes and a…
bengelLuke 10:19: "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
Luke 10:19 . Δίδωμι ) As I have given, so in continuation I give .— ὄφεων , serpents ) Mark 16:18 . An appellation appropriate to an earthly enemy: He no longer alludes to the enemy descending “from heaven,” as in the image, as lightning . The passage, Acts 28:3 , et seqq., is parallel to Mark 16:18 ; but between Mark and Luke (the Gospel…
Jesus shifts from seeing Satan fall from heaven to giving His followers authority to tread on dangers, revealing that this isn't just about physical protection, but about their ability to overcome all the schemes and harmful influence of the enemy, assuring them that truly nothing can ultimately harm their souls.
The seventy disciples have just returned, jubilant because even demons are subject to them in Jesus' name. Jesus acknowledges their joy but redirects their focus, revealing that their power over spiritual forces, symbolized by serpents and scorpions, is directly linked to Satan's own defeat. He emphasizes that their true cause for rejoicing is not this earthly authority, but their eternal security in heaven.
The seventy disciples have just returned, jubilant because even demons are subject to them in Jesus' name. Jesus acknowledges their joy but redirects their focus, revealing that their power over spiritual forces, symbolized by serpents and scorpions, is directly linked to Satan's own defeat. He emphasizes that their true cause for rejoicing is not this earthly authority, but their eternal security in heaven.
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c. AD 40
Paul's Encounter on Malta
The apostle Paul, shipwrecked on the island of Malta, is bitten by a venomous viper but suffers no ill effects, fulfilling the promise in a literal sense.
c. AD 60-62
Paul Writes Romans
Paul's letters, like Romans, explore the spiritual victory over evil and the assurance of God's love, echoing the protection promised to the disciples.
"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you." — Jesus shifts from seeing Satan fall from heaven to giving His followers authority to tread on dangers, revealing that this isn't just about physical protection, but about their ability to overcome…
