Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
These disciples privately sought Jesus out, not just asking why they failed, but emphasizing "we," highlighting their shock that they themselves, who had cast out demons before, were suddenly powerless. They were so focused on their own inability that they missed the bigger picture of their own need for faith, a subtle but crucial detail overlooked in their public embarrassment.
Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before this, Jesus had descended from the Mount of Transfiguration with Peter, James, and John, only to find the other nine disciples struggling to heal a boy possessed by a demon. The crowd was mocking them for their failure. Now, away from the crowd, the disciples privately approach Jesus, clearly perplexed and a bit frustrated, wanting to understand why their previous success in casting out demons had failed them so completely in this instance.
Ever felt embarrassed after a public failure? The disciples, too, felt the sting of not being able to help someone in need. They didn't bring their question to Jesus in front of everyone.
The disciples' decision to approach Jesus 'privately' (or 'apart,' as some translations say) is significant. They had just witnessed Jesus easily cast out a demon that they couldn't. Imagine the scene: a crowd, a distressed father, and their own impotence. They were likely embarrassed and confused.
The Wisdom of a Private Chat
This wasn't a sign of doubt about Jesus' power, but a desire for honest understanding without public shame. They knew Jesus was approachable and that He would offer a real explanation. Coming to Him privately allowed for a more open and vulnerable conversation, free from the pressure of onlookers.
These disciples weren't novices; they had cast out demons before! So why the sudden failure? Their question reveals a deeper struggle than they realized.
The disciples' question, 'Why could we not cast it out?' wasn't just a simple query. It was laced with confusion and perhaps a bit of frustration. They had been given authority and had successfully performed this very task before (Luke 10:17).
A Moment of Self-Discovery
This failure was a public, and therefore deeply felt, demonstration of their own limitations. It forced them to confront the reality that their ability wasn't solely their own power but dependent on something more. The text suggests they 'had not yet understood' Jesus' earlier rebuke, likely not seeing themselves as part of the 'faithless generation' He had addressed. This moment was a necessary, though difficult, step toward self-knowledge and a deeper reliance on God's power.
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The disciples' private question to Jesus reveals their struggle to understand why their spiritual authority failed. This moment highlights the crucial difference between delegated power and genuine, active faith in God.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus commissions the Twelve
Jesus grants his twelve closest disciples authority over unclean spirits, enabling them to cast out demons and heal diseases.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Disciples attempt to cast out a demon
After Jesus descends from the Mount of Transfiguration, his disciples are unable to cast a demon out of a boy, despite their previous successes.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus explains the failure
Jesus rebukes the disciples for their lack of faith, explaining that the demon could only be cast out through prayer and reliance on God's power.
This passage shows the disciples asking Jesus the same question privately after failing to cast out the demon, highlighting their confusion and need for private instruction.
Luke 10:17This verse records the disciples rejoicing that even the demons were subject to them through Jesus' name, providing a stark contrast to their later failure and fueling their confusion.
Matthew 17:20Jesus' direct answer here, 'Because of your little faith,' immediately follows their question and reveals the core issue behind their inability, linking their private query to a spiritual deficiency.
1 Corinthians 13:2Paul's assertion that faith without love is nothing sheds light on the disciples' potential lack of a deeper, love-driven faith, which might have been the underlying reason for their inability, even if they had intellectual belief.
Hebrews 11:1This passage defines faith as 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,' offering a theological framework for understanding the kind of faith the disciples lacked in this moment of trial.
bengelMatthew 17:19: "Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?"
Matthew 17:19 .[793] Καὶ εἶπον , κ . τ . λ ., and said , etc.) A salutary submission, and enquiry as to the cause .— διατὶ — οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν , why—were we unable? ) They had been already in the habit of performing the miracle in question; see ch. Matthew 10:1 . [793] Οἱ μαθηταὶ , the disciples ) Not even Peter, James, and John being excluded (excepted). Otherwise, one would think that the expulsion…
barnesMatthew 17:19: "Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?"
Then came the disciples ... - This inquiry was made in some house to which they retired near the place where the miracle was performed (Mark). Jesus told them, in reply, that it was because of their unbelief that they had not been able to cast him out. They were appalled by the difficulty of the case and the obstinacy of the disease. Their faith would not have made it more easy for God to work this…
These disciples privately sought Jesus out, not just asking why they failed, but emphasizing "we," highlighting their shock that they themselves, who had cast out demons before, were suddenly powerless. They were so focused on their own inability that they missed the bigger picture of their own need for faith, a subtle but crucial detail overlooked in their public embarrassment.
Just before this, Jesus had descended from the Mount of Transfiguration with Peter, James, and John, only to find the other nine disciples struggling to heal a boy possessed by a demon. The crowd was mocking them for their failure. Now, away from the crowd, the disciples privately approach Jesus, clearly perplexed and a bit frustrated, wanting to understand why their previous success in casting out demons had failed them so completely in this instance.
Just before this, Jesus had descended from the Mount of Transfiguration with Peter, James, and John, only to find the other nine disciples struggling to heal a boy possessed by a demon. The crowd was mocking them for their failure. Now, away from the crowd, the disciples privately approach Jesus, clearly perplexed and a bit frustrated, wanting to understand why their previous success in casting out demons had failed them so completely in this instance.
"Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”" — These disciples privately sought Jesus out, not just asking why they failed, but emphasizing "we," highlighting their shock that they themselves, who had cast out demons before, were suddenly power…
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Last reviewed October 2026