Mark 9:39

39 (9-38) But Jesus said: Do not forbid him. For there is no man that doth a miracle in my name and can soon speak ill of me.

Mark 9:39 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 9:39

But Jesus said, forbid him not
Neither him, nor any other they should hereafter meet with, who might be casting out devils in his name, giving this as a reason for it;

for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name;
or "miracles", as the Syriac version, as to cast out devils, or heal any sickness and disease,

that can lightly speak evil of me:
such a man can never reproach and blaspheme that name, which he makes use of in doing, and by which he does wonderful works; no man can call Jesus accursed, who casts out devils in his name; see ( 1 Corinthians 12:3 ) , if he has spoken evil of him before, he cannot do it "again", as the Persic version renders it, with any face; or he cannot do it "quickly, immediately", as the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions interpret it: there must be some time before such an one apostatizes, if he ever does; he cannot very easily and readily go into a way of blaspheming that name, by which he does his mighty works: his conscience will not admit of it; and besides, it would be contrary to his interest; it must sink his credit, and he lose the esteem and applause of men, he had gained by his miracles; for to dishonour that name, would be to reproach himself.

Mark 9:39 In-Context

37 (9-36) Whosoever shall receive one such child as this in my name receiveth me. And whosoever shall receive me receiveth not me but him that sent me.

38 (9-37) John answered him, saying: Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, who followeth not us: and we forbade him.

39 (9-38) But Jesus said: Do not forbid him. For there is no man that doth a miracle in my name and can soon speak ill of me.

40 (9-39) For he that is not against you is for you.

41 (9-40) For whosoever shall give you to drink a cup of water in my name, because you belong to Christ: amen I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.