Luke 10:19

Luke 10:19, in plain English

Jesus said, 'I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.'

Why it's here

Jesus was not talking about literal snake-handling. He was assuring them that every form of evil power was under their feet. When you walk in Jesus' authority, nothing the enemy throws at you can ultimately defeat you.

Who's speaking

Jesus affirms the authority He has given His followers.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus assured them: I have given you authority over every form of evil. Snakes, scorpions, all the enemy's power, it is all under your feet. Nothing can ultimately harm you.

The scholarly reading

Jesus declares dedōka hymin tēn exousian tou patein epanō opheōn kai skorpiōn ('I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions') and epi pasan tēn dynamin tou echthrou ('over all the power of the enemy'). The perfect tense dedōka indicates a standing, permanent grant of authority.

Language and setting

Snakes and scorpions function as symbols of demonic powers (cf. Psalm 91:13, Genesis 3:15). The comprehensive scope ('all the power of the enemy') and the absolute promise ('nothing will harm you') express the total victory already won over Satan's forces.

Voice

Jesus affirms and expands the authority He has given His followers.

Significance

Jesus confirmed that He had given them authority to trample on snakes and scorpions, symbols of evil power, and over all the enemy's might. Nothing would harm them in the exercise of their kingdom mission.

17The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.”

18So He told them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

19Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.

20Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

21At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.

Read all of Luke 10 — A lawyer asks how to inherit eternal life and gets an answer he doesn't expect. The hero of the story is the one everyone despises.