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Matthew 17:19 Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples, having come to Jesus in private, said, "Why were we not able to cast it out?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why could we not drive it out?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples approached Jesus privately and said, “Why couldn’t we drive it out? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples approached Jesus privately and said, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast it out?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Later the disciples went to Jesus in private and asked him, "Why couldn't we force out the demon?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast it out?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, "Why couldn't we force the demon out of the boy?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked him, "Why couldn't we drive the demon out?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, ?Why couldn?t we drive it out??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why couldn't we cast it out?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, "Why weren't we able to cast it out?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked Him, "Why could not we expel the demon?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, “Why weren’t we able to cast it out?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples having come to Jesus by Himself, said, “Why were we not able to cast him out?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples, having come to Jesus in private, said, "Why were we not able to cast it out?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Then the disciples having come to Jesus by himself, said, 'Wherefore were we not able to cast him out?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Then the disciples having come to Jesus apart, said, Why could not we cast it out?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Then came the disciples to Jesus secretly, and said: Why could not we cast him out? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 17:18>Then the disciples approached Jesus privately and said, “Why were we unable to cast him out?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples approached Jesus in private and said, “Why could we not drive it out?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples came up to Jesus when he was alone, and said to him, Why could we not heal him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/17.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Yeshua himself alone and they said to him, “Why were we not able to heal him?”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/17.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said: Why were we not able to cast him out?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/17.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Then the disciples coming to Jesus privately, said, Wherefore were we not able to cast him out?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/17.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Then the disciples of Jesus coming privately, said, Why could not we cast it out?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/17.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />then came the disciples to Jesus in private, and said, why could not we cast him out?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked Him, "Why could not we expel the demon?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/17.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Then the disciples, coming near, said to Jesus privately, "Why could not we cast it out?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/17.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Then came the disciples to Jesus in private, and said, Why could not we cast him out?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/17-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=4952" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/17.htm">The Boy with a Demon</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">18</span>Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. <span class="reftext">19</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: Tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">Afterward</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētai (N-NMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples</a> <a href="/greek/4334.htm" title="4334: proselthontes (V-APA-NMP) -- From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.">came</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-DMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">to Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kat’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)."></a> <a href="/greek/2398.htm" title="2398: idian (Adj-AFS) -- Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.">privately</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipon (V-AIA-3P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">and asked,</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: Dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">“Why</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what."></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: ēdynēthēmen (V-AIP-1P) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">couldn’t</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">we</a> <a href="/greek/1544.htm" title="1544: ekbalein (V-ANA) -- To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.">drive it out?”</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auto (PPro-AN3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> </span> <span class="reftext">20</span>“Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-28.htm">Mark 9:28-29</a></span><br />After Jesus had gone into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” / Jesus answered, “This kind cannot come out, except by prayer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-40.htm">Luke 9:40-41</a></span><br />I begged Your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable.” / “O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-21.htm">Matthew 21:21-22</a></span><br />“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. / If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6</a></span><br />But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a></span><br />And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-12.htm">John 14:12-14</a></span><br />Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. / And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/11-22.htm">Mark 11:22-24</a></span><br />“Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them. / “Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him. / Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/17-5.htm">Luke 17:5-6</a></span><br />The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” / And the Lord answered, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-58.htm">Matthew 13:58</a></span><br />And He did not do many miracles there, because of their unbelief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-31.htm">Matthew 14:31</a></span><br />Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/8-26.htm">Matthew 8:26</a></span><br />“You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-20.htm">Romans 4:20-21</a></span><br />Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, / being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-2.htm">1 Corinthians 13:2</a></span><br />If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-7.htm">2 Corinthians 5:7</a></span><br />For we walk by faith, not by sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/3-20.htm">Ephesians 3:20</a></span><br />Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/4-10.htm">Mark 4:10</a></b></br> And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/9-28.htm">Mark 9:28</a></b></br> And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/17-16.htm">Able</a> <a href="/matthew/17-1.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/matthew/15-30.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-23.htm">Couldn't</a> <a href="/matthew/17-18.htm">Demon</a> <a href="/matthew/17-16.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/matthew/12-28.htm">Drive</a> <a href="/matthew/12-28.htm">Expel</a> <a href="/matthew/17-18.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/6-6.htm">Private</a> <a href="/matthew/14-13.htm">Privately</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-13.htm">Weren't</a> <a href="/matthew/15-3.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">Able</a> <a href="/matthew/19-6.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/matthew/17-27.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">Couldn't</a> <a href="/mark/5-15.htm">Demon</a> <a href="/matthew/17-23.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/mark/3-15.htm">Drive</a> <a href="/mark/3-15.htm">Expel</a> <a href="/matthew/17-20.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Private</a> <a href="/matthew/24-3.htm">Privately</a> <a href="/matthew/22-8.htm">Weren't</a> <a href="/matthew/18-8.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/17-1.htm">The transfiguration of Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/17-14.htm">He heals the boy with a demon,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/17-22.htm">foretells his own passion,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/17-24.htm">and pays tribute.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked,</b><br>This phrase indicates a moment of reflection and learning for the disciples. The context is the aftermath of their inability to cast out a demon from a boy, as described earlier in the chapter. The disciples approach Jesus privately, suggesting a sense of humility and a desire for understanding. This private setting indicates a close relationship between Jesus and His disciples, where they feel comfortable seeking guidance. It reflects the rabbinic tradition where disciples would often seek private instruction from their teacher. This moment underscores the importance of personal discipleship and the need for believers to seek deeper understanding from Christ.<p><b>“Why couldn’t we drive it out?”</b><br>The disciples' question reveals their confusion and concern over their failure. Previously, in <a href="/matthew/10.htm">Matthew 10:1</a>, Jesus had given them authority over unclean spirits, which makes their inability here perplexing to them. This question highlights a moment of self-examination and a desire to understand the spiritual dynamics at play. It points to the necessity of faith and reliance on God’s power rather than their own abilities. This incident serves as a teaching moment about the nature of faith and the importance of prayer and fasting, as Jesus explains in the following verses. It also foreshadows the greater spiritual battles the disciples will face and the need for complete dependence on God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who teaches and guides His disciples.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>Followers of Jesus who are learning from Him and attempting to perform miracles in His name.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_demon-possessed_boy.htm">The Demon-Possessed Boy</a></b><br>The subject of the miracle that the disciples were unable to perform, leading to their question.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_father_of_the_boy.htm">The Father of the Boy</a></b><br>The one who brought his son to Jesus after the disciples failed to heal him.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_private_setting.htm">The Private Setting</a></b><br>The disciples approach Jesus privately, indicating a moment of intimate teaching and reflection.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_authority.htm">Faith and Authority</a></b><br>Jesus had already given the disciples authority over demons, but their lack of faith hindered their ability to exercise it. Believers must trust in the authority given by Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer.htm">The Role of Prayer</a></b><br>Prayer is essential in spiritual warfare. It aligns our will with God's and empowers us to act in His strength rather than our own.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/private_reflection_and_learning.htm">Private Reflection and Learning</a></b><br>The disciples approached Jesus privately, showing the importance of seeking understanding and growth in our personal walk with Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_failure.htm">Humility in Failure</a></b><br>The disciples' failure and subsequent question demonstrate the need for humility and a willingness to learn from our mistakes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>This passage reminds us that our strength and success in spiritual matters come from God, not from our own abilities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_jesus_carry_his_cross_or_not.htm">Did Jesus carry his own cross? (John 19:17 vs. Matthew 27:31-32)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_jesus_speak_secretly_or_openly.htm">Did Jesus speak secretly? John 18:20 says no, but Mark 4:34 and Matthew 13:10-11 suggest he explained parables privately to his disciples.</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_tell_his_disciples.htm">What did Jesus instruct his disciples? 'Tell my brethren to go to Galilee' (Matthew 28:10) and 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father' (John 20:17).</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_jesus_first_limit_preaching_to_israel.htm">Matthew 10:5-6 - Why did Jesus limit the disciples' preaching to Israel first, seemingly contradicting the later worldwide mission in Matthew 28:19?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(19) <span class= "bld">Why could not we cast him out?</span>--The question came obviously from the disciples who had been left below when our Lord went apart with Peter, James, and John, to the Mount of the Transfiguration. They did not even now see the reason of their failure. They had dealt with this case as they had dealt with others. Why had they not met with a like issue? They did not as yet perceive that they came under our Lord's language of rebuke, and did not look on themselves as belonging to the "faithless generation."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 19.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Apart</span> (<span class="greek">κατ ἰδίαν</span>). Jesus had retired to a house (Mark) when the disciples came to him. The question which they desired to ask was one that could not he investigated in the presence of the sneering, unbelieving crowd. <span class="cmt_word">Why could not we</span> (<span class="greek">ἡμεῖς</span>, emphatic) <span class="cmt_word">cast him</span> (<span class="greek">αὐρὸ</span>, <span class="accented">it</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>out?</span> They had keenly felt their impotence and failure, so publicly and distressingly displayed, especially as they had received power to eject demons, and had successfully exercised this authority (<a href="/luke/10-17.htm">Luke 10:17</a>). The Lord's rebuke (ver. 17) had passed over their heads, and not been understood as applicable to themselves. So it was with some bitterness that they asked the question. The nine had not been permitted to witness the Transfiguration; they were not even to be made acquainted with this wondrous transaction at present. More preparation, greater receptivity, was required, before they were fit to be admitted to the full mysteries of the kingdom. They had still much to learn, were still only pupils, and their late failure was permitted in order to help them to attain to self-knowledge and more entire self-surrender. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/17-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Afterward</span><br /><span class="grk">Τότε</span> <span class="translit">(Tote)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">disciples</span><br /><span class="grk">μαθηταὶ</span> <span class="translit">(mathētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> </span><span class="str2">A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="grk">προσελθόντες</span> <span class="translit">(proselthontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Jesus</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰησοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Iēsou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">privately</span><br /><span class="grk">ἰδίαν</span> <span class="translit">(idian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] asked,</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶπον</span> <span class="translit">(eipon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Why</span><br /><span class="grk">Διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(Dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">couldn’t</span><br /><span class="grk">ἠδυνήθημεν</span> <span class="translit">(ēdynēthēmen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμεῖς</span> <span class="translit">(hēmeis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">drive it out?”</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκβαλεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(ekbalein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1544.htm">Strong's 1544: </a> </span><span class="str2">To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/17-19.htm">Matthew 17:19 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/17-19.htm">Matthew 17:19 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/17-19.htm">Matthew 17:19 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/17-19.htm">Matthew 17:19 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/17-19.htm">Matthew 17:19 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/17-19.htm">Matthew 17:19 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/17-19.htm">Matthew 17:19 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/17-19.htm">Matthew 17:19 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/17-19.htm">Matthew 17:19 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/17-19.htm">Matthew 17:19 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/17-19.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 17:19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/17-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 17:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 17:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/17-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 17:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 17:20" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>