Luke 10:19
New International Version
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

New Living Translation
Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.

English Standard Version
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.

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

Berean Literal Bible
Behold, I give you the authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

New American Standard Bible
Behold, I have given you authority to walk on snakes and scorpions, and authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.

NASB 1995
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.

NASB 1977
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you.

Legacy Standard Bible
Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.

Amplified Bible
Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you.

Christian Standard Bible
Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will ever harm you.

American Standard Version
Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you.

Contemporary English Version
I have given you the power to trample on snakes and scorpions and to defeat the power of your enemy Satan. Nothing can harm you.

English Revised Version
Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I have given you the authority to trample snakes and scorpions and to destroy the enemy's power. Nothing will hurt you.

Good News Translation
Listen! I have given you authority, so that you can walk on snakes and scorpions and overcome all the power of the Enemy, and nothing will hurt you.

International Standard Version
Look! I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to destroy all the enemy's power, and nothing will ever hurt you.

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

NET Bible
Look, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and on the full force of the enemy, and nothing will hurt you.

New Heart English Bible
Look, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will in any way hurt you.

Webster's Bible Translation
Behold, I give to you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Weymouth New Testament
"I have given you power to tread serpents and scorpions underfoot, and to trample on all the power of the Enemy; and in no case shall anything do you harm.

World English Bible
Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
behold, I give to you the authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and on all the power of the enemy, and nothing by any means will hurt you;

Berean Literal Bible
Behold, I give you the authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.

Young's Literal Translation
lo, I give to you the authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and on all the power of the enemy, and nothing by any means shall hurt you;

Smith's Literal Translation
Behold, I give you power to tread above serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall hurt you.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Behold, I have given you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall hurt you.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all the powers of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.

New American Bible
Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you.

New Revised Standard Version
See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Behold, I give you power, to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall harm you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Behold, I have given you authority that you may tread on snakes and scorpions and all the power of the enemy and nothing will harm you.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and authority over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Godbey New Testament
Behold I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you.

Haweis New Testament
Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shalt in any wise hurt you.

Mace New Testament
I have authoriz'd you to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and triumph over all the power of the enemy; so that nothing shall be capable of doing you any mischief.

Weymouth New Testament
"I have given you power to tread serpents and scorpions underfoot, and to trample on all the power of the Enemy; and in no case shall anything do you harm.

Worrell New Testament
Behold, I have given you the authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall in any wise harm you.

Worsley New Testament
Behold I give you power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the might of the enemy; and nothing shall at all hurt you.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Joyful Return
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.”…

Cross References
Mark 16:17-18
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; / they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”

Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

Acts 28:3-6
Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand. / When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” / But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. ...

Romans 16:20
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Ephesians 6:10-17
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ...

1 John 4:4
You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Revelation 12:9-11
And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. / And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down—he who accuses them day and night before our God. / They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death.

Revelation 20:1-3
Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the Abyss, holding in his hand a great chain. / He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. / And he threw him into the Abyss, shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were complete. After that, he must be released for a brief period of time.

Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

Exodus 7:10-12
So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD had commanded. Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a serpent. / But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. / Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs.

Psalm 91:13
You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.

Isaiah 11:8
The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

Daniel 6:22-23
My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.” / The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den, and when Daniel was lifted out of the den, no wounds whatsoever were found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

Daniel 7:27
Then the sovereignty, dominion, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey Him.’


Treasury of Scripture

Behold, I give to you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

I give.

Psalm 91:13
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Isaiah 11:8
And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.

Ezekiel 2:6
And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

and nothing.

Luke 21:17,18
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake…

Romans 8:31-39
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? …

Hebrews 13:5,6
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee…

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Anywise Authority Beasts Case Enemy Evil Feet Harm Hurt Injure Means Overcome Power Scorpions Serpents Snakes Strength Trample Tread Treading Underfoot Way
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Anywise Authority Beasts Case Enemy Evil Feet Harm Hurt Injure Means Overcome Power Scorpions Serpents Snakes Strength Trample Tread Treading Underfoot Way
Luke 10
1. Jesus sends out at once seventy disciples to work miracles, and to preach;
13. pronounces a woe against certain cities.
17. The seventy return with joy;
18. he shows them wherein to rejoice,
21. and thanks his Father for his grace;
23. magnifies the happy estate of his church;
25. teaches the lawyer how to attain eternal life,
30. and tells the parable of the good Samaritan;
38. reprimands Martha, and commends Mary her sister.














Behold
The Greek word for "behold" is "ἰδού" (idou), which serves as an imperative to draw attention to something significant. In the biblical context, it is often used to emphasize a divine revelation or an important truth. Here, Jesus is calling His disciples to pay close attention to the authority He is bestowing upon them. This word sets the stage for the profound empowerment that follows, urging believers to recognize the gravity and reality of the spiritual authority granted to them.

I have given you authority
The term "authority" comes from the Greek "ἐξουσία" (exousia), which implies the power to act, the right to exercise power, and the jurisdiction over a domain. In this context, Jesus is not merely offering a temporary empowerment but a lasting spiritual authority. This authority is a divine commission, reflecting the believer's role in God's kingdom to overcome spiritual adversaries. Historically, this authority is rooted in the victory of Christ over sin and death, a victory that believers are called to participate in.

to tread on snakes and scorpions
The imagery of "snakes and scorpions" is symbolic, representing evil forces and demonic powers. In the ancient Near Eastern context, these creatures were often associated with danger and malevolence. The act of treading upon them signifies dominion and victory over these threats. This phrase reassures believers of their power, through Christ, to overcome spiritual challenges and adversities. It echoes the promise of Genesis 3:15, where the seed of the woman will crush the serpent's head, symbolizing ultimate triumph over evil.

and over all the power of the enemy
The "enemy" here refers to Satan and his demonic forces. The Greek word for "power" is "δύναμις" (dynamis), indicating strength, ability, and influence. Jesus assures His followers that they have been given authority over all the capabilities and schemes of the devil. This promise is a source of encouragement, reminding believers that no spiritual force can prevail against them when they stand firm in their God-given authority.

Nothing will harm you
This phrase is a powerful assurance of divine protection. The Greek word for "harm" is "ἀδικέω" (adikeo), which means to injure or wrong. Jesus promises that, despite the presence of spiritual adversaries, His followers will be safeguarded from ultimate harm. This does not imply a life free from trials or persecution but guarantees that no spiritual attack can sever the believer from the love and protection of God. It is a call to live fearlessly, trusting in the sovereign protection of the Almighty.

(19) Behold, I give unto you . . .--The better MSS. have, "I have given," as of something already bestowed in its completeness. In the power to "tread on serpents and scorpions," we have a manifest reference to the words of Psalm 91:13. Those words stand in closest sequence with the promise which had been wrested from its true meaning by the Tempter in the great struggle in the wilderness; and it is not over-bold to think that they were connected with our Lord's memories of that time, and especially of the fact indicated by St. Mark's statement (Mark 1:13) that He "was with the wild beasts." Now, through resistance to the Temptation, there had come the victory which if He had then yielded, never would have been won. Of a literal fulfilment of the words, St. Paul's escape from the viper at Melita (Acts 28:3) is the only recorded instance; but the parallelism between this promise and that of Psalm 91:13 shows that the literal meaning falls into the background, that the serpent and the scorpion are symbols of spiritual powers of evil. A merely literal interpretation lands us in two serious difficulties: (1) that it represents the treading on serpents as a greater work than casting out demons; and (2) that it implies that serpents and scorpions, as such, are not part of God's creation, but belong to the power of the Evil One. So far as we think of a literal fulfilment at all, it can only be as the symbol and earnest of the spiritual. The real kernel of the promise lies in the last words, "Nothing shall by any means hurt you," and these find their interpretation in the thought that "nothing shall separate us from the love of God," and that "all things work together for good to those that love Him" (Romans 8:39; Romans 8:28). . . . Verse 19. - Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. The older authorities read here, "I have given." The only recorded instance of a literal fulfilment of this promise was in the case of Paul at Melita, after the shipwreck (Acts 24:3-5). A similar promise was made during the "forty days" (Mark 16:17, 18). It seems however, best, in the case of this peculiar promise, to interpret the Lord's words as referring to spiritual powers of evil, taking the serpent and scorpion as symbols of these. It should be remembered that the subject of conversation between the Master and his servants was the conflict with and victory ever these awful powers restlessly hostile to the human race (see Psalm 91:13).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
See,
ἰδοὺ (idou)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2400: See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!

I have given
δέδωκα (dedōka)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

authority
ἐξουσίαν (exousian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1849: From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.

to tread
πατεῖν (patein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3961: To tread, trample upon. From a derivative probably of paio; to trample.

on
ἐπάνω (epanō)
Preposition
Strong's 1883: From epi and ano; up above, i.e. Over or on.

snakes
ὄφεων (opheōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3789: Probably from optanomai; a snake, figuratively, an artful malicious person, especially Satan.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

scorpions,
σκορπίων (skorpiōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4651: A scorpion. Probably from an obsolete skerpo; a 'scorpion'.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

over
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

all
πᾶσαν (pasan)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

power
δύναμιν (dynamin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

enemy.
ἐχθροῦ (echthrou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2190: Hated, hostile; subst: an enemy. From a primary echtho; hateful; usually as a noun, an adversary.

Nothing
οὐδὲν (ouden)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

will harm
ἀδικήσῃ (adikēsē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 91: To act unjustly towards, injure, harm. From adikos; to be unjust, i.e. do wrong.

you.
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Gospels: Luke 10:19 Behold I give you authority to tread (Luke Lu Lk)
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