Matthew 17:19 Meaning and Explanation
“Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In private the disciples ask Jesus why they failed to cast out the demon.
What Does Matthew 17:19 Mean?
When the crowd has thinned, the disciples come to Jesus privately with the question pressing on them: why could not we cast him out? They had been sent before with authority over unclean spirits, yet here they had failed, and they want to understand why.
Theirs is a humble and searching question, brought to the right place -- to Jesus, apart. Failure can either harden us or send us back to the Lord to learn. These men choose to ask rather than excuse themselves, and Jesus meets their honesty with the truth they need about faith and dependence on God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 17:19
What does Matthew 17:19 mean?
In private the disciples ask Jesus why they failed to cast out the demon.