Matthew 17:19

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 17:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast it out?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast it out?
Matthew 17:19 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast it out?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, etc.] Or “secretly”, as the Vulgate Latin, and Munster’s Hebrew Gospel read; that is, privately, and when alone; and as Mark says, “when he was come into the house”; and was by himself, then came the nine disciples to him, to converse with him about this matter, and said unto him, why could not we cast him out? That is, the devil, and so cure the lunatic; the Syriac and Persic versions render it, “why could not we heal him?” The lunatic; which only could be done by casting out the demon: they were concerned, fearing they had lost the power which Christ had bestowed on them, and wanted to know what they had done, which had deprived them of it; and what…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then came the disciples ... - This inquiry was made in some house to which they retired near the place where the miracle was performed (Mark). Jesus told them, in reply, that it was because of their unbelief that they had not been able to cast him out. They were appalled by the difficulty of the case and the obstinacy of the disease. Their faith would not have made it more easy for God to work this miracle, but such was his will - such the way in which he worked miracles, that he required faith in those who were the instruments. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mar 4:10, Mar 9:28 Matthew 17:20”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification