The concept of casting out demons is a complex and often debated topic within the context of Christianity. The Bible does contain accounts of Jesus and his disciples confronting demonic forces and offers verses that speak to the authority believers have over these spiritual entities.
It’s important to approach verses about casting out demons with both theological understanding and sensitivity. These verses should not be taken as a formula for self-deliverance, but rather as an affirmation of the power of Jesus Christ over spiritual darkness.
As we explore these verses, let’s remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers of darkness. May these passages serve to deepen our understanding of the spiritual realm and reinforce the ultimate victory that is ours through Jesus Christ.
Also Read: Bible Verses When You Feel Like No One Cares (with Explanation)
Bible Verses to Cast Out Demons
Mark 16:17-18 (NIV)
“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 when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
Mark 16:17-18 underscores the authority believers possess in the name of Jesus to cast out demons. As followers of Christ, believers are empowered to confront spiritual darkness and expel demonic forces through faith in the authority of Jesus’ name.
This passage highlights the supernatural manifestations that accompany those who walk in faith, demonstrating the victory believers have over the forces of evil through the power of Christ.
James 4:7 (NIV)
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7 emphasizes the importance of submission to God and resistance to the devil. Through submission to God’s authority and adherence to His will, believers gain the strength to resist demonic influence and oppression.
This verse highlights the principle of spiritual warfare, where believers actively engage in resisting the schemes of the enemy by relying on the power of God’s Word and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 10:19 (NIV)
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
Luke 10:19 reaffirms the authority bestowed upon believers by Jesus Christ to overcome the power of the enemy. This verse emphasizes the divine empowerment given to believers to confront and defeat demonic forces, demonstrating the superiority of Christ’s authority over all spiritual darkness.
It assures believers of God’s protection and victory in spiritual battles, instilling confidence in their ability to stand firm against demonic attacks.
Acts 16:18 (NIV)
“She kept this up for many days. Finally, Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her.”
In Acts 16:18, Paul demonstrates the authority believers have in the name of Jesus to command spirits to depart. This passage illustrates the effectiveness of invoking the name of Jesus Christ in casting out demons and delivering individuals from spiritual bondage.
Paul’s decisive action serves as a model for believers, reminding them of the power and authority vested in the name of Jesus to confront and overcome demonic oppression.
Matthew 17:20 (NIV)
“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'”
Matthew 17:20 highlights the significance of faith in exercising authority over demonic forces. Jesus emphasizes the potency of even a small amount of faith to accomplish extraordinary feats, including the casting out of demons.
This verse underscores the vital role of unwavering faith in accessing the power of God to overcome spiritual strongholds and manifest His kingdom on earth.
1 John 4:4 (NIV)
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4 reassures believers of their victory over demonic forces through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This verse affirms the superiority of God’s power within believers, empowering them to overcome the influence of evil spirits in the world.
It instills confidence in believers, reminding them that they belong to God and possess the authority to resist and conquer the forces of darkness through His Spirit.
Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Ephesians 6:12 provides insight into the spiritual nature of the battle against demonic forces. This verse underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the existence of malevolent spiritual entities opposed to God’s purposes.
It reminds believers that their ultimate struggle is not against human adversaries but against the spiritual forces of darkness. By recognizing the true nature of the conflict, believers are equipped to stand firm and engage in effective spiritual warfare through prayer, faith, and the power of God’s Word.
Matthew 10:1 (NIV)
“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.”
In Matthew 10:1, Jesus confers authority upon His disciples to cast out impure spirits and heal diseases. This verse underscores the delegated power given by Jesus to His followers, highlighting the dual ministry of spiritual deliverance and physical healing.
It serves as a foundational commission, illustrating the holistic nature of the disciples’ mission to address both spiritual and physical needs through the authority granted by Christ.
Mark 9:25-29 (NIV)
“When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. ‘You deaf and mute spirit,’ he said, ‘I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.’ The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, ‘He’s dead.’ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.”
Mark 9:25-29 recounts a powerful moment where Jesus casts out a deaf and mute spirit. This passage vividly illustrates the authority and compassion of Jesus over demonic forces, showcasing His ability to deliver individuals from profound spiritual and physical afflictions.
It reinforces the principle that Jesus possesses unparalleled authority to command the expulsion of demons and bring complete restoration to those oppressed by evil spirits.
Acts 19:12 (NIV)
“So that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured, and the evil spirits left them.”
Acts 19:12 narrates the extraordinary manifestation of divine power through items touched by the Apostle Paul. The transfer of healing and deliverance from Paul to these objects emphasizes the transformative authority believers can carry against evil spirits.
This event signifies the potency of the name of Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Spirit in dispelling demonic influences and bringing about miraculous healing.
Matthew 12:28 (NIV)
“But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
In Matthew 12:28, Jesus associates the casting out of demons with the arrival of the kingdom of God. This verse communicates a profound spiritual truth – the authority exercised over demonic forces by Jesus is a tangible demonstration of the inbreaking of God’s kingdom.
It points to the transformative impact of God’s rule in dismantling the works of darkness, setting captives free, and establishing His reign in the hearts of believers.
1 Corinthians 10:20-21 (NIV)
“No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
1 Corinthians 10:20-21 addresses the danger of participating in idolatrous practices and aligning with demonic influences. This passage underscores the incompatibility of fellowship with God and engagement with demonic activities.
It serves as a warning against compromise, emphasizing the need for believers to separate themselves from any form of spiritual contamination associated with false worship and demonic forces.
Colossians 2:15 (NIV)
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
Colossians 2:15 celebrates the triumphant victory of Christ over spiritual powers and authorities through His redemptive work on the cross. This verse portrays Jesus as the ultimate conqueror who disarmed and defeated the forces of darkness, rendering them powerless.
Believers, through their union with Christ, share in this victory, affirming their authority to confront and cast out demons in the name of the victorious Savior.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NIV)
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 provides insight into the spiritual warfare engaged by believers. This passage highlights the unique nature of the weapons employed in confronting demonic strongholds – weapons empowered by divine authority. It encourages believers to rely on spiritual tools such as prayer, the Word of God, and the name of Jesus in their battle against the forces of darkness.
The verse reinforces the truth that victory over demons is achieved not by worldly strategies but by tapping into the divine power available to believers through their relationship with God.
1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
In 1 Peter 5:8-9, believers are urged to remain vigilant and sober-minded, recognizing the adversary’s relentless pursuit. The comparison of the devil to a roaring lion underscores the intensity of spiritual opposition. The call to resist him and stand firm in faith emphasizes the importance of unwavering trust in God amidst trials and spiritual attacks.
This verse serves as a reminder that believers, united in their faith, can resist the enemy’s schemes and find strength in the shared experiences of the global community of believers.
Luke 11:20-22 (NIV)
“But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.”
Luke 11:20-22 portrays Jesus as the stronger one who overpowers the strong man, representing Satan. This illustration emphasizes the arrival of God’s kingdom through the authority of Jesus over demonic forces.
It highlights the supremacy of Christ in disarming the enemy and liberating individuals from spiritual bondage. Believers can draw comfort from this verse, understanding that through Christ, they have access to a power that exceeds the strength of any adversary.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 affirms the empowering nature of the Holy Spirit within believers. This verse reminds individuals that fear and timidity are not of God but are dispelled by the Spirit’s provision of power, love, and self-discipline.
As believers confront spiritual battles and resist demonic influences, they can rely on the Spirit’s indwelling strength to embolden them, foster love, and maintain self-control. This verse emphasizes the transformative impact of the Spirit’s presence in fortifying believers against the tactics of the enemy.
Romans 16:20 (NIV)
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
Romans 16:20 speaks of the imminent defeat of Satan by the God of peace. This verse instills hope and assurance in believers, emphasizing that ultimate victory over the enemy is secured through God’s divine intervention.
It encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, confident that the God of peace will bring about the defeat of the adversary. The concluding blessing invokes the grace of Jesus, underscoring the importance of relying on God’s unmerited favor in the ongoing spiritual warfare.
Ephesians 4:27 (NIV)
“and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Ephesians 4:27 provides a concise yet powerful admonition to believers – to avoid giving the devil a foothold. This verse underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity and guarding against actions or attitudes that can open doors to the enemy.
Believers are called to live in a way that denies the devil any opportunity to establish a presence or influence in their lives. It serves as a practical reminder of the need for constant vigilance and discernment in the Christian walk.
Revelation 12:11 (NIV)
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
Revelation 12:11 portrays the victory of believers over the accuser, Satan. The triumph is attributed to the blood of the Lamb, signifying the redemptive power of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Additionally, the word of their testimony plays a crucial role, indicating the significance of proclaiming and standing firm in the truths of faith. This verse encourages believers to overcome through the authority of Christ’s blood and the unwavering proclamation of their testimony, even in the face of adversity.
James 2:19 (NIV)
“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”
James 2:19 underscores a crucial distinction between mere belief and genuine faith. While demons acknowledge the existence of God, their acknowledgment does not lead to salvation.
This verse serves as a reminder that authentic faith involves more than intellectual assent; it requires a transformative relationship with God. Believers are encouraged to go beyond a superficial acknowledgment of God’s existence, seeking a deep and genuine connection that transforms their lives.
Acts 5:16 (NIV)
“Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.”
Acts 5:16 depicts a scene of widespread healing and deliverance through the apostles. This passage demonstrates the authority vested in the early followers of Jesus to bring healing to those tormented by impure spirits.
It serves as a testimony to the tangible impact of the disciples’ ministry in liberating individuals from spiritual oppression. Believers can draw inspiration from this verse, understanding that the same power that operated through the apostles is available today for the healing of both physical and spiritual ailments.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3 affirms the faithfulness of the Lord in providing strength and protection against the evil one. This verse instills confidence in believers, assuring them that God is reliable in safeguarding them from the schemes of the enemy.
It encourages a reliance on the Lord’s faithfulness, fostering a sense of security and assurance in the face of spiritual opposition. Believers can find comfort in this promise, trusting that God’s strength and protection are sufficient for their spiritual journey.
Philippians 2:10-11 (NIV)
“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:10-11 underscores the universal acknowledgment of Jesus’ lordship. This verse emphasizes the unparalleled authority of the name of Jesus, extending to all realms – heaven, earth, and under the earth.
It serves as a declaration of the supremacy of Christ over every spiritual entity, including demonic forces. Believers are reminded of the potency of invoking the name of Jesus, knowing that His lordship prevails over all powers and principalities.
Psalm 91:13 (NIV)
“You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.”
Psalm 91:13 employs vivid imagery to convey the believer’s triumph over spiritual adversaries. The mention of treading on the lion and cobra symbolizes victory over powerful and dangerous foes.
This verse paints a picture of believers exercising authority and dominion over the forces of darkness. It serves as a source of encouragement, depicting the believer’s ability to overcome spiritual threats through the protective presence of God.
Mark 5:18-20 (NIV)
“As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, ‘Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’ So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.”
Mark 5:18-20 recounts the transformative encounter of a demon-possessed man with Jesus. After experiencing deliverance, the man desires to follow Jesus, but Jesus instructs him to share his testimony among his own people. This passage highlights the power of personal testimony in impacting communities and spreading the news of God’s mercy and deliverance.
Believers are encouraged to share their stories of God’s intervention, recognizing the profound influence testimonies can have in dispelling darkness and pointing others to the mercy of Jesus.
2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV)
“…in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”
2 Corinthians 2:11 underscores the importance of spiritual discernment and awareness of Satan’s schemes. This verse acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to be vigilant. It implies that lack of awareness can lead to being outwitted by the enemy.
The commentary emphasizes the significance of staying rooted in the Word of God, prayer, and community to maintain spiritual discernment. Believers are encouraged to be proactive in understanding and countering the tactics of the adversary.
1 Timothy 4:1-2 (NIV)
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.”
1 Timothy 4:1-2 prophesies about the prevalence of deceptive teachings inspired by demonic influences in the last days. This passage serves as a warning against false doctrines and the danger of succumbing to spiritual deception.
The commentary emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment, grounding in biblical truth, and discerning the authenticity of teachings. Believers are urged to be discerning, guarding against deceptive influences that may lead them away from the genuine faith.
Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Ephesians 6:12 provides a foundational understanding of the nature of spiritual warfare. This verse clarifies that the real battle is not against human adversaries but against unseen spiritual forces.
The commentary emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the spiritual struggle and the need for believers to engage in prayer, put on the armor of God, and stand firm in their identity in Christ. Believers are encouraged to recognize the spiritual dimension of their battles and approach them with the authority and armor provided by God.
Also Read: Bible Verses When You Feel Like No One Cares (with Explanation)
What Does the Bible Say About Casting Out Demons?
The Bible provides guidance and accounts regarding the casting out of demons, highlighting the authority believers have through faith in Jesus Christ.
Here are key principles:
Authority in the Name of Jesus:
Numerous Bible passages, including Matthew 10:1 and Luke 10:17, reveal that Jesus granted His disciples the authority to cast out demons. In these instances, authority is exercised by invoking the name of Jesus. This underscores the potency of Jesus’ name in confronting and expelling demonic forces.
Spiritual Warfare:
Ephesians 6:12 emphasizes that believers are engaged in a spiritual battle against unseen forces. This includes powers, authorities, and spiritual forces of evil. The casting out of demons is portrayed as an aspect of this spiritual warfare. Christians are called to be vigilant, equipping themselves with the armor of God, which includes the authority to resist and cast out demonic influences.
Power of Faith and Prayer:
In Mark 9:29, Jesus teaches that certain kinds of demons can only be cast out through prayer. This highlights the importance of faith and prayer in the process of deliverance. It suggests that a deep reliance on God’s power, coupled with persistent prayer, is instrumental in casting out stubborn spiritual strongholds.
A Prayer to Cast Out Demons
Heavenly Father,
In the powerful name of Jesus, I come before you, recognizing Your authority over all spiritual forces. I invoke the name of Jesus, the name above every name, as I pray for deliverance and the casting out of any demonic presence.
Lord, I declare Your sovereignty and the victory of the cross over every force of darkness. By the authority given to me through faith in Jesus, I command any demonic influence to leave and be cast away. I plead the blood of Jesus as a protective shield over this moment.
Fill this space with Your divine light, driving out any darkness or negativity. I trust in Your Word, which assures us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. Grant discernment and wisdom to identify any lingering spiritual strongholds.
I pray for Your angels to encamp around us, providing a hedge of protection. Strengthen our faith, Lord, and deepen our reliance on Your grace and power. May Your peace reign in every corner, dispelling fear and ushering in Your divine presence.
Thank you, Lord, for the victory we have in Jesus Christ. In His mighty name, I cast out any demonic influence and surrender this space entirely to Your sovereign control.
Amen.