“What have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us?”
The full verse · Mark 1:24 · KJV
, Let us ; have to with , thou of ? art thou to ? I thou , the Holy of .
Asked by
Demons: the unclean spirit in a man in the Capernaum synagogue, speaking for itself and others ("us") (Mark 1:23-24)
Asked to
Jesus: Jesus of Nazareth, teaching on the sabbath in the synagogue at Capernaum (Mark 1:21)
The Scene
On the sabbath in the synagogue at Capernaum, while the people are astonished at Jesus' teaching, a man with an unclean spirit cries out (Mark 1:21-23).
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionThe spirit knew exactly who Jesus was, and it was afraid. Its first question pushes Jesus away: what do we have in common with You? Gill says the spirit, knowing Christ had power to drive them out, begged Him to let them alone, "quietly to dwell in their beloved habitations." Its second question shows its fear. Gill explains "destroy" as being turned out of the bodies of men, or being shut "up in the prison of hell." The spirit says "us" because, as Barnes puts it, "They were leagued together in the work of evil," and it knew others would share its fate. Matthew Henry says it "hated and dreaded Christ, because he knew him to be a Holy One."
The Response
What Scripture recordsJesus did not debate the spirit. He "rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him" (Mark 1:25). The spirit "had torn him, and cried with a loud voice," and then "came out of him" (Mark 1:26). Luke adds that it "hurt him not" (Luke 4:35). Jesus answered the question about destruction not with words but by setting the man free.
Historical Context
The world behind the wordsJesus was teaching in the synagogue, the local Jewish meeting place, on the sabbath (Mark 1:21). The KJV's "Let us alone" translates the Greek word Ea, found here in the Textus Receptus. Thayer describes it as a cry "expressive of indignation, or of wonder mixed with fear," something like "Ha!" or "Ah!" Modern Greek texts leave it out of Mark, which is why the ESV has no "Let us alone." Barnes explains "the Holy One of God" as "The Messiah."
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyThis is the first miracle Mark records, and it shows Jesus' authority over evil from the start. The people had just marveled that He "taught them as one that had authority" (Mark 1:22). Now His word alone drives out an unclean spirit. Matthew Henry notes, "When Christ by his grace delivers souls out of the hands of Satan, it is not without tumult in the soul; for that spiteful enemy will disquiet those whom he cannot destroy."
The spirit's words also show that knowing who Jesus is is not the same as welcoming Him. It named Him rightly, "the Holy One of God," yet wanted nothing to do with Him. Jesus refused that kind of testimony. Luke says He "suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ" (Luke 4:41).
Look Closer
What did the unclean spirit call Jesus?
Carry the question into prayer and conversation.
Lord Jesus, You freed this man with a single word; where in my life do I need Your authority to bring freedom?
A prayer to carry into the day.
- The spirit knew exactly who Jesus was but wanted Him to leave it alone. What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and wanting Him near?
- Tell about a time you saw Jesus bring real freedom or change to someone's life.
For you, a small group, a friend, or the dinner table.
Knowing the right facts about Jesus is not the same as faith. The unclean spirit knew His title and still wanted Him gone (Mark 1:24). James says the same thing: "the devils also believe, and tremble" (James 2:19). The real question is not whether you can name who Jesus is, but whether you welcome Him.
There is comfort here too. Evil is afraid of Jesus. He did not need a long struggle or a ritual; He spoke, and the spirit obeyed (Mark 1:25-26). Whatever holds a person, it is not stronger than His word.
Scripture's own application: James 2:19-20
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources
Keep questioning
“What have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us?”
“What thing is this? What new doctrine is this?”
“What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God?”