There’s a powerful promise tucked into Luke 10:19 that too many believers quote without fully grasping the weight of what Jesus was saying:

“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.” (Luke 10:19, KJV)

This isn’t just poetic language. This is a militant decree from the mouth of Jesus Himself—a divine commissioning to move in supernatural authority over the darkest powers of hell. But to tread on serpents and scorpions means far more than stepping around trouble. It means trampling demonic forces into the dust and advancing the kingdom of God through fire, opposition, and spiritual warfare.

Let’s dig deeper.

What Does “Tread” Really Mean?

In the Greek, the word “tread” is “pateó,” which means:

• To trample
• To crush with the feet
• To advance by setting foot upon
• To tread upon: to encounter successfully the greatest perils from the machinations and persecutions with which Satan would fain thwart the preaching of the gospel

That’s not passive. That’s not timid. That’s not gentle. That’s war.

Jesus was declaring that He has given us the divine authority to confront, overcome, and utterly crush the plans of the enemy—not just survive his attacks, but strategically and victoriously trample over every device, trap, and demonic agenda sent to hinder us. This includes spiritual opposition, witchcraft, persecution, demonic interference, and sabotage against our assignments.

Serpents and Scorpions: Demonic Forces Defined

Serpents are symbolic of deception and cunning, while scorpions represent pain and torment. Jesus was using imagery familiar to His disciples—images of danger, fear, and spiritual toxicity.

Serpents hiss lies and inject venom that can paralyze destinies and kill callings. Scorpions strike from hidden places with stingers of torment meant to wear down your spirit and leave you spiritually numb.

But the Word of God tells us plainly: You have power over all the power of the enemy—not some, not most, but all.

Advancing Despite the Perils

Look again at that Greek definition: “to encounter successfully the greatest perils from the machinations and persecutions with which Satan would fain thwart the preaching of the gospel.”

Satan is a strategist. He crafts assignments to thwart, hinder, block, and break you. But Jesus said, “You will tread.” That means you’re advancing anyway. You are not called to retreat in fear. You are called to rise up and move forward in boldness, even when the enemy sets traps in your path.

Whether it’s financial warfare, health issues, betrayal, or delays in your assignment, the enemy hopes you’ll sit down and give up. But Jesus says, “Tread.” Trample. Crush. Keep walking.

Authority Is Not Automatic—It’s Activated

Now hear me: the authority is given, but it must be activated. You can’t just quote Luke 10:19 and expect results without standing in faith, resisting the devil, and walking in obedience.

Many believers try to tread without intimacy. They try to crush serpents without a prayer life. But authority flows from relationship. Victory flows from submission to Christ and a willingness to war in the Spirit.

That means:

• Standing on the Word when everything’s shaking.
• Praying in the Spirit when your flesh wants to quit.
• Warring in worship when the enemy roars.
• Fasting and decreeing when hell breaks loose.

You were never promised a life without conflict, but you were promised victory in the battle.

Nothing Shall by Any Means Hurt You

This doesn’t mean you won’t feel the sting of warfare. It means that sting won’t stick. The weapons may form, but they will not prosper. You may face perils, but they will not prevail.

You are not at the mercy of serpents and scorpions. They are under your feet.

Romans 16:20 reminds us:

“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.”

God is looking for warriors who will not shrink back. He’s looking for those who will trample, not tiptoe.

Final Thoughts: Walk Like You Have Authority

If you’ve been cowering under attack, it’s time to rise. If you’ve allowed serpents to hiss lies in your ear or scorpions to torment your mind, it’s time to shake them off.

Jesus gave you power to tread. That means you are anointed to advance, not retreat. You are authorized to crush, not cower.

Take your place. Set your feet. Trample the enemy. And walk on in the victory Jesus already secured for you.

If this stirred your spirit, share it with a fellow warrior. It’s time the body of Christ walked in its God-given authority. The enemy is under your feet—so start walking like it.

Pray with me: