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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Mark 3:23 So Jesus called them together and began to speak to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/mark/3-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/41_Mrk_03_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Mark 3:23 - A House Divided" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Jesus called them together and began to speak to them in parables: How can Satan drive out Satan?" /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/mark/3-22.htm" title="Mark 3:22">◄</a> Mark 3:23 <a href="/mark/3-24.htm" title="Mark 3:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/mark/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/mark/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: &#8220How can Satan drive out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/mark/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration. “How can Satan cast out Satan?” he asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/mark/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/mark/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Jesus called them together and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And having called them to <i>Him</i>, He began speaking to them in parables: "How is Satan able to cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/mark/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he called them <i>unto him</i>, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/mark/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So He called them to <i>Himself</i> and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/mark/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And <i>so</i> He called them to Himself and <i>began</i> speaking to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/mark/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And He called them to Himself and began speaking to them in parables, &#8220How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/mark/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And He called them to Himself and began speaking to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/mark/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And He called them to Himself and <i>began</i> speaking to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/mark/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So He called them to Himself and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/mark/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he summoned them and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/mark/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So He summoned them and spoke to them in parables: &#8220How can Satan drive out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/mark/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/mark/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jesus told the people to gather around him. Then he spoke to them in riddles and said: How can Satan force himself out? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/mark/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/mark/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jesus called them together and used this illustration: "How can Satan force out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/mark/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So Jesus called them to him and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/mark/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So Jesus called them together and began to speak to them in parables. "How can Satan drive out Satan? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/mark/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Jesus called them together and began to speak to them in parables: ?How can Satan drive out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/mark/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So he called them and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/mark/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And so he summoned them, and said to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/mark/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he called them to him, and said to them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />So He called them to Him, and using figurative language He appealed to them, saying, "How is it possible for Satan to expel Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/mark/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He summoned them and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/mark/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And having called them near, He said to them in allegories, “How is Satan able to cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And having called them to <i>Him</i>, He began speaking to them in parables: "How is Satan able to cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/mark/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And, having called them near, in similes he said to them, 'How is the Adversary able to cast out the Adversary?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/mark/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And having called them, in parables spake he to them, How can Satan cast out Satan.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/mark/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And after he had called them together, he said to them in parables: How can Satan cast out Satan? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/mark/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And having called them together, he spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/mark/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/mark/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/mark/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Jesus called them, and said to them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And Yeshua called them, and he said to them in parables, “How is Satan able to cast out Satan?”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/mark/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables: How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/mark/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And calling them to Him, He continued to speak to them in parables, <FR>How is Satan able to cast out Satan?<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/mark/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />So calling them to him, he spake to them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/mark/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but calling them to him, he said by way of similitude, how can satan dispossess satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />So He called them to Him, and using figurative language He appealed to them, saying, "How is it possible for Satan to expel Satan?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/mark/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And, having called them to <i>Him</i>, He said to them in parables, <FR>"How can Satan cast out Satan?<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/mark/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />So He called them to <i>Him,</i> and said unto them in parables, <FR>How can Satan cast out Satan?<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/mark/3-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=778" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/mark/3.htm">A House Divided</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>And the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and, “By the prince of the demons He drives out demons.” <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">So</a> <a href="/greek/4341.htm" title="4341: proskalesamenos (V-APM-NMS) -- To call to myself, summon. Middle voice from pros and kaleo; to call toward oneself, i.e. Summon, invite.">Jesus called them together</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: elegen (V-IIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">and began to speak</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to them</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3850.htm" title="3850: parabolais (N-DFP) -- From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.">parables:</a> <a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: Pōs (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">“How</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynatai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">can</a> <a href="/greek/4567.htm" title="4567: Satanas (N-NMS) -- An adversary, Satan. Of Chaldee origin corresponding to ma'bad; the accuser, i.e. The devil.">Satan</a> <a href="/greek/1544.htm" title="1544: ekballein (V-PNA) -- To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.">drive out</a> <a href="/greek/4567.htm" title="4567: Satanan (N-AMS) -- An adversary, Satan. Of Chaldee origin corresponding to ma'bad; the accuser, i.e. The devil.">Satan?</a> </span> <span class="reftext">24</span>If a kingdom is divided against itself, it cannot stand.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Matthew 12:25-26</a></span><br />Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. / If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-17.htm">Luke 11:17-18</a></span><br />Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and a house divided against a house will fall. / If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? After all, you say that I drive out demons by Beelzebul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a></span><br />You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">1 John 3:8</a></span><br />The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/12-7.htm">Revelation 12:7-9</a></span><br />Then a war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. / But the dragon was not strong enough, and no longer was any place found in heaven for him and his angels. / And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Isaiah 14:12-15</a></span><br />How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations. / You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/28-12.htm">Ezekiel 28:12-17</a></span><br />“Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. / You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation. / You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for I had ordained you. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the fiery stones. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1-5</a></span><br />Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” / The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, / but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-14.htm">2 Corinthians 11:14</a></span><br />And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Ephesians 6:11-12</a></span><br />Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-15.htm">Colossians 2:15</a></span><br />And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/2-14.htm">Hebrews 2:14</a></span><br />Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Acts 26:18</a></span><br />to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-9.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:9-10</a></span><br />The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, / and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he called them to him, and said to them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?</p><p class="hdg">in parables.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4</a></b></br> I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/13-34.htm">Matthew 13:34</a></b></br> All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:</p><p class="hdg">How.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Matthew 12:25-30</a></b></br> And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/11-17.htm">Luke 11:17-23</a></b></br> But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house <i>divided</i> against a house falleth… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/2-19.htm">Able</a> <a href="/mark/1-13.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/matthew/27-17.htm">Appealed</a> <a href="/mark/3-22.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/mark/3-15.htm">Drive</a> <a href="/mark/3-15.htm">Expel</a> <a href="/matthew/22-1.htm">Figurative</a> <a href="/matthew/28-3.htm">Form</a> <a href="/mark/3-20.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/26-65.htm">Language</a> <a href="/matthew/22-1.htm">Parables</a> <a href="/mark/1-45.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/mark/1-13.htm">Satan</a> <a href="/matthew/22-1.htm">Similes</a> <a href="/mark/2-2.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/matthew/28-15.htm">Story</a> <a href="/mark/3-13.htm">Summoned</a> <a href="/matthew/21-18.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/matthew/26-44.htm">Using</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/3-25.htm">Able</a> <a href="/mark/3-26.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/luke/12-13.htm">Appealed</a> <a href="/mark/4-26.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/mark/9-18.htm">Drive</a> <a href="/mark/7-26.htm">Expel</a> <a href="/mark/4-2.htm">Figurative</a> <a href="/mark/4-2.htm">Form</a> <a href="/mark/3-31.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/mark/4-10.htm">Language</a> <a href="/mark/4-2.htm">Parables</a> <a href="/mark/8-4.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/mark/3-26.htm">Satan</a> <a href="/mark/4-2.htm">Similes</a> <a href="/mark/4-33.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/mark/4-13.htm">Story</a> <a href="/mark/6-7.htm">Summoned</a> <a href="/mark/5-30.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/mark/4-34.htm">Using</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/3-1.htm">Jesus heals the withered hand,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/3-10.htm">and many other infirmities;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/3-11.htm">rebukes the unclean spirit;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/3-13.htm">chooses his twelve apostles;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/3-22.htm">convinces the blasphemy of casting out demons by Beelzebub;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/3-31.htm">and shows who are his brother, sister, and mother.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/mark/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So Jesus called them together</b><br>In this context, Jesus is addressing the scribes and Pharisees who accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, another name for Satan. This gathering indicates a formal response to their accusations, emphasizing the importance of His teaching. Jesus often used gatherings to teach and correct misunderstandings, as seen in other instances like the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).<p><b>and began to speak to them in parables:</b><br>Parables are a hallmark of Jesus' teaching method, using simple stories to convey profound spiritual truths. They were accessible to those open to understanding but concealed from those who were hard-hearted. This method fulfilled the prophecy in <a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2</a>, "I will open my mouth in a parable." Parables also served to challenge the listeners to think deeply and reflect on their spiritual condition.<p><b>“How can Satan drive out Satan?</b><br>This rhetorical question highlights the absurdity of the accusation that Jesus was casting out demons by Satan's power. It underscores the logical inconsistency in the scribes' claim, as a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand (<a href="/mark/3-24.htm">Mark 3:24</a>). This statement also points to the spiritual warfare theme present throughout the Gospels, where Jesus' authority over demons demonstrates His divine power and the coming of God's kingdom. The question invites the audience to consider the true source of Jesus' power, aligning with His mission to destroy the works of the devil (1 <a href="/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the accusations made against Him by the scribes. He uses parables to teach and reveal truth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/scribes.htm">Scribes</a></b><br>Religious leaders who accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul (another name for Satan). They are skeptical of Jesus' authority and power.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/satan.htm">Satan</a></b><br>The adversary, representing evil and opposition to God's kingdom. Jesus uses Satan as a key figure in His parable to illustrate the absurdity of the scribes' accusations.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/parables.htm">Parables</a></b><br>A teaching method used by Jesus to convey deep spiritual truths through simple accounts or analogies. In this context, Jesus uses a parable to challenge the logic of the scribes' claims.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/crowd.htm">Crowd</a></b><br>The larger group of people present during this event, witnessing the interaction between Jesus and the scribes, and listening to Jesus' teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_parables.htm">Understanding Parables</a></b><br>Jesus uses parables to reveal truth to those willing to listen and to conceal it from those who are hard-hearted. We should approach parables with a heart open to understanding and applying their lessons.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_spiritual_matters.htm">Discernment in Spiritual Matters</a></b><br>The scribes' failure to recognize Jesus' divine authority highlights the need for spiritual discernment. Believers should seek wisdom and understanding through prayer and study of the Scriptures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_kingdom_of_god.htm">Unity in the Kingdom of God</a></b><br>Jesus' teaching emphasizes the importance of unity in God's kingdom. Believers are called to work together, not against each other, to advance God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_the_enemy.htm">Recognizing the Enemy</a></b><br>Jesus' parable reminds us that Satan is the true enemy. Believers should be vigilant in recognizing and resisting his schemes, standing firm in faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_jesus_over_evil.htm">The Power of Jesus Over Evil</a></b><br>Jesus' authority over demons demonstrates His power over all evil. Believers can trust in Jesus' victory and rely on His strength in spiritual battles.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'bind_the_strongman'_mean.htm">What does 'bind the strongman' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_events_in_jesus'_trials.htm">What were the key events in Jesus' trials?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_jesus_misquote_the_ot.htm">Why does Jesus misquote the Old Testament in some passages?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_a_divided_house_stand.htm">Can a divided house stand?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Said unto them in parables.</span>--The word is used in its wider sense, as including any form of argument from analogy more or less figurative. As in most reports of discourses as distinct from facts, St. Mark is somewhat briefer than St. Matthew.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/mark/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 23-27.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">How can Satan cast out Satan?</span> Observe here that our Lord distinctly affirms the personality of Satan, and a real kingdom of evil. But then he goes on to show that if this their allegation were true, namely, that he cast out devils by the prince or the devils, then it would follow that Satan's kingdom would be divided against itself. As a house divided against itself cannot stand, so neither could the kingdom of Satan exist in the world if one evil spirit was opposed to another for the purpose of dispossessing, the one the other, from the minds and bodies of men. Our Lord thus employs another argument to show that he casts out evil spirits, not by Beelzebub, but by the power of God. It is as though he said, "As he who invades the house of a strong man cannot succeed until he first binds the strong man; in like manner I, Christ Jesus, who spoil the kingdom of Satan, whilst I lead sinners who had been under his power to repentance and salvation, must first bind Satan himself, otherwise he would never suffer me to take his captives from him. Therefore he is my enemy, and not in league with me, not my ally in the casting out of evil spirits, as you falsely represent me to be. It behoves you, then, to understand that it is with the Spirit of God that I cast out devils, and that therefore the kingdom of God is come upon you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/mark/3-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">So</span><br /><span class="grk">Καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(Kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Jesus] called them together</span><br /><span class="grk">προσκαλεσάμενος</span> <span class="translit">(proskalesamenos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4341.htm">Strong's 4341: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call to myself, summon. Middle voice from pros and kaleo; to call toward oneself, i.e. Summon, invite.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] began to speak</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔλεγεν</span> <span class="translit">(elegen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to them</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(autois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">parables:</span><br /><span class="grk">παραβολαῖς</span> <span class="translit">(parabolais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3850.htm">Strong's 3850: </a> </span><span class="str2">From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“How</span><br /><span class="grk">Πῶς</span> <span class="translit">(Pōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> </span><span class="str2">Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can</span><br /><span class="grk">δύναται</span> <span class="translit">(dynatai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Satan</span><br /><span class="grk">Σατανᾶς</span> <span class="translit">(Satanas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4567.htm">Strong's 4567: </a> </span><span class="str2">An adversary, Satan. Of Chaldee origin corresponding to ma'bad; the accuser, i.e. The devil.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">drive out</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκβάλλειν</span> <span class="translit">(ekballein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1544.htm">Strong's 1544: </a> </span><span class="str2">To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Satan?</span><br /><span class="grk">Σατανᾶν</span> <span class="translit">(Satanan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4567.htm">Strong's 4567: </a> </span><span class="str2">An adversary, Satan. Of Chaldee origin corresponding to ma'bad; the accuser, i.e. The devil.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/3-23.htm">Mark 3:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/mark/3-23.htm">Mark 3:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/mark/3-23.htm">Mark 3:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/mark/3-23.htm">Mark 3:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/mark/3-23.htm">Mark 3:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/3-23.htm">Mark 3:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/3-23.htm">Mark 3:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/3-23.htm">Mark 3:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/mark/3-23.htm">Mark 3:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/mark/3-23.htm">Mark 3:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/mark/3-23.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 3:23 He summoned them and said to them (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/3-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 3:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 3:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/3-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 3:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 3:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>