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Matthew 12:26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?
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How then can his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And if Satan is casting out Satan, he has become divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If Satan casts out Satan [that is, his demons], he has become divided against himself <i>and</i> disunited; how then will his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So if Satan fights against himself, how can his kingdom last? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If Satan forces Satan out, he is divided against himself. How, then, can his kingdom last?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So if one group is fighting another in Satan's kingdom, this means that it is already divided into groups and will soon fall apart! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So if Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How, then, can his kingdom stand? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And if Satan is expelling Satan, he has begun to make war on himself: how therefore shall his kingdom last?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and if Satan casts out Satan, against himself he was divided, how then does his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and if the Adversary doth cast out the Adversary, against himself he was divided, how then doth his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And if Satan casts out Satan, he was divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself: how then shall his kingdom stand? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />So if Satan casts out Satan, then he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />And if Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself; how, then, will his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And if Satan cast out Satan. he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And if Satan casts out Satan, he has been divided against himself; how therefore will his Kingdom stand?<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />so if Satan cast out Satan; he is divided against himself; how then can his kingdom subsist?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />if satan expels satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom last?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And if Satan is expelling Satan, he has begun to make war on himself: how therefore shall his kingdom last?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>And, if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how, then, shall his kingdom stand<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/12-26.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/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3202" 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/matthew/12.htm">A House Divided</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">25</span>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. <span class="reftext">26</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></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: ekballei (V-PIA-3S) -- To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.">drives out</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></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> <a href="/greek/3307.htm" title="3307: emeristhē (V-AIP-3S) -- From meros; to part, i.e. to apportion, bestow, share, or to disunite, differ.">he is divided</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: eph’ (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">against</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heauton (RefPro-AM3S) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">himself.</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/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">then</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">can his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/932.htm" title="932: basileia (N-NFS) -- From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.">kingdom</a> <a href="/greek/2476.htm" title="2476: stathēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.">stand?</a> </span> <span class="reftext">27</span>And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.…<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="/mark/3-23.htm">Mark 3:23-27</a></span><br />So Jesus called them together and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? / If a kingdom is divided against itself, it cannot stand. / If a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-17.htm">Luke 11:17-22</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. / And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. ...<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="/2_corinthians/6-15.htm">2 Corinthians 6:15</a></span><br />What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?<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="/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2-3</a></span><br />He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. / And he threw him into the Abyss, shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were complete. After that, he must be released for a brief period of time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a></span><br />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="/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="/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="/colossians/1-13.htm">Colossians 1:13</a></span><br />He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,<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="/job/1-6.htm">Job 1:6-12</a></span><br />One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. / “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” / Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/3-1.htm">Zechariah 3:1-2</a></span><br />Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?</p><p class="hdg">his.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/12-31.htm">John 12:31</a></b></br> Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/14-30.htm">John 14:30</a></b></br> Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/16-11.htm">John 16:11</a></b></br> Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/micah/6-13.htm">Begun</a> <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/matthew/9-34.htm">Casteth</a> <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">Casts</a> <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">Drives</a> <a href="/acts/18-2.htm">Expelling</a> <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/8-21.htm">Last</a> <a href="/matthew/7-10.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/matthew/4-10.htm">Satan</a> <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">Sends</a> <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Subsist</a> <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/16-23.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/matthew/14-30.htm">Begun</a> <a href="/matthew/12-27.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/mark/3-22.htm">Casteth</a> <a href="/mark/3-22.htm">Casts</a> <a href="/matthew/27-35.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/mark/1-12.htm">Drives</a> <a href="/mark/1-39.htm">Expelling</a> <a href="/matthew/12-28.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/12-45.htm">Last</a> <a href="/matthew/15-11.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/matthew/13-39.htm">Satan</a> <a href="/mark/3-22.htm">Sends</a> <a href="/matthew/12-41.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/mark/3-24.htm">Subsist</a> <a href="/mark/3-24.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">by scripture,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-9.htm">by reason,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-13.htm">and by a miracle.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Account shall be made of idle words.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">46. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-46.htm">and shows who is 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'; 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The logic presented here is that it would be counterproductive for Satan to expel his own forces, as it would weaken his dominion. This reflects the broader biblical theme of spiritual warfare, where the kingdom of darkness is in opposition to the kingdom of God. The idea of a house divided is a common theme in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of unity and the futility of internal conflict.<p><b>he is divided against himself.</b><br>The concept of division within a kingdom or house is used to illustrate the impossibility of sustaining power and authority when internal strife exists. This principle is echoed in other biblical passages, such as <a href="/mark/3-24.htm">Mark 3:24-25</a> and <a href="/luke/11-17.htm">Luke 11:17</a>, where Jesus uses similar language to convey the same message. Theologically, this underscores the unity and coherence of God's kingdom in contrast to the chaos and disorder of Satan's realm.<p><b>How then can his kingdom stand?</b><br>This rhetorical question highlights the logical inconsistency in the Pharisees' accusation. If Satan were to undermine his own efforts, his kingdom would inevitably collapse. This statement also serves to affirm the strength and stability of God's kingdom, which is built on truth and righteousness. The imagery of a kingdom standing or falling is prevalent in biblical prophecy, such as in <a href="/daniel/2-44.htm">Daniel 2:44</a>, where God's eternal kingdom is contrasted with the transient nature of earthly kingdoms. This phrase ultimately points to the triumph of Christ over the forces of evil, a theme central to the New Testament narrative.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and the crowd, teaching about the nature of His power and authority.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/satan.htm">Satan</a></b><br>Referred to as the adversary, Satan is depicted as the ruler of a kingdom that is inherently divided and self-destructive.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a></b><br>A religious group in Israel known for their strict adherence to the Law. They accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul (another name for Satan).<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/beelzebul.htm">Beelzebul</a></b><br>A name used for Satan, suggesting a demonic power or prince of demons.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_kingdom_of_satan.htm">The Kingdom of Satan</a></b><br>Represents the realm of evil and opposition to God's kingdom, characterized by division and chaos.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_god's_kingdom.htm">Unity in God's Kingdom</a></b><br>Jesus emphasizes that His power comes from God, not from a divided kingdom like Satan's. Believers are called to unity in Christ, reflecting the harmony and strength of God's kingdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_of_spiritual_authority.htm">Discernment of Spiritual Authority</a></b><br>Christians must discern the source of spiritual power and authority. True power comes from God and aligns with His character and purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_division.htm">The Futility of Division</a></b><br>Division leads to destruction. In families, churches, and communities, unity is essential for strength and effectiveness in advancing God's kingdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_the_enemy's_tactics.htm">Recognizing the Enemy's Tactics</a></b><br>Satan's kingdom is marked by division and deceit. Believers should be aware of these tactics and stand firm in truth and unity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_christ_over_evil.htm">The Power of Christ Over Evil</a></b><br>Jesus' authority over demons demonstrates His supremacy over evil. Believers can trust in His power to overcome spiritual darkness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_angels.htm">What does the Bible say about angels?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_jesus_pray_to_avoid_crucifixion.htm">Did Jesus pray to The Father to prevent the crucifixion? Yes. (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42) No. (John 12:27)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_satan_show_jesus_all_kingdoms_instantly.htm">Did Satan literally show Jesus 'all the kingdoms of the world' in an instant (Luke 4:5)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_god's_workmanship.htm">Who was Zebulun in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) <span class= "bld">If Satan cast out Satan.</span>--In the Greek the name has the article in both places, as pointing to the one great adversary. It is not that one Satan casts out another, but that he, on the assumption of the Pharisees, casts out himself. Satan is not personally identified with the demon, the deaf or dumb spirit, that had possessed the man, but the language implies that where evil enters into the soul, Satan enters also. (Comp. <a href="/john/13-27.htm" title="And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus to him, That you do, do quickly.">John 13:27</a>.) There is, as it were, a seeming ubiquity, a <span class= "ital">solidarite,</span> in the power of evil, as there is admittedly in the sovereign power of good.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 26.</span> <span class="cmt_word">- And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then.</span> The transposition in the Revised Version to <span class="accented">how then shall</span> brings out more distinctly the fact that <span class="accented">then</span> is not temporal, but argumentative (<span class="greek">οϋν</span>.). <span class="cmt_word">His kingdom stand?</span> To De Wette's objection that Satan might perhaps do such a thing once so as to gain in other ways, Meyer answers that our Lord is referring to the <span class="accented">practice</span> of casting out devils, which, as such, is certainly directed against Satan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/12-26.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">If</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰ</span> <span class="translit">(ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</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">drives out</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκβάλλει</span> <span class="translit">(ekballei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<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 /><br /><span class="word">he is divided</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐμερίσθη</span> <span class="translit">(emeristhē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3307.htm">Strong's 3307: </a> </span><span class="str2">From meros; to part, i.e. to apportion, bestow, share, or to disunite, differ.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐφ’</span> <span class="translit">(eph’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> </span><span class="str2">On, to, against, on the basis of, at. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">himself.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑαυτὸν</span> <span class="translit">(heauton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> </span><span class="str2">Himself, herself, itself. </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">then</span><br /><span class="grk">οὖν</span> <span class="translit">(oun)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> </span><span class="str2">Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">{can} his</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<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">kingdom</span><br /><span class="grk">βασιλεία</span> <span class="translit">(basileia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_932.htm">Strong's 932: </a> </span><span class="str2">From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stand?</span><br /><span class="grk">σταθήσεται</span> <span class="translit">(stathēsetai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2476.htm">Strong's 2476: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/12-26.htm">Matthew 12:26 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/12-26.htm">Matthew 12:26 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/12-26.htm">Matthew 12:26 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/12-26.htm">Matthew 12:26 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/12-26.htm">Matthew 12:26 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/12-26.htm">Matthew 12:26 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/12-26.htm">Matthew 12:26 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/12-26.htm">Matthew 12:26 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/12-26.htm">Matthew 12:26 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/12-26.htm">Matthew 12:26 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/12-26.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 12:26 If Satan casts out Satan he (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/12-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 12:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/12-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 12:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:27" /></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>