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class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/12.htm">New International Version</a> But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/nlt/matthew/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. <a href="/esv/matthew/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/kjv/matthew/12.htm">King James Bible</a> But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/12.htm">New King James Version</a> But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But if I cast out the demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/nasb/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/lsb/matthew/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/amp/matthew/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you [before you expected it]. <a href="/csb/matthew/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. <a href="/asv/matthew/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you. <a href="/cev/matthew/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But when I force out demons by the power of God's Spirit, it proves that God's kingdom has already come to you. <a href="/erv/matthew/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> But if I by the Spirit of God cast out devils, then is the kingdom of God come upon you. <a href="/gwt/matthew/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But if I force demons out with the help of God's Spirit, then the kingdom of God has come to you. <a href="/gnt/matthew/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> No, it is not Beelzebul, but God's Spirit, who gives me the power to drive out demons, which proves that the Kingdom of God has already come upon you. <a href="/isv/matthew/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. <a href="/msb/matthew/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/net/matthew/12.htm">NET Bible</a> But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has already overtaken you. <a href="/nheb/matthew/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/wbt/matthew/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come to you. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But if it is by the power of the Spirit of God that I expel the demons, it is evident that the Kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/web/matthew/12.htm">World English Bible</a> But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then God’s Kingdom has come upon you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> But if I, by the Spirit of God, cast out the demons, then the Kingdom of God has already come to you. <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/ylt/matthew/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'But if I, by the Spirit of God, do cast out the demons, then come already unto you did the reign of God. <a href="/slt/matthew/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But if I, by the Spirit of God, cast out demons, the kingdom of God has come before hand upon you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But if I by the Spirit of God cast out devils, then is the kingdom of God come upon you. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has arrived among you. <a href="/nabre/matthew/12.htm">New American Bible</a> But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come near to you. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And if I am casting out demons by The Spirit of God, the Kingdom of God has come near to you.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has already come upon you. <a href="/godbey/matthew/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But if I through the Spirit of God cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come nigh unto you.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But if I by the Spirit of God cast out the devils, then truly the kingdom of God is come unto you. <a href="/mace/matthew/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but if I exorcize devils by the spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is set up among you. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But if it is by the power of the Spirit of God that I expel the demons, it is evident that the Kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/worrell/matthew/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>But, if I by the Spirit of God cast out the demons, then the Kingdom of God came upon you unexpectedly.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>but if I by the Spirit of God cast out devils, <Fr>then<FR> certainly the kingdom of God is come unto you.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/12-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3219" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">A House Divided</a> …27And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</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/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/1544.htm" title="1544: ekballō (V-PIA-1S) -- To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.">drive out</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1140.htm" title="1140: daimonia (N-ANP) -- An evil-spirit, demon; a heathen deity. Neuter of a derivative of daimon; a d?Monic being; by extension a deity.">demons</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.">by</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneumati (N-DNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">the Spirit</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God,</a> <a href="/greek/686.htm" title="686: ara (Conj) -- Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.">then</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.">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/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God</a> <a href="/greek/5348.htm" title="5348: ephthasen (V-AIA-3S) -- Apparently a primary verb; to be beforehand, i.e. Anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at.">has come</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: eph’ (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">upon</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you. </a> 29Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/11-20.htm">Luke 11:20</a> But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/mark/3-27.htm">Mark 3:27</a> Indeed, no one can enter a strong man’s house to steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house. <a href="/matthew/10-7.htm">Matthew 10:7-8</a> As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ / Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Matthew 4:17</a> From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” <a href="/luke/10-9.htm">Luke 10:9</a> Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’ <a href="/john/3-5.htm">John 3:5</a> Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. <a href="/romans/14-17.htm">Romans 14:17</a> For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-20.htm">1 Corinthians 4:20</a> For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. <a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Colossians 1:13</a> He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, <a href="/hebrews/2-4.htm">Hebrews 2:4</a> and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will. <a href="/acts/10-38.htm">Acts 10:38</a> how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him. <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a> The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, <a href="/daniel/2-44.htm">Daniel 2:44</a> In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever. <a href="/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19</a> “This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a> The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come to you.I cast.<a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Matthew 12:18</a> Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.<a href="/mark/16-17.htm">Mark 16:17</a> And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;<a href="/luke/11-20.htm">Luke 11:20</a> But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.then.<a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a> But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.<a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Matthew 21:31,43</a> Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you… <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6,7</a> For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Already</a> <a href="/matthew/12-27.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/matthew/12-27.htm">Demons</a> <a href="/matthew/12-27.htm">Devils</a> <a href="/matthew/12-27.htm">Drive</a> <a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Evident</a> <a href="/matthew/12-27.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/12-27.htm">Expel</a> <a href="/matthew/10-13.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/matthew/12-26.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/12-27.htm">Power</a> <a href="/matthew/11-12.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/matthew/12-27.htm">Spirits</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/14-15.htm">Already</a> <a href="/matthew/13-42.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/mark/1-32.htm">Demons</a> <a href="/mark/1-32.htm">Devils</a> <a href="/matthew/17-19.htm">Drive</a> <a href="/matthew/13-26.htm">Evident</a> <a href="/matthew/12-31.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/17-19.htm">Expel</a> <a href="/matthew/12-29.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/matthew/13-11.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/13-54.htm">Power</a> <a href="/matthew/13-11.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/12-31.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/matthew/12-45.htm">Spirits</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 12</div>1. <a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">by scripture,</a> 9. <a href="/matthew/12-9.htm">by reason,</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/12-13.htm">and by a miracle.</a> 22. <a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute;</a> 24. <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub, </a> 32. <a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven.</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Account shall be made of idle words.</a> 38. <a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign,</a> 46. <a href="/matthew/12-46.htm">and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/matthew/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God This phrase highlights Jesus' authority over demonic forces, emphasizing His divine power. The act of driving out demons is a testament to His messianic role, fulfilling prophecies such as <a href="/isaiah/61.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a>, which speaks of liberation and healing. The mention of the "Spirit of God" indicates the divine source of Jesus' power, contrasting with accusations that He operated by demonic influence (<a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">Matthew 12:24</a>). This aligns with the Trinitarian understanding of God, where the Holy Spirit empowers Jesus' earthly ministry (<a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a>).then the kingdom of God has come upon you This statement signifies the inauguration of God's kingdom through Jesus' ministry. The presence of the kingdom is evidenced by the defeat of evil and the restoration of God's order. This reflects Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/daniel/2-44.htm">Daniel 2:44</a>, which foretells a divine kingdom that will crush all others. The phrase "has come upon you" suggests an unexpected arrival, challenging the Jewish expectation of a political kingdom. Instead, Jesus introduces a spiritual reign, marked by righteousness and divine authority, as seen in His miracles and teachings (<a href="/luke/17-20.htm">Luke 17:20-21</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and the crowd, asserting His divine authority and the presence of God's kingdom. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a> A religious group in Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law. They challenge Jesus, accusing Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul. 3. <a href="/topical/d/demons.htm">Demons</a> Spiritual beings opposed to God, which Jesus is casting out, demonstrating His authority over evil. 4. <a href="/topical/s/spirit_of_god.htm">Spirit of God</a> Refers to the Holy Spirit, through whom Jesus performs miracles, signifying divine power and presence. 5. <a href="/topical/k/kingdom_of_god.htm">Kingdom of God</a> The reign and rule of God, which Jesus declares has arrived with His ministry and the casting out of demons.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/authority_of_jesus.htm">Authority of Jesus</a> Jesus' ability to cast out demons by the Spirit of God confirms His divine authority and identity as the Messiah. Believers can trust in His power over evil. <a href="/topical/p/presence_of_the_kingdom.htm">Presence of the Kingdom</a> The kingdom of God is not just a future hope but a present reality inaugurated by Jesus. Christians are called to live as citizens of this kingdom now. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit empowers believers to continue Jesus' work on earth. We should seek the Spirit's guidance and strength in our daily lives. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_of_spiritual_realities.htm">Discernment of Spiritual Realities</a> Just as the Pharisees failed to recognize God's work, we must be spiritually discerning to see God's hand in our world today. <a href="/topical/v/victory_over_evil.htm">Victory over Evil</a> Jesus' victory over demons assures us of His ultimate victory over all evil. We can live confidently, knowing that evil will not prevail.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12</a> <a href="/q/which_bible_verses_support_exorcism.htm">What Bible verses support Christian exorcism practices?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_power_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">What is the power of the Holy Spirit?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_the_spiritual_realm.htm">What defines the spiritual realm?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_realized_eschatology.htm">What is the concept of Realized Eschatology?</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>(28) By the Spirit of God.--In <a href="/luke/11-20.htm" title="But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come on you.">Luke 11:20</a> we have as an equivalent phrase, "the finger of God." So in Old Testament language the fulness of the prophet's inspiration was expressed in the words, "the hand of the Lord was strong upon me" (<a href="/ezekiel/3-14.htm" title="So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong on me.">Ezekiel 3:14</a>). The second hymn in the Ordination Service reproduces the symbolism in the words addressed to the Holy Spirit--"In faithful hearts thou writ'st thy law,The finger of God's hand;"and it obviously connects itself with the older language which describes the Ten Commandments as written on the two tables of stone with "the finger of God" (<a href="/exodus/31-18.htm" title="And he gave to Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him on mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.">Exodus 31:18</a>).Then the kingdom of God is come unto you.--The word describes a coming suddenly, unlooked for, sooner than men expected. The argument may be briefly formulated thus:--The work was confessedly superhuman, either from the power of Satan or that of God, but the former hypothesis was excluded by the reasoning of <a href="/context/matthew/12-25.htm" title="And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:">Matthew 12:25-27</a>; the latter was therefore the only explanation. But if so, if Jesus gave proof that He was thus filled with the power of the Spirit to heal and save, then He was what He claimed to be, the Head of the divine kingdom. That kingdom had burst upon men unawares. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 28. - The argument continues: "But if this be so (I say nothing about your disciples, but speak only of my own works) - if I really cast out devils by God's help, this shows such a strange putting forth of God's strength that it can mean nothing else but the coming of the Messianic kingdom." Observe that this could not be affirmed from the success of the Pharisees' disciples, for with them expulsion of devils, even if it were real, was, as it were, accidental, standing in no close connexion with their work (cf. <a href="/matthew/7-22.htm">Matthew 7:22</a>, note). Besides, they did not, as our Lord did, claim to be the Messiah, and to inaugurate the kingdom. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God; but if I by the Spirit of God, etc. (Revised Version). The chief emphasis lies on by the Spirit of God, and there is a secondary emphasis on J, as compared with "your sons." Observe the absence of the article in ἐν πνεύματι Θεοῦ; contrast vers. 31, 32, and comp. <a href="/matthew/1-18.htm">Matthew 1:18</a>, note. Luke has, "by the finger of God," a term used to designate God's power as put forth upon nature (<a href="/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19</a>; <a href="/exodus/31-18.htm">Exodus 31:18</a>; cf. <a href="/psalms/8-3.htm">Psalm 8:3</a>). Then. Little as you think it (ἄρα); cf. <a href="/luke/11-48.htm">Luke 11:48</a>. The kingdom of God. In contrast to Satan's kingdom (ver. 26). Is come (ἔφθασαεν: praevenit, Codex Brixianus; cf. Wordsworth and White's Vulgate). This may mean (1) it has come sooner than you expected, it has got the start of you (cf. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:15</a>); or (2) it has actually come as far as you, it has arrived. This latter sense seems to be more in accordance with Hellenistic usage (cf. <a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Philippians 3:16</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-16.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:16</a>). Unto you; upon you (Revised Version), ἐφ ὑμᾶς. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/12-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. if εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. drive out ἐκβάλλω (ekballō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1544.htm">Strong's 1544: </a> To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject. demons δαιμόνια (daimonia) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1140.htm">Strong's 1140: </a> An evil-spirit, demon; a heathen deity. Neuter of a derivative of daimon; a d?Monic being; by extension a deity. by ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] Spirit Πνεύματι (Pneumati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. of God, Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. then ἄρα (ara) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_686.htm">Strong's 686: </a> Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. kingdom βασιλεία (basileia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_932.htm">Strong's 932: </a> From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm. of God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. has come ἔφθασεν (ephthasen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5348.htm">Strong's 5348: </a> Apparently a primary verb; to be beforehand, i.e. Anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at. upon ἐφ’ (eph’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. you. ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/12-28.htm">Matthew 12:28 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/12-28.htm">Matthew 12:28 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/12-28.htm">Matthew 12:28 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/12-28.htm">Matthew 12:28 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/12-28.htm">Matthew 12:28 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/12-28.htm">Matthew 12:28 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/12-28.htm">Matthew 12:28 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/12-28.htm">Matthew 12:28 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/12-28.htm">Matthew 12:28 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/12-28.htm">Matthew 12:28 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/12-28.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 12:28 But if I by the Spirit (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/12-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 12:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/12-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 12:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:29" /></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>