Luke 11:15

But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.

But {G1161} some {G5100} of {G1537} them {G846} said {G2036}, He casteth out {G1544} devils {G1140} through {G1722} Beelzebub {G954} the chief {G758} of the devils {G1140}.

But some of them said, “It is by Ba‘al-Zibbul” — the ruler of the demons — “that he expels the demons.”

but some of them said, “It is by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons, that He drives out demons.”

But some of them said, By Beelzebub the prince of the demons casteth he out demons.

Context

Luke 11:15 occurs immediately after Jesus miraculously casts out a demon that had caused a man to be mute. The crowd marvels at this display of divine power. However, "some of them" – likely referring to the scribes and Pharisees, who frequently opposed Jesus – offer a malicious and illogical explanation for His authority. Instead of acknowledging the divine source of His power, they accuse Him of being in league with the very forces He is conquering, specifically attributing His power to Beelzebub, the chief of the devils.

Key Themes

  • Opposition to Christ: This verse highlights the deep-seated spiritual and intellectual blindness of those who rejected Jesus. Despite witnessing undeniable miracles, they chose to attribute His good works to evil, demonstrating a deliberate refusal to believe.
  • Spiritual Warfare: The passage underscores the reality of demonic influence and Jesus' supreme authority over it. The accusation itself acknowledges the existence of a spiritual realm and a hierarchy within evil forces, even as it misrepresents Jesus' role.
  • The Nature of Blasphemy: Attributing the work of God's Spirit to Satan was a grave accusation, bordering on what Jesus later describes as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. It represents a willful rejection of God's light and truth.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Beelzebub" (Greek: Beelzeboul) is a significant term here. It is likely derived from "Baal-zebub," the god of Ekron mentioned in 2 Kings 1:2. While "Baal-zebub" means "lord of the flies," the variant "Beelzebub" might be a derogatory play on words, possibly meaning "lord of the dwelling" or "lord of dung," effectively reducing a pagan deity to a demonic figure. In the New Testament, it clearly refers to Satan himself or a chief demon, signifying the ultimate source of evil power. The accusers are essentially claiming Jesus is an agent of Satan.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that not all reactions to God's work will be positive. Even undeniable good can be twisted and maligned by those with hardened hearts or vested interests. For believers today, it highlights the importance of discerning the true source of spiritual power and being wary of those who intentionally misrepresent truth. It also reinforces the assurance that Jesus' authority over evil is absolute, a comfort for those facing spiritual battles. Just as Jesus powerfully refuted this accusation, we are called to stand firm in the truth of His identity and work.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 9:34

    But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

  • John 8:52

    Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

  • Matthew 10:25

    It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more [shall they call] them of his household?

  • John 7:20

    The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?

  • Matthew 12:24

    But when the Pharisees heard [it], they said, This [fellow] doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

  • Matthew 12:30

    He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

  • Mark 3:22

    ¶ And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

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