Luke 11:19

KJV

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast [them] out? therefore shall they be your judges.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} if {G1487} I {G1473} by {G1722} Beelzebub {G954} cast out {G1544} devils {G1140}, by {G1722} whom {G5101} do {G1544} your {G5216} sons {G5207} cast them out {G1544}? therefore {G1223}{G5124} shall they {G846} be {G2071} your {G5216} judges {G2923}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If I drive out demons by Ba‘al-Zibbul, by whom do your people drive them out? So, they will be your judges!

Berean Standard Bible

And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.

American Standard Version

And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Jesus masterfully counters the baseless accusation that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons. Through a pointed rhetorical question, He exposes the profound hypocrisy and logical inconsistency of His accusers, turning their own accepted practices against them and declaring that their "sons"—likely referring to contemporary Jewish exorcists—will serve as judges, implicitly condemning their malicious and unfounded charges. This verse highlights Jesus' divine authority and His unwavering commitment to revealing truth in the face of spiritual blindness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a crucial section in [Luke's Gospel](/luke/11 "Luke 11 - The Lord's Prayer and Jesus' Authority") where Jesus' authority is directly challenged. Immediately preceding [Luke 11:19](/luke/11-19 "Luke 11:19 - Jesus' Defense Against Accusations"), Jesus has just performed a powerful exorcism, casting out a demon that caused muteness, thereby enabling the man to speak ([Luke 11:14](/luke/11-14 "Luke 11:14 - Jesus Casts Out a Mute Demon")). While some marvel, others, particularly the religious elite, accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the ruler of demons ([Luke 11:15](/luke/11-15 "Luke 11:15 - Accusations Against Jesus")). Jesus first refutes this by pointing out the absurdity of Satan casting out his own demons, as a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand ([Luke 11:17-18](/luke/11-17-18 "Luke 11:17-18 - A Kingdom Divided")). [Luke 11:19](/luke/11-19 "Luke 11:19 - Jesus' Defense Against Accusations") then serves as a direct, unanswerable challenge, using their own practices to highlight their inconsistency. The argument culminates in [Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Finger of God"), where Jesus declares that His exorcisms are evidence of the Kingdom of God having come upon them.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, exorcism was a recognized, albeit uncommon, practice. There were Jewish exorcists who claimed to cast out demons, sometimes invoking the name of Solomon or other revered figures. The term "your sons" in [Luke 11:19](/luke/11-19 "Luke 11:19 - Jesus' Defense Against Accusations") likely refers to these Jewish exorcists who were known and accepted within their community. The accusation against Jesus, that He operated by "Beelzebub," was a grave one. "Beelzebub" (or Beelzebul) was a derogatory name for Satan, possibly derived from "Baal-zebub," the Philistine god of Ekron, meaning "lord of flies" ([2_kings/1-2](/2-kings/1-2 "2 Kings 1:2 - Ahaziah Inquires of Baal-zebub")). By associating Jesus with this name, His opponents sought to discredit Him entirely, not just as a false prophet, but as an agent of ultimate evil, thereby justifying their rejection and eventual persecution of Him. This accusation also reveals the deep-seated spiritual blindness and malice of those who, despite witnessing undeniable miracles, chose to attribute God's work to Satan.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 11:19](/luke/11-19 "Luke 11:19 - Jesus' Defense Against Accusations") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Exposing Hypocrisy**. Jesus consistently challenges the religious leaders' inconsistency, especially their tendency to apply one standard to themselves and another, harsher one to Him. Here, He forces them to confront the illogical nature of their accusation, as they accepted exorcisms performed by their own people but condemned His. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Divine Authority of Jesus** over demonic forces. Despite the malicious accusations, Jesus' ability to cast out demons demonstrates His unique power, which is clearly from God, not from evil. This sets the stage for His declaration in [Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Finger of God") that His works are proof of the Kingdom of God's arrival. Finally, it introduces the theme of **Judgment and Accountability**. The phrase "therefore shall they be your judges" serves as a stark warning. Their own accepted practices and the very people they acknowledged as legitimate exorcists would stand as witnesses against their false accusations, implying an inevitable divine judgment for their spiritual blindness and opposition to God's work. This echoes the broader theme of judgment that runs through Jesus' teachings, particularly for those who reject the truth He embodies ([Luke/10-12-16](/luke/10-12-16 "Luke 10:12-16 - Woes to Unrepentant Cities")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beelzebub (Greek, _Beelzeboúl'_):** This term, derived from Chaldee origin and possibly a parody of "Baal-zebub," denotes a "dung-god" and is used as a name for Satan or a chief demon. In the context of [Luke 11:19](/luke/11-19 "Luke 11:19 - Jesus' Defense Against Accusations"), the accusers use this name to associate Jesus' miraculous power directly with the most vile and unclean spiritual forces, aiming to utterly discredit His ministry and divine authority by claiming He is an agent of evil.
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** From _ek_ (out) and _bállō_ (to throw), this verb literally means "to eject" or "to drive out." It is used here to describe the act of expelling demons. Jesus' use of this term in relation to "your sons" implies that the accusers themselves acknowledged the reality and legitimacy of certain exorcisms, making their accusation against Jesus logically inconsistent and hypocritical.
* **judges (Greek, _kritḗs'_):** Derived from _krínō_ (to judge), this noun refers to one who judges or decides. In this verse, Jesus declares that "your sons" (the Jewish exorcists) will be the "judges" of His accusers. This is a powerful statement implying that the very people and practices accepted by the accusers will stand as a testament against their false and malicious charges, ultimately condemning them by their own standards.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils,"**: Jesus begins with a conditional clause, not conceding the premise but using it to expose the absurdity of their accusation. He directly addresses the charge that His power to expel demons originates from Beelzebub, the chief of demons. This sets up the logical dilemma for His accusers.
* **"by whom do your sons cast [them] out?"**: This is the core of Jesus' counter-argument and a potent rhetorical question. He challenges His accusers to apply their own logic consistently. If His exorcisms are demonic, then by what power do their own accepted Jewish exorcists ("your sons") perform similar acts? This question highlights their blatant hypocrisy and inconsistent application of judgment.
* **"therefore shall they be your judges."**: This concluding statement delivers the powerful verdict. The "sons" (Jewish exorcists) whom the accusers implicitly or explicitly acknowledged as legitimate will, by their very existence and practice, serve as witnesses or "judges" against the accusers. Their own accepted reality will condemn their rejection of Jesus, demonstrating that their accusation is born not of truth, but of malice and spiritual blindness.

#### Literary Devices
[Luke 11:19](/luke/11-19 "Luke 11:19 - Jesus' Defense Against Accusations") is rich with literary devices that amplify Jesus' powerful rebuttal. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question**, "by whom do your sons cast [them] out?" This question is not posed to elicit an answer, but to make a forceful point, exposing the logical fallacy and hypocrisy of His accusers. It's a form of **_Argumentum ad Hominem_** in the sense that Jesus turns their own accepted practices and associations ("your sons") back on them, demonstrating the inconsistency of their position. There's also profound **Irony** at play: those who claim to be spiritually discerning are shown to be spiritually blind, and their own "sons" will, in effect, condemn them. This also contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the ultimate judgment for rejecting Jesus and His divine authority is subtly hinted at, where their own actions and beliefs will serve as their condemnation. The entire exchange showcases Jesus' intellectual prowess and His ability to dismantle false accusations with incisive logic.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Luke 11:19](/luke/11-19 "Luke 11:19 - Jesus' Defense Against Accusations") is a profound theological statement on the nature of spiritual authority, the discerning of spirits, and the consequences of rejecting divine truth. It underscores that true spiritual power, especially that which brings liberation from evil, originates from God. The accusers' inability or unwillingness to recognize this divine source, instead attributing it to Satan, reveals a deep spiritual blindness and a hardened heart. This passage implicitly teaches that genuine spiritual discernment is not about superficial observation or prejudiced judgment, but about recognizing the fruit of God's Spirit—healing, freedom, and the advancement of His Kingdom. To attribute God's work to the enemy is not merely a mistake in judgment, but a grave offense that places one in direct opposition to God Himself, leading to self-condemnation.

* [Matthew 7:1-5](/matthew/7-1-5 "Matthew 7:1-5 - Judging Others") - Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment, urging self-examination before critiquing others.
* [John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - Jesus Confronts the Jews") - Jesus identifies the devil as a liar and the father of lies, highlighting the source of the malicious accusations against Him.
* [Acts 19:13-16](/acts/19-13-16 "Acts 19:13-16 - The Sons of Sceva") - This passage illustrates the dangers and ineffectiveness of attempting to cast out demons without genuine divine authority, contrasting sharply with Jesus' power.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Luke 11:19](/luke/11-19 "Luke 11:19 - Jesus' Defense Against Accusations") serves as a powerful mirror for self-reflection, urging us to examine the source of our judgments and the consistency of our spiritual walk. In a world quick to label and condemn, Jesus' response calls us to a higher standard of discernment, rooted in truth and humility rather than prejudice or self-interest. It reminds us that spiritual blindness can manifest not only in outright rejection of God but also in attributing His good work to evil, or in applying inconsistent standards to others versus ourselves. We are challenged to cultivate a heart that is open to recognizing God's activity, even when it defies our expectations or challenges our preconceived notions. Furthermore, it warns against the spiritual danger of slander and false accusations, which ultimately recoil upon the accuser, revealing their own spiritual state. Our words and judgments have eternal consequences, and we are called to align them with God's truth and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to hypocritical judgment, applying one standard to others and another to myself?**
* **How can I better discern the true source of spiritual power and activity, ensuring I do not attribute God's work to evil or vice versa?**
* **What prejudices or preconceived notions might prevent me from recognizing God's work in unexpected ways or through unexpected people?**
* **How does Jesus' sharp, logical defense inspire me to stand for truth in a world that often distorts it?**

### FAQ

**Who are "your sons" mentioned in Luke 11:19?**

Answer: "Your sons" (KJV) or "your own people" (NIV) most likely refers to contemporary Jewish exorcists. In the first century, there were individuals within Jewish society who claimed to cast out demons, often by invoking the name of Solomon or other revered figures. Jesus' accusers, the Pharisees and scribes, would have been aware of and likely accepted the legitimacy of these exorcists within their own tradition. By referencing them, Jesus turns their own accepted practices against them, highlighting the inconsistency of their accusation that His exorcisms were demonic. If their own people cast out demons, by what power did they do so? This question exposes their hypocrisy.

**What is Beelzebub, and why is it significant that Jesus was accused of working by his power?**

Answer: Beelzebub (or Beelzebul) is a derogatory name for Satan, or the chief of demons. It is likely a corruption or intentional distortion of "Baal-zebub," a Philistine deity worshipped in Ekron, meaning "lord of flies" ([2_kings/1-2](/2-kings/1-2 "2 Kings 1:2 - Ahaziah Inquires of Baal-zebub")). By accusing Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebub's power, His opponents were making the gravest possible charge: that He was an agent of ultimate evil, performing miracles not by divine power but by satanic collusion. This accusation was designed to utterly discredit His ministry, blaspheme the Holy Spirit (as Jesus implies in [Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - The Unforgivable Sin")), and justify their rejection of Him as a false prophet or even a demon-possessed individual.

**Why does Jesus say "therefore shall they be your judges"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful declaration of judgment. Jesus is asserting that the very Jewish exorcists whom His accusers acknowledged as legitimate will serve as witnesses against them. If these "sons" cast out demons by God's power (which the accusers presumably believed), then Jesus' own, far more powerful and consistent exorcisms, must also be by God's power. Therefore, the accusers' willingness to accept the exorcisms of their "sons" while condemning Jesus' demonstrates their spiritual blindness, prejudice, and hypocrisy. Their own accepted standards and practices will, in effect, condemn them, revealing their opposition to God's work rather than a genuine concern for truth. It implies that their judgment of Jesus will ultimately be turned back upon themselves.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Luke 11:19](/luke/11-19 "Luke 11:19 - Jesus' Defense Against Accusations"), though a defensive argument, powerfully points to Jesus as the Christ, the one who fulfills God's redemptive plan. His ability to cast out demons, unlike the limited and often inconsistent efforts of contemporary exorcists, demonstrates His unique and absolute authority over the kingdom of darkness. This authority is not merely a display of power, but a tangible sign that the Kingdom of God has indeed "come upon them" ([Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Finger of God")) in His person. Jesus, as the Stronger Man ([Luke 11:21-22](/luke/11-21-22 "Luke 11:21-22 - The Strong Man")), has invaded Satan's domain, plundering his goods and setting captives free. This foreshadows His ultimate victory over sin, death, and the devil through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Furthermore, Jesus' declaration that "your sons" will be their judges anticipates His role as the ultimate Judge of all humanity ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One")), where the very truth He embodies and the works He performed will stand as undeniable testimony against those who rejected Him. Thus, this verse reinforces Jesus' identity as the divine Son, the victorious King, and the righteous Judge, whose power over evil is absolute and whose coming ushers in the reign of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 9:49

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

Luke 19:22

And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, [thou] wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

Matthew 12:41

The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas [is] here.

Matthew 12:42

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon [is] here.

Job 15:6

Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I: yea, thine own lips testify against thee.

Matthew 12:27

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast [them] out? therefore they shall be your judges.

Matthew 12:28

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.