Luke 11:20

KJV

But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if {G1487} I with {G1722} the finger {G1147} of God {G2316} cast out {G1544} devils {G1140}, no doubt {G686} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} is come {G5348} upon {G1909} you {G5209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you!

Berean Standard Bible

But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

American Standard Version

But if I by the finger of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 11:20 captures Jesus's definitive counter-argument to the accusation that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub. By asserting that His exorcisms are accomplished "with the finger of God," Jesus unequivocally declares that His miraculous power originates from God Himself, thereby demonstrating that the long-awaited Kingdom of God has not merely drawn near, but has decisively arrived and is actively breaking into human history through His ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a critical exchange following Jesus's powerful exorcism of a mute demoniac in [Luke 11:14](/luke/11-14 "Luke 11:14 - Jesus Casts Out a Mute Demon"). The immediate reaction from some in the crowd is skepticism and outright accusation, claiming Jesus casts out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of demons ([Luke 11:15](/luke/11-15 "Luke 11:15 - The Beelzebul Accusation")). Jesus systematically dismantles their illogical premise, first by pointing out the absurdity of a kingdom divided against itself ([Luke 11:17-18](/luke/11-17-18 "Luke 11:17-18 - A Kingdom Divided Cannot Stand")) and then by challenging them with the example of their own exorcists ([Luke 11:19](/luke/11-19 "Luke 11:19 - Jesus's Challenge to His Accusers")). [Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Finger of God") serves as the climactic logical conclusion to His argument: if His power is divine, then the Kingdom's arrival is undeniable.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the concept of exorcism was not uncommon, though successful ones were often attributed to divine power or special spiritual insight. The accusation of using Beelzebub's power was a grave charge, implying Jesus was an agent of Satan, deliberately twisting good into evil. This reflected a deep-seated spiritual conflict between the established religious authorities and Jesus, who challenged their interpretations of God's law and their understanding of the Messiah's coming. The Jewish people eagerly anticipated the "Kingdom of God" or "Kingdom of Heaven," often envisioning a future, political reign that would liberate them from Roman oppression and restore Israel's glory. Jesus's ministry, however, introduced the radical idea that this Kingdom was already present and active, not merely a future hope.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Finger of God") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Authority and Power** of Jesus, demonstrating that His works are not merely human but are direct manifestations of God's intervention. The phrase "finger of God" is a potent Old Testament idiom signifying God's unmistakable, direct action, as seen when the magicians of Pharaoh declared, "[This is the finger of God](/exodus/8-19 "Exodus 8:19 - The Finger of God")" after witnessing a plague. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Inbreaking of the Kingdom of God**. Jesus's ability to subdue demonic forces is presented as irrefutable evidence that God's sovereign reign is not just a future promise but a present reality that has "come upon" them, inaugurating a new era. This aligns with Jesus's consistent message that "[the kingdom of God is in the midst of you](/luke/17-21 "Luke 17:21 - The Kingdom of God is Among You")" ([Luke 17:21](/luke/17-21 "Luke 17:21 - The Kingdom of God is Among You")). Lastly, it emphasizes the **Confrontation with Evil**, portraying Jesus's ministry as a direct assault on the kingdom of darkness, confirming His identity as the Messiah who triumphs over spiritual adversaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **finger (Greek, _dáktylos'_):** This word, referring to a digit of the hand, carries profound symbolic weight in this context. In the Old Testament, "the finger of God" refers to God's direct, unmistakable, and miraculous power, as seen in the plagues of Egypt ([Exodus 8:19](/exodus/8-19 "Exodus 8:19 - The Finger of God")) and the inscription of the Ten Commandments on stone tablets ([Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "Exodus 31:18 - God Writes with His Finger")). By using this phrase, Jesus implicitly claims His power is not merely human or demonic, but divine, elevating His exorcisms to the level of God's own direct intervention.
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** Derived from "out" and "to throw," this verb signifies a forceful expulsion or ejection. It implies a decisive and authoritative action, not a gentle persuasion. In the context of exorcism, it emphasizes Jesus's complete dominion and power over the demonic realm, demonstrating His ability to forcefully drive out evil spirits, leaving no doubt about His superior authority.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** This term denotes royalty, rule, or a realm. It refers to God's active reign and sovereign rule, which is both a present spiritual reality and a future consummated state. In this verse, Jesus's actions are presented as tangible proof that this divine reign is not merely conceptual or distant, but is actively breaking into the world through His ministry, bringing God's will and authority to bear on human affairs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if I with the finger of God cast out devils":** This clause presents a conditional statement, yet it functions as a rhetorical premise that Jesus assumes to be true and undeniable. The phrase "with the finger of God" is the crux, directly attributing His power to God's own immediate and powerful action, rather than to Beelzebub as His accusers claimed. The casting out of "devils" (demons) is the visible evidence of this divine power at work, setting up the irrefutable conclusion that follows.
* **"no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.":** This is the logical and theological conclusion to Jesus's premise. The Greek particle _ára_ (translated "no doubt" or "therefore") indicates a decisive inference. If Jesus's power is indeed from God, then the only possible conclusion is that the "kingdom of God" – God's active, sovereign reign – has not merely approached but has "come upon" them. The verb _phthánō_ ("is come upon") signifies a sudden, decisive, and even anticipatory arrival, emphasizing that the Kingdom is not just a future hope but an immediate, present reality that has decisively reached them.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The central device is **Metaphor**, specifically the powerful image of "the finger of God." This phrase is not meant literally but serves as a vivid representation of God's direct, unmistakable, and overwhelming power. It evokes Old Testament precedents where God's "finger" signified His miraculous intervention (e.g., the plagues, the giving of the Law), thereby elevating Jesus's exorcisms to the level of divine action. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Rhetorical Argument** or an **Argument from the Lesser to the Greater**. Jesus's opponents accuse Him of using demonic power; Jesus counters by showing that His actions are consistent only with divine power, leading to the undeniable conclusion that the Kingdom of God has arrived. This creates a stark **Contrast** between the kingdom of darkness (represented by Beelzebub) and the Kingdom of God, highlighting Jesus's position as the one who invades and triumphs over the forces of evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:20 is a foundational statement about the nature of Jesus's ministry and the Kingdom of God. It asserts that Jesus's power over demonic forces is not merely a display of supernatural ability, but the very manifestation of God's active reign breaking into human history. The "finger of God" signifies that God Himself is present and at work through Jesus, initiating His redemptive plan. This verse shifts the understanding of the Kingdom from a solely future, political entity to a present, spiritual reality that confronts and overcomes the kingdom of darkness. It implies that wherever Jesus is, and wherever His power is manifested, the Kingdom of God is tangibly present, demanding a response of faith and allegiance.

* [Exodus 8:19](/exodus/8-19 "Exodus 8:19 - The Finger of God")
* [Matthew 12:28](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - The Kingdom of God Has Come")
* [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:20 invites us to recognize the ongoing reality of God's Kingdom at work in the world and in our lives today. Just as Jesus's exorcisms were undeniable signs of God's active reign, so too are the transformations, deliverances, and spiritual victories experienced by believers through the power of the Holy Spirit. This verse challenges us to move beyond a passive expectation of a future Kingdom and to actively engage with its present reality. It reminds us that we are not fighting a losing battle against evil, but are participants in a Kingdom that has already decisively triumphed over the forces of darkness through Christ. Our lives, empowered by God's Spirit, become extensions of His "finger," bringing His light and authority into a world still grappling with darkness. We are called to discern God's active presence, embrace His reign, and participate in His ongoing work of liberation and transformation, confident that His Kingdom has indeed "come upon" us and continues to advance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus's power as "the finger of God" deepen your appreciation for His authority and the nature of His miracles?**
* **In what ways do you see the "kingdom of God" actively "come upon" your life and the world around you today?**
* **How does the reality of God's Kingdom having triumphed over evil influence your approach to spiritual challenges and the brokenness of the world?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "the finger of God" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "the finger of God" (Greek: _daktylos Theou_) is a powerful biblical idiom rooted in the Old Testament. It signifies God's direct, unmistakable, and miraculous intervention and power. For instance, in [Exodus 8:19](/exodus/8-19 "Exodus 8:19 - Pharaoh's Magicians Acknowledge God's Power"), Pharaoh's own magicians, unable to replicate a plague, declared, "This is the finger of God!" Similarly, God's "finger" is said to have inscribed the Ten Commandments on stone tablets ([Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "Exodus 31:18 - God Writes the Commandments")). By using this phrase, Jesus is not merely claiming supernatural ability but asserting that His power to cast out demons comes directly from God Himself, making His actions undeniable proof of divine presence.

**How does Jesus's casting out of demons relate to the Kingdom of God?**

Answer: Jesus's exorcisms are presented as tangible evidence of the Kingdom of God's inbreaking. In the Jewish worldview, the coming of the Messiah and the Kingdom of God would involve a decisive victory over evil and the forces of darkness. By casting out demons, Jesus was directly confronting and defeating the agents of Satan, thereby demonstrating that God's sovereign reign was actively breaking into the world. His power over evil spirits signaled that the long-awaited Kingdom was not just a future hope but a present reality that had "come upon" them, inaugurating a new era of God's rule and liberation ([Matthew 12:28](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - The Kingdom of God Has Come")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:20 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the embodiment and inaugurator of the Kingdom of God. The "finger of God" is not merely a detached divine power but is supremely manifested in the person and work of Christ. His miraculous power over demons is a direct testament to His divine nature and His mission to dismantle the kingdom of darkness. Jesus, the Son of God, came precisely to "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Came to Destroy the Works of the Devil")), and His exorcisms are vivid demonstrations of this triumph. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus decisively defeated sin, death, and the devil, establishing His eternal reign. The Kingdom of God, which "is come upon you" in [Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Finger of God"), is now extended to all who believe in Him, as He has "delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). Thus, Jesus is not just the one who brings the Kingdom, but He *is* the King, and His victory over evil ensures the ultimate triumph of God's reign.

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

Exodus 8:19

Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This [is] the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

Matthew 12:28

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

Luke 10:9

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Matthew 3:2

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Daniel 2:44

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Luke 10:11

Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Acts 20:25

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.