Mark 3:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the scribes {G1122} which {G3588} came down {G2597} from {G575} Jerusalem {G2414} said {G3004},{G3754} He hath {G2192} Beelzebub {G954},{G3754} and {G2532} by {G1722} the prince {G758} of the devils {G1140} casteth he out {G1544} devils {G1140}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Torah-teachers who came down from Yerushalayim said, "He has Ba`alZibbul in him," and "It is by the ruler of the demons that he expels the demons."

Berean Standard Bible

And the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and, “By the prince of the demons He drives out demons.”

American Standard Version

And the scribes that came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and, By the prince of the demons casteth he out the demons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 3:22 captures a critical juncture in Jesus' public ministry, revealing the intensifying opposition He faced from the religious establishment. Here, influential scribes who had journeyed from Jerusalem, the heart of Jewish religious authority, levy a severe and blasphemous accusation against Jesus: they claim He is possessed by Beelzebub and casts out demons by the power of the prince of demons. This charge not only questions the source of Jesus' miraculous power but also represents a profound spiritual blindness and a deliberate rejection of His divine authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 3:22 is situated within a broader narrative in Mark's Gospel that highlights both Jesus' growing popularity and the escalating conflict with religious authorities. Preceding this verse, Jesus has demonstrated His authority over the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-28, [Mark 3:1-6](/mark/3-1-6 "Mark 3:1-6 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath")), healed many, and called His twelve disciples (Mark 3:7-19). The crowds are so pressing that Jesus and His disciples cannot even eat (Mark 3:20). His family, concerned for His well-being, even attempts to restrain Him, believing He is "out of His mind" (Mark 3:21). It is in this atmosphere of intense activity, public attention, and internal and external scrutiny that the scribes from Jerusalem arrive, bringing with them a formal, severe, and public accusation that sets the stage for Jesus' powerful discourse on the unforgivable sin in [Mark 3:23-30](/mark/3-23-30 "Mark 3:23-30 - Jesus' Response to Accusations and the Unforgivable Sin").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "scribes" (Greek: *grammateús*) were highly respected legal experts and interpreters of the Mosaic Law, often associated with the Pharisees. Their journey from Jerusalem, the religious and political capital, signifies the official nature and gravity of their investigation into Jesus. This was not a casual local dispute but a formal delegation from the highest religious council. In Jewish thought of the time, demons were understood as malevolent spiritual beings, and their expulsion was a sign of divine power, often associated with the coming of God's Kingdom. "Beelzebub" was a derogatory name for the chief of demons, often equated with Satan. It was likely a corruption of "Baal-zebub," a Philistine deity worshipped in Ekron (2 Kings 1:2), meaning "lord of flies" or "lord of dung," used contemptuously to refer to the supreme evil spirit. To accuse Jesus of operating by Beelzebub's power was to brand Him as an agent of Satan, a blasphemer, and a profound threat to the established religious order.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **Escalating Opposition** Jesus faces, moving from questioning His authority and Sabbath practices to outright demonization and accusation of blasphemy. Secondly, it highlights the **Nature of Jesus' Power**, which is undeniably supernatural, yet its source is fundamentally misunderstood and maliciously distorted by His adversaries. The scribes acknowledge the miraculous exorcisms but attribute them to evil, revealing their profound **Spiritual Blindness** and hardened hearts. This accusation also serves as a direct prelude to Jesus' teaching on the **Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit** in [Mark 3:29](/mark/3-29 "Mark 3:29 - The Unforgivable Sin"), where He warns against attributing the work of God's Spirit, manifest through Him, to the power of Satan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scribes (Greek, _grammateús'_):** From *gramma*, meaning "a writer." Professionally, these were highly educated individuals who served as legal experts, interpreters, and teachers of the Mosaic Law. Their presence from Jerusalem indicates a formal and authoritative investigation, representing the religious establishment's official stance against Jesus.
* **Beelzebub (Greek, _Beelzeboúl'_):** Of Chaldee origin, by parody on "Baal-zebub." This term refers to a "dung-god" and became a contemptuous name for Satan or the chief of demons. The accusation implies that Jesus' power is not from God but from the very head of the demonic realm, making His miracles a manifestation of evil rather than divine intervention.
* **Prince (Greek, _árchōn'_):** From the present participle of *archō*, meaning "to be first in rank or power." This term emphasizes the supreme authority and leadership of Beelzebub within the demonic hierarchy. By calling Beelzebub the "prince of the devils," the scribes are asserting that Jesus is operating under the direct command and power of the preeminent evil spirit.
* **Casteth he out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** From *ek* ("out") and *ballō* ("to throw"). This verb means "to eject" or "to drive out," literally or figuratively. It describes the forceful and decisive nature of Jesus' exorcisms. The scribes acknowledge the reality of Jesus' power to expel demons but fundamentally misattribute its source, claiming it is by demonic, not divine, authority.
* **Devils (Greek, _daimónion'_):** A neuter form derived from *daimōn*, referring to a "daemonic being" or, by extension, a deity. In the New Testament, it consistently refers to evil spirits or demons, distinct from Satan (the Devil). The scribes' accusation is that Jesus casts out these lesser evil spirits through the power of their greater leader, Beelzebub.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said":** This clause establishes the identity and authority of Jesus' accusers. The scribes, being official religious scholars from the capital, lend weight to the accusation, indicating that the opposition to Jesus is now formalized and comes from the highest echelons of religious power. Their journey "came down" (indicating Jerusalem's elevated status) signifies a deliberate mission to investigate and condemn Jesus.
* **"He hath Beelzebub":** This is the direct and shocking accusation. "Hath" (Greek: *échō*) implies possession or being under the influence of. The scribes claim that Jesus is not merely associated with Beelzebub but is actually possessed by or controlled by this chief demon. This is an attempt to utterly discredit Jesus by portraying Him as an agent of evil, thereby negating any claim to divine authority or Messiahship.
* **"and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils":** This second part of the accusation clarifies the mechanism of Jesus' power, according to the scribes. They acknowledge His ability to "cast out devils" (exorcise demons) but attribute this power to "the prince of the devils" (Beelzebub). Their logic is that only a greater demonic power could control and expel lesser demonic powers, thus making Jesus an operative of Satan's kingdom. This is a profound misrepresentation of Jesus' divine power and a direct affront to the Holy Spirit.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 3:22 is rich with **Irony**, as those who claim to be the guardians of God's law accuse the very Son of God of being possessed by Satan. The scribes, supposedly discerning spiritual truth, are utterly blind to the divine power at work through Jesus. This verse also exemplifies **Conflict**, marking a significant escalation in the direct confrontation between Jesus and the religious establishment. Their accusation is not a question but a definitive condemnation, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on the unforgivable sin. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this accusation directly leads into Jesus' discourse on the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:23-30), hinting at the severe consequences of such hardened rejection of God's work. The use of "Beelzebub" and "prince of the devils" also employs **Symbolism**, where these terms represent the ultimate embodiment of evil and opposition to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 3:22 is a stark reminder of the human capacity for spiritual blindness and the danger of hardened hearts that refuse to acknowledge divine truth, even when confronted with undeniable evidence. The scribes, rather than rejoicing in the liberation from demonic oppression that Jesus brought, chose to attribute God's work to Satan. This passage highlights the profound theological truth that Jesus' power over demons is a clear demonstration of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world, directly challenging Satan's dominion. To deny this and attribute it to evil is to reject the very Spirit of God at work, leading to a perilous spiritual state. It underscores the ongoing spiritual warfare between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness, with Jesus as the ultimate victor.

* [Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - Pharisees Accuse Jesus of Beelzebul")
* [Luke 11:15](/luke/11-15 "Luke 11:15 - Some Accuse Jesus of Casting Out Demons by Beelzebul")
* [Isaiah 5:20](/isaiah/5-20 "Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to Those Who Call Evil Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The accusation against Jesus in Mark 3:22 serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers today. It reveals the insidious nature of spiritual opposition, which can manifest not only in outright rejection but also in the twisting and misrepresentation of truth, even divine truth. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we open to recognizing God's work, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or traditions? Do we allow pride, envy, or fear to blind us to the undeniable evidence of God's power and presence? For those who follow Christ, this verse also offers profound assurance: Jesus' authority over all demonic forces is absolute. Even when falsely accused and slandered, His power remains supreme. We are reminded that spiritual warfare is real, but our Lord has already triumphed over the "prince of the devils." Our task is to discern truth, stand firm in faith, and attribute all good and powerful works to the Holy Spirit, not to the enemy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to misinterpret or reject God's work today, perhaps because it doesn't fit my expectations or challenges my comfort zone?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is more open and discerning to the Holy Spirit's activity, even when it is unconventional or controversial?**
* **What does Jesus' calm and logical response to such a severe accusation teach me about responding to slander or false accusations in my own life?**
* **How does the reality of Jesus' ultimate authority over "the prince of the devils" strengthen my faith and courage in the face of spiritual challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why did the scribes from Jerusalem make such a severe accusation against Jesus?**

Answer: The scribes, as authoritative interpreters of the Law, perceived Jesus as a threat to their religious authority and traditions. His teachings, His disregard for certain interpretations of the Sabbath, and His popularity among the common people challenged their established order. They could not deny the reality of His miracles, especially His ability to cast out demons, but they refused to acknowledge a divine source. Therefore, to discredit Him completely and maintain their power, they resorted to the most severe accusation possible: attributing His power to Beelzebub, the chief of demons. This accusation was a deliberate attempt to malign His character and nullify His divine claims, portraying Him as an agent of evil rather than a messenger of God. Their spiritual blindness and hardened hearts led them to call good evil, as prophesied in [Isaiah 5:20](/isaiah/5-20 "Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to Those Who Call Evil Good").

**What is the significance of "Beelzebub" in this context?**

Answer: "Beelzebub" was a derogatory name for the prince of demons, often equated with Satan. Its use here is highly significant because it was the ultimate insult and accusation of blasphemy. By claiming Jesus cast out demons by Beelzebub's power, the scribes were asserting that Jesus was not only not from God but was actively working for Satan. This accusation was designed to turn the people against Jesus and justify their own opposition to Him, implying that His powerful works were not signs of God's Kingdom but rather evidence of a demonic conspiracy. It sets the stage for Jesus' warning about the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit in [Mark 3:29](/mark/3-29 "Mark 3:29 - The Unforgivable Sin"), where He clarifies that attributing the Spirit's work to Satan is an act of profound spiritual rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 3:22, though detailing a moment of intense opposition and false accusation against Jesus, ultimately points to His preeminence and ultimate victory over the forces of darkness. The scribes' accusation that Jesus casts out demons by the power of "Beelzebub, the prince of the devils," ironically highlights the very truth they sought to deny: Jesus' unparalleled authority over the demonic realm. Far from being an agent of Satan, Jesus is the Son of God who came to destroy the works of the devil. His power to cast out demons, as seen throughout the Gospels (e.g., [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")), is a tangible manifestation of God's Kingdom breaking into the world, signaling the beginning of Satan's defeat. The cross and resurrection are the ultimate fulfillment of this power, where Jesus disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them (as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the stronger man who binds the strong man (Satan) and plunders his house (Mark 3:27), setting captives free. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus rendered powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus Destroys the Devil")), and the Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")). Thus, the accusation in Mark 3:22, while intended to condemn, inadvertently underscores Jesus' divine mission and His ultimate triumph over the very "prince of the devils" they named.

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

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?

Matthew 15:1

¶ Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,

Matthew 9:34

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

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.

John 7:20

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

Mark 7:1

¶ Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

Matthew 11:18

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.