Mark 3:23

And he called them [unto him], and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?

And {G2532} he called {G4341} them {G846} unto him, and said {G3004} unto them {G846} in {G1722} parables {G3850}, How {G4459} can {G1410} Satan {G4567} cast out {G1544} Satan {G4567}?

But he called them and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan expel Satan?

So Jesus called them together and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan?

And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?

Mark 3:23 introduces Jesus’ powerful and logical rebuttal to the accusation that He cast out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the chief of demons. This verse sets the stage for His profound teaching on the nature of spiritual authority and the kingdom of Satan.

Context

Immediately preceding this verse, scribes who had come down from Jerusalem accused Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebub and casting out demons by the prince of demons. This was a serious charge, implying His power was not divine but demonic. In response, Jesus calls them to Him and begins to address their absurd claim with a series of rhetorical questions and parables.

Key Themes

  • Logical Fallacy Exposed: Jesus uses a simple, undeniable point of logic: a house or kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. This is further elaborated in Mark 3:24-26, where He explains that if Satan were to fight against himself, his kingdom would collapse.
  • The Nature of Evil: While evil is chaotic and destructive, it also possesses a perverse unity in its opposition to God. Satan's goal is to oppose God's kingdom, not to undermine his own dominion.
  • Jesus' Divine Authority: By demonstrating the illogic of their accusation, Jesus implicitly highlights that His power to cast out demons stems from a source superior to Satan, namely God. This aligns with other passages where Jesus asserts His authority over evil spirits (Luke 10:18, Matthew 12:28).

Linguistic Insights

The term "parables" (Greek: parabolē) here doesn't refer to a lengthy story, but rather a short, illustrative saying or proverb. Jesus uses a concise, pointed question that functions as a rhetorical device to expose the absurdity of their accusation. The name "Satan" (Greek: Satanas, from Hebrew Satan) literally means "adversary" or "accuser," underscoring his role as the primary enemy of God and humanity.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of several important truths:

  • Discernment: We should apply sound reasoning and spiritual discernment to claims, especially those concerning spiritual matters. Jesus encourages logical thought, even when discussing the supernatural.
  • The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: Jesus affirms the existence and organized nature of Satan's kingdom, even as He demonstrates His power over it. Understanding this helps believers to recognize the spiritual battle at play (Ephesians 6:12).
  • Unity in Purpose: Just as Satan's kingdom has a perverse unity in its opposition to God, so too should believers strive for unity in their mission for Christ, avoiding internal divisions that weaken their testimony and effectiveness.
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 12:25

    And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

  • Matthew 12:30

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

  • Luke 11:17

    But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house [divided] against a house falleth.

  • Luke 11:23

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

  • Matthew 13:34

    All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

  • Matthew 4:10

    Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

  • Mark 4:2

    And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

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