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?
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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,
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
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: