Mark 3:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 3:23, Jesus directly confronts the absurd accusation from the scribes that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons. He calls them to Himself and, using a series of rhetorical questions framed as parables, challenges their illogical premise by asking how Satan could possibly cast out Satan. This pivotal verse sets the stage for Jesus' profound teaching on the nature of spiritual authority, the unity of evil in its opposition to God, and the ultimate triumph of God's Kingdom over the dominion of darkness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 3:23 immediately follows the serious accusation leveled against Jesus by scribes who had come down from Jerusalem. In [Mark 3:22](/mark/3-22 "Mark 3:22 - The Accusation of Beelzebub"), they declared, "He has Beelzebub, and by the prince of demons He casts out demons." This charge was not merely a misunderstanding but a malicious theological attack, implying that Jesus' miraculous power stemmed from demonic rather than divine sources. Jesus' response in verse 23 initiates a crucial discourse (extending through [Mark 3:27](/mark/3-27 "Mark 3:27 - Binding the Strong Man")) where He systematically dismantles their argument through irrefutable logic and powerful imagery, ultimately asserting His superior authority over the kingdom of darkness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The accusation of being possessed by Beelzebub (a derogatory name for Baal-Zebul, a Philistine deity, often associated with demonic power in Jewish tradition) was a grave insult and a theological condemnation. In first-century Jewish society, exorcism was recognized, but the source of the power was paramount. Attributing Jesus' power to Beelzebub was an attempt to discredit His ministry and delegitimize His claims of divine authority. The scribes, as religious authorities, sought to protect their established order and viewed Jesus' popular movement and unconventional methods as a threat, leading them to resort to such extreme and blasphemous accusations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **logical fallacy** of internal division within a unified entity, a concept Jesus elaborates upon in [Mark 3:24-26](/mark/3-24-26 "Mark 3:24-26 - A Kingdom Divided Cannot Stand"). Secondly, it underscores the **nature of evil** as a unified, albeit perverse, force fundamentally opposed to God. Satan's kingdom, while destructive, maintains a strategic coherence in its rebellion against divine order. Thirdly, Jesus' response implicitly asserts His **divine authority** over all spiritual powers. By exposing the absurdity of their claim, He subtly points to the true source of His power, which is from God, not from Satan. This aligns with other passages where Jesus demonstrates unparalleled power over evil spirits, such as when He casts out demons with a word (e.g., [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Authority Over Unclean Spirits")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **parables (Greek, _parabolē'_):** From G3850, meaning a similitude, symbolic fictitious narrative, apothegm, or adage. In this context, it refers not to a lengthy story but to a concise, illustrative saying or proverb that conveys a profound truth or exposes a logical flaw. Jesus uses a pointed, rhetorical question that functions as a short, impactful comparison to expose the absurdity of the scribes' accusation.
* **can (Greek, _dýnamai'_):** From G1410, meaning to be able or possible. This word emphasizes the inherent capability or possibility of an action. Jesus' question "How *can* Satan cast out Satan?" challenges the very feasibility of such an act, implying it is contrary to the nature and purpose of Satan's kingdom. It highlights the logical impossibility of the scribes' claim.
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** From G1544, meaning to eject, drive out, or expel. This verb is consistently used in the Gospels to describe Jesus' powerful expulsion of demons. By using this term in His rhetorical question, Jesus highlights the inherent contradiction: if Satan's goal is to maintain his dominion, he would not willingly expel his own agents or undermine his own power base. The act of "casting out" implies a forceful removal, which would be self-defeating for the kingdom of darkness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he called them unto him":** This phrase, using the Greek verb G4341 (_proskaléomai_), indicates Jesus deliberately summoned or invited the scribes to Him. This was not a casual encounter but a purposeful act, demonstrating His willingness to directly engage with their accusations and to teach authoritatively. It sets the stage for a formal rebuttal rather than a dismissive reaction.
* **"and said unto them in parables":** Jesus chose a specific mode of communication. While "parables" (G3850, _parabolē_) often refers to extended stories, here it signifies a concise, illustrative saying or riddle. His immediate question functions as a pointed, proverbial statement designed to expose a fundamental truth through comparison or analogy, compelling His accusers to confront the illogic of their own claims.
* **"How can Satan cast out Satan?":** This rhetorical question is the core of Jesus' immediate rebuttal. It challenges the very premise of their accusation by appealing to basic logic. If Satan's kingdom is to stand, it cannot be divided against itself. The question highlights the self-defeating nature of the scribes' claim, implying that such an action would be utterly illogical and counterproductive for the kingdom of darkness. It forces them to consider the internal consistency required even for an evil empire.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent **literary devices** in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, "How can Satan cast out Satan?" This is not a question seeking information but one designed to make an obvious point, exposing the inherent absurdity and illogic of the scribes' accusation. It forces the listeners to acknowledge the self-evident truth that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. This question also functions as a form of **A fortiori Argument**, implying that if even Satan's kingdom has a perverse unity, how much more should God's kingdom operate with unity, and how illogical it is to suggest that God's power would be used to undermine itself. Furthermore, the use of "parables" (G3850, _parabolē_) here, though not a lengthy narrative, serves as a concise **Adage** or **Proverb**, a short, memorable saying that encapsulates a universal truth about unity and division, making Jesus' point both profound and easily grasped.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 3:23 serves as a foundational statement in Jesus' defense, not only refuting the scribes' blasphemous accusation but also unveiling deeper theological truths about the nature of spiritual conflict and the kingdom of God. By exposing the internal consistency of Satan's kingdom, Jesus implicitly highlights the even greater unity and power of His own mission. His ability to cast out demons is not a sign of internal demonic strife but rather an undeniable demonstration of a superior, divine power actively invading and dismantling the dominion of darkness. This act signifies the inbreaking of God's Kingdom, where the "strong man" (Satan) is being bound and his possessions plundered, an idea further developed in the subsequent verses.

* [Matthew 12:25-26](/matthew/12-25-26 "Matthew 12:25-26 - A Kingdom Divided")
* [Luke 11:17-18](/luke/11-17-18 "Luke 11:17-18 - Jesus' Response to Accusations")
* [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' logical and direct rebuttal in Mark 3:23 offers profound insights for believers today. It calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, not to blindly accept accusations or claims, but to apply sound reasoning and biblical truth to evaluate what we hear, especially concerning spiritual matters. Just as Jesus exposed the illogic of His accusers, we are challenged to think critically and to test the spirits, ensuring our understanding aligns with God's revealed truth. This passage also underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the organized nature of evil. Satan's kingdom, though destined for defeat, operates with a perverse unity in its opposition to God. This awareness should motivate us to stand firm in our faith, recognizing that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. Furthermore, if even the kingdom of darkness understands the necessity of unity for its survival, how much more should the church, the body of Christ, strive for genuine unity in purpose and mission, avoiding internal divisions that weaken its testimony and hinder its effectiveness in advancing God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' use of logic in this passage encourage us to apply sound reasoning in our own spiritual discernment?**
* **What does the "unity" of Satan's kingdom, even in its evil, teach us about the importance of unity within the body of Christ?**
* **In what ways might we, perhaps unknowingly, make accusations or hold beliefs that are as illogical as the scribes' claim against Jesus?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus use "parables" for such a short question?**

Answer: The Greek word G3850 (_parabolē_) translated as "parables" in this context is broader than just long stories. It can refer to a proverb, an adage, a riddle, or a concise, illustrative saying that conveys a deeper truth or exposes a logical flaw. Jesus' question, "How can Satan cast out Satan?" functions as a powerful, self-evident truth, a short, pointed illustration of the absurdity of the scribes' accusation. It's a rhetorical device that makes His point with undeniable clarity, much like a proverb.

**What does this verse tell us about the nature of Satan's kingdom?**

Answer: This verse, along with Jesus' subsequent explanation in [Mark 3:24-26](/mark/3-24-26 "Mark 3:24-26 - A Kingdom Divided Cannot Stand"), reveals that Satan's kingdom, though evil and chaotic in its effects, possesses a perverse internal unity. It is not self-destructive in its primary goals. Satan's aim is to oppose God and His Kingdom, not to undermine his own dominion. Therefore, the idea of Satan actively casting out his own demons is illogical, as it would lead to the collapse of his power structure. This implies a strategic, albeit evil, organization within the forces of darkness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 3:23, while a direct refutation of a false accusation, profoundly points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' ability to cast out demons, which the scribes maliciously attributed to Satan, is in fact the clearest evidence of His divine authority and the inbreaking of God's Kingdom. The very question, "How can Satan cast out Satan?" sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching about binding the strong man ([Mark 3:27](/mark/3-27 "Mark 3:27 - Binding the Strong Man")), signifying that He, the stronger one, has come to conquer Satan and plunder his domain. This foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over sin, death, and the devil, a victory fully realized through His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the one who has disarmed the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")), crushed the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")), and holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys")). His exorcisms are not merely acts of compassion but demonstrations of the Kingdom of God advancing, proving that the Son of God appeared for this very 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, Mark 3:23, in its logical simplicity, powerfully affirms Jesus as the sovereign Lord over all spiritual forces, the true King whose kingdom will never be divided or fall.

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 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,