Mark 3:25

KJV

And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1437} a house {G3614} be divided {G3307} against {G1909} itself {G1438}, that {G1565} house {G3614} cannot {G3756}{G1410} stand {G2476}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and if a household is divided against itself, that household can't survive.

Berean Standard Bible

If a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand.

American Standard Version

And if a house be divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 3:25 encapsulates a fundamental principle articulated by Jesus in response to accusations that He cast out demons by the power of Beelzebul. Through a powerful analogy, Jesus asserts that any entity—be it a kingdom or a household—that is internally fractured by division or conflict cannot endure. This verse underscores the essential nature of unity for stability and survival, serving as a logical refutation of His accusers' claims and a timeless truth about the destructive power of internal strife.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 3:25 is part of Jesus' direct confrontation with the scribes who had traveled from Jerusalem and publicly accused Him of being possessed by Beelzebul, the ruler of demons, and of casting out demons by his authority ([Mark 3:22](/mark/3-22 "Mark 3:22 - Accusations of Beelzebul")). This accusation was a grave blasphemy, attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to demonic power. Jesus responds with a series of logical arguments, beginning with the broader principle in [Mark 3:24](/mark/3-24 "Mark 3:24 - A Kingdom Divided") that "if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand." Verse 25 then narrows this principle to the more intimate sphere of a "house," reinforcing the same truth with a more relatable image. The passage culminates in the solemn warning against blasphemy against the Holy Spirit in [Mark 3:28-30](/mark/3-28-30 "Mark 3:28-30 - The Unpardonable Sin"), emphasizing the gravity of their accusations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern and Roman societies, the "house" (οἰκία, _oikía_) was not merely a physical dwelling but the fundamental unit of social, economic, and political life. It encompassed the extended family, servants, and all associated property and influence. The stability of society depended heavily on the integrity and unity of these households. Internal division within a family or a household was considered a catastrophic breakdown, leading to ruin and shame. Furthermore, the concept of a "kingdom" (βασιλεία, _basileía_) was well understood, with the Roman Empire itself being a vast, albeit sometimes internally conflicted, political entity. Jesus' use of these analogies would have resonated deeply with His audience, drawing on common-sense wisdom regarding the prerequisites for any enduring structure or organization.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **authority and wisdom of Jesus** as He masterfully refutes His opponents with irrefutable logic, demonstrating His divine insight into spiritual realities. Secondly, it underscores the **nature of spiritual warfare**, revealing that Satan's kingdom, though powerful, is ultimately self-defeating if internally divided, contrasting with the unified and purposeful advance of God's kingdom. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **necessity of unity** for any entity to endure, a principle that extends beyond spiritual kingdoms to human institutions like families and the nascent church. This theme of unity is crucial for understanding the coherence of Jesus' ministry and the future mission of His followers, as seen in passages like [Mark 3:31-35](/mark/3-31-35 "Mark 3:31-35 - Jesus' True Family") where Jesus redefines true kinship based on obedience to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **divided (Greek, _merízō'_):** From μέρος (meros), meaning 'part,' this verb signifies to apportion, bestow, share, or figuratively, to disunite or differ. In this context, it clearly denotes internal fracturing and discord, a breaking apart from within, rather than an external attack. It describes a state where components that should be unified are instead at odds.
* **house (Greek, _oikía'_):** Derived from οἶκος (oikos), this term primarily refers to a residence or abode, but extends metaphorically to a family, household, lineage, or even a larger institution or community. Here, it represents any unified entity, whether a literal family unit, a spiritual movement, or even the demonic realm itself.
* **stand (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** A prolonged form of a primary verb, meaning to stand (transitively or intransitively). It implies stability, endurance, or remaining upright. In this context, it signifies the ability to maintain integrity and existence, to remain firm, or to continue to exist without collapsing. The negative "cannot stand" therefore means inevitable collapse or failure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if a house be divided against itself":** This clause sets up a hypothetical condition, applying the principle of internal division from the previous verse (regarding a kingdom) to a smaller, more intimate, yet equally foundational unit—the household. The phrase "against itself" emphasizes that the conflict originates from within, a self-destructive internal strife rather than an external threat.
* **"that house cannot stand":** This is the inevitable and logical consequence of the condition stated in the first clause. It asserts that internal disunity inherently leads to instability and ultimate collapse or failure. The inability to "stand" implies a loss of integrity, function, and ultimately, existence as a cohesive unit.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several literary devices in this concise statement. Primarily, it functions as an **Aphorism**, a pithy observation that contains a general truth, often expressed in a memorable way. This aphorism is part of a larger **Analogy** or **Parable** (though brief), where Jesus compares the internal logic of a human kingdom and house to the spiritual reality of Satan's kingdom. The "house" itself is a powerful **Metaphor**, representing any cohesive unit—a family, an organization, or even a spiritual domain. The use of **Deductive Reasoning** is also evident, as Jesus moves from a general premise (division leads to collapse) to a specific conclusion about the illogical nature of His accusers' claims regarding His power source.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 3:25 is a profound statement on the essential nature of unity for any enduring entity, whether human or spiritual. Theologically, it affirms the inherent order and coherence within God's creation and His kingdom, which stands in stark contrast to the self-destructive nature of evil. Jesus' argument highlights that God's power, which He wields, is fundamentally unified and purposeful, always working towards restoration and freedom, never against itself. This principle of unity is not merely practical but reflects the very nature of God, who is one, yet triune, existing in perfect harmony. The verse implicitly underscores that the work of God cannot be attributed to a kingdom that is inherently divided against itself.

* [Matthew 12:25](/matthew/12-25 "Matthew 12:25 - A House Divided")
* [Luke 11:17](/luke/11-17 "Luke 11:17 - A Divided Kingdom")
* [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Call for Unity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless truth embedded in Mark 3:25 resonates deeply across all spheres of human experience, serving as a powerful call to unity and a warning against the corrosive effects of division. For individuals, it speaks to the importance of internal coherence—aligning one's beliefs, values, and actions to avoid being "divided against oneself," which can lead to spiritual and emotional instability. In families, it underscores the critical need for reconciliation, forgiveness, and shared purpose to prevent disintegration. For the church, the body of Christ, this verse is a foundational reminder that internal strife—whether over doctrine, preferences, or personalities—cripples its mission and weakens its witness to a watching world. Just as Jesus demonstrated the unified power of God against the divided kingdom of darkness, so too are His followers called to embody a spirit of unity that reflects the very nature of God. On a broader societal level, it highlights how deep-seated divisions, polarization, and civil unrest can undermine the stability and future of nations. Ultimately, Mark 3:25 challenges us to actively pursue harmony, understanding, and shared vision in all our relationships and communities, recognizing that true strength and enduring purpose are found in unity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my personal life might I be "divided against myself," and how can I seek greater internal alignment and integrity?**
* **How does division manifest in my family, church, or community, and what practical steps can I take to foster unity and reconciliation?**
* **What is the spiritual cost when the Church is internally divided, and how does this impact its ability to fulfill its mission?**
* **Considering Jesus' refutation of the scribes, how does understanding the self-destructive nature of Satan's kingdom strengthen my faith in God's unified power?**

### FAQ

**What does "divided against itself" mean in this context?**

Answer: In the context of [Mark 3:25](/mark/3-25 "Mark 3:25 - A House Divided"), "divided against itself" refers to internal conflict, disunity, or self-destructive opposition within a single entity. Jesus uses this phrase to logically refute the scribes' accusation that He cast out demons by the power of Beelzebul (Satan). His argument is that Satan's kingdom, if it were truly working against itself by casting out its own demons, would inevitably collapse, as no kingdom or house can stand when its internal components are at war with one another. It highlights that the greatest threat to stability often comes from within.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 3:25, while a logical refutation of the scribes' absurd claims, points profoundly to the unified and indivisible nature of God's kingdom, which finds its ultimate expression in Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the head of the new humanity and the King of God's kingdom, embodies perfect unity of purpose and power. His ministry was not a chaotic, self-defeating endeavor, but a perfectly orchestrated assault on the kingdom of darkness, demonstrating the unified power of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Unlike Satan's kingdom, which is inherently prone to division and ultimately destined for collapse, Christ's kingdom is built on an unbreakable foundation of divine unity, love, and truth. The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect this unity, for it is only as one, Spirit-empowered entity that it can effectively carry out Christ's mission in the world, triumphing over the fragmented and self-destructive forces of evil, as promised in passages like [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hades") where Jesus declares that the gates of Hades will not prevail against His Church. The ultimate fulfillment of this principle is seen in Christ's victory over sin and death, establishing a kingdom that "cannot be shaken" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")), a testament to its inherent and divine unity.

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

James 3:16

For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

Galatians 5:15

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

Psalms 133:1

¶ A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Genesis 37:4

And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

Genesis 13:7

And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.

Genesis 13:8

And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we [be] brethren.