Matthew 10:25

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

It is enough {G713} for the disciple {G3101} that {G2443} he be {G1096} as {G5613} his {G846} master {G1320}, and {G2532} the servant {G1401} as {G5613} his {G846} lord {G2962}. If {G1487} they have called {G2564} the master of the house {G3617} Beelzebub {G954}, how much {G4214} more {G3123} shall they call them of his {G846} household {G3615}?

Complete Jewish Bible

It is enough for a talmid that he become like his rabbi, and a slave like his master. Now if people have called the head of the house Ba`al-Zibbul, how much more will they malign the members of his household!

Berean Standard Bible

It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!

American Standard Version

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:25 serves as a profound and sobering declaration from Jesus to His disciples, preparing them for the inevitable opposition, slander, and false accusations they would encounter as His representatives in a hostile world. This verse establishes a foundational truth: just as the Master was reviled and demonized, so too will His followers experience similar, if not greater, forms of calumny. It underscores the deep identification between Christ and His church, transforming expected persecution into an anticipated mark of authentic discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' extensive discourse to the Twelve Apostles, whom He is commissioning for their first missionary journey. Beginning in [Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Commissions the Twelve"), Jesus grants them authority over unclean spirits and to heal every disease. However, His instructions quickly pivot from empowerment to preparation for persecution. He warns them about facing rejection, betrayal by family, arrest, and even death for His name's sake (e.g., [Matthew 10:16-23](/matthew/10-16-23 "Matthew 10:16-23 - Warnings of Persecution")). Verse 25 specifically addresses the verbal abuse and vilification, drawing a direct parallel between the Master's experience and that of His disciples, reinforcing the idea that suffering is an expected part of their mission, not an anomaly. The following verses, [Matthew 10:26-31](/matthew/10-26-31 "Matthew 10:26-31 - Fear God, Not Man"), then shift to an encouragement to fear God alone and trust in His providential care amidst such trials.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The accusation of being "Beelzebub" was one of the most severe forms of slander in first-century Jewish society. Beelzebub (or Beelzebul) was a derogatory name for the prince of demons, likely derived from Baal-Zebub, the Philistine god of Ekron mentioned in [2 Kings 1:2](/2_kings/1-2 "2 Kings 1:2 - Ahaziah Inquires of Baal-Zebub"). The name itself could mean "lord of flies" or, more contemptuously, "lord of dung." By calling Jesus "Beelzebub," His accusers (often the religious authorities, as seen in [Matthew 9:34](/matthew/9-34 "Matthew 9:34 - Pharisees Accuse Jesus") and [Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - Jesus Accused of Casting Out Demons by Beelzebub")) were not merely insulting Him; they were attributing His divine power and miraculous works to Satan himself, thereby denying His messianic claims and blaspheming the Holy Spirit. This accusation was a profound spiritual assault, designed to discredit Jesus entirely and turn the populace against Him. For His disciples to be called "of his household" meant they were intimately associated with Him, and thus would share in the same contempt and false accusations.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 10:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Cost of Discipleship**, emphasizing that following Jesus involves not only privilege and power but also suffering and rejection, mirroring the path of the Master. Secondly, it underscores the **Identity with Christ**, asserting that a disciple's experience will inevitably align with that of their teacher; to be identified with Christ means to share in both His glory and His reproach. This theme is powerfully echoed later in the New Testament, such as in [John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - The World Will Persecute You"). Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **Persecution as a Mark of Authenticity**. Far from being a sign of failure or divine displeasure, opposition and slander become an expected, even validating, characteristic of those who truly represent Christ in a fallen world. This prepares believers to endure hardship with resilience, knowing they are walking in the footsteps of their Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **disciple (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to learn," a disciple is fundamentally a learner or pupil. In the context of Jesus' ministry, a disciple was more than just a student; they were an adherent who followed their teacher's way of life, adopted their teachings, and sought to embody their character. The term here emphasizes the close relationship and identification between Jesus and those He called to follow Him, implying that their destiny and experience would be inextricably linked to His.
* **master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** This term refers to an instructor or teacher. In ancient Jewish culture, a "master" or "rabbi" held a position of authority and respect, guiding their students not just in academic knowledge but in practical living and spiritual understanding. Jesus, as the ultimate "master," sets the standard and example for His disciples, making it logical that their experiences would parallel His own. The use of "master" alongside "disciple" highlights the hierarchical yet intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers.
* **Beelzebub (Greek, _Beelzeboúl'_):** This is a highly significant and derogatory name for the prince of demons, a direct reference to Satan. As noted in the context, it was used by Jesus' opponents to accuse Him of being possessed by, or in league with, demonic powers. The fact that the sinless Son of God was subjected to such a vile and blasphemous accusation underscores the depth of the world's hostility towards divine truth and righteousness. It sets the precedent for the kind of extreme, irrational slander His followers might face.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master,"**: This opening clause establishes the core principle of the verse. It asserts that the disciple should not expect a better or easier lot than their teacher. The phrase "it is enough" (arketós) implies sufficiency, meaning that achieving the same status or experience as the master is the appropriate and expected outcome for the disciple, even if that experience includes suffering or opposition. It sets a realistic expectation for the follower.
* **"and the servant as his lord."**: This second clause reinforces the principle through parallelism, using a different pair of relational terms: "servant" (doûlos) and "lord" (kýrios). A servant is one in subjection, often a slave, to their master or lord. This emphasizes the complete subservience and identification of the follower with their leader. The repetition strengthens the message that the fate of the follower is tied to the fate of the one they serve.
* **"If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub,"**: This clause introduces a specific, extreme example of the opposition Jesus Himself faced. "Master of the house" (oikodespótēs) refers to the head of a family or household, a figure of authority and ownership. By referring to Himself in this way, Jesus highlights His rightful authority and position. The accusation of being "Beelzebub" represents the pinnacle of slander and demonization, attributing His divine works to satanic power. This "if" clause sets up the logical progression that follows.
* **"how much more [shall they call] them of his household?"**: This final clause draws the inevitable conclusion from the preceding example. The phrase "how much more" (pósos mâllon) is a rhetorical device that emphasizes the greater likelihood or intensity of the outcome. If the world slandered the very head of the spiritual household with the most vile accusation imaginable, then it is even more certain that those who belong to His "household" (oikiakós)—His intimate followers and family—will face similar, if not intensified, forms of abuse and false accusation simply by virtue of their association with Him.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 10:25 is rich with several literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, seen in the pairing of "disciple" and "master" with "servant" and "lord." This structural repetition reinforces the core message that the follower's experience will mirror the leader's. The verse also employs a powerful **Analogy** or **Metaphor**, comparing Jesus to the "master of the house" and His disciples to "his household." This domestic imagery vividly illustrates the intimate relationship and shared destiny between Christ and His followers, making the expectation of shared suffering relatable. The phrase "how much more" functions as a form of **A fortiori Argument** (from the stronger to the weaker), implying that if the greater (Jesus) suffered such vilification, then the lesser (His disciples) will certainly suffer it. This rhetorical question serves to emphasize the inevitability and even greater likelihood of persecution for the disciples. Finally, there is an element of **Antithesis** in the stark contrast between Jesus' true identity as the Son of God and the blasphemous accusation of being Beelzebub. This highlights the profound spiritual conflict and the world's fundamental misunderstanding and rejection of divine truth, which His followers will also encounter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:25 powerfully articulates a core theological truth: authentic discipleship inevitably involves a sharing in the suffering and rejection experienced by Christ Himself. This is not merely a prediction but a profound statement about the nature of the Kingdom of God in a fallen world. If the world, under the sway of the "prince of this world," rejected and slandered the very embodiment of truth and righteousness, it will naturally oppose those who bear His name and proclaim His message. This verse thus reframes persecution not as an unfortunate anomaly or a sign of divine displeasure, but as an expected, even validating, mark of identification with the crucified and risen Lord. It teaches believers to anticipate hostility and to find comfort and strength in the knowledge that their suffering aligns them with their Master, rather than separating them from Him.

* [John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - Persecution of Disciples"): "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."
* [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12-16 "1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering for Christ"): "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified."
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings"): "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:25 offers enduring wisdom for believers navigating a world that often stands in opposition to biblical truth and Christian values. In an era where public discourse can be polarized and hostile, Christians may face ridicule, misrepresentation, and even accusations of malice or evil for simply upholding the teachings of Christ. This verse serves as a vital anchor, reminding us that such experiences are not unexpected but are, in fact, a confirmation of our shared identity with Jesus. It calls us to cultivate spiritual resilience, understanding that our ultimate validation comes not from human approval but from God. When we are slandered or misunderstood for our faith, we are walking in the very footsteps of our Master, who endured the ultimate calumny. This perspective liberates us from the need to defend ourselves endlessly or to compromise our convictions to gain acceptance, instead empowering us to persevere with grace, humility, and unwavering trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He sees and knows all things, and that our reward is not of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus' own experience of being called "Beelzebub" change your perspective on facing criticism or slander for your faith?**
* **In what specific ways might modern disciples experience being "called of his household" in a negative light today?**
* **How can this verse encourage you to persevere in your faith when faced with opposition, rather than being discouraged or compromising?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a mindset that prioritizes God's approval over human acceptance or avoidance of conflict?**

### FAQ

**Why was "Beelzebub" such a significant and offensive accusation against Jesus?**

Answer: The accusation of being "Beelzebub" was profoundly offensive because it implied that Jesus was not merely a false prophet or a sinner, but that His power and miraculous works were derived from Satan himself, the "prince of demons." This was the ultimate blasphemy, attributing divine acts to the devil and denying the Holy Spirit's work through Him. It was designed to completely discredit Jesus, demonize His character, and turn people away from Him by suggesting He was an agent of pure evil. The term itself, possibly meaning "lord of flies" or "lord of dung," carried immense contempt and spiritual condemnation, aiming to strip Jesus of any credibility or divine authority. This extreme slander is also recorded in [Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - Jesus Accused of Casting Out Demons by Beelzebub") and [Mark 3:22](/mark/3-22 "Mark 3:22 - Scribes Accuse Jesus of Being Possessed by Beelzebub").

**Does this verse mean that all Christians will face severe slander and persecution?**

Answer: While Matthew 10:25 sets a general expectation that disciples will share in the Master's experience of rejection and opposition, the *intensity* and *form* of that opposition can vary. Not every Christian will be accused of being demon-possessed, but all who faithfully follow Christ can expect some level of misunderstanding, ridicule, or opposition from a world that often rejects His truth. The principle is that the world's hostility towards Christ extends to His followers. The "how much more" suggests a heightened likelihood of lesser forms of calumny, even if not always the extreme accusation of "Beelzebub." The verse prepares believers for the reality that identifying with Jesus means standing apart from the world, which often leads to friction and reproach, as also taught in [John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "John 15:18-19 - The World Hates Disciples").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:25 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the unparalleled suffering and rejection that Jesus Himself endured, which then becomes the pattern and empowerment for His followers. Jesus, the perfect "master of the house," was not merely misunderstood or criticized; He was subjected to the most heinous accusation imaginable: being in league with Beelzebub, the prince of demons. This vile slander, attributing His divine works to satanic power, was a profound spiritual assault against the Son of God. His willingness to endure such calumny, culminating in His unjust trial and crucifixion, demonstrates the depth of His commitment to His mission and His love for humanity. For the disciple, knowing that the "master" has already walked this path—enduring the ultimate reproach—provides immense comfort and courage. Christ's suffering validates the disciple's own, transforming persecution from a sign of failure into a mark of authentic identification with Him. His steadfastness in the face of such evil, as described in [Hebrews 12:2-3](/hebrews/12-2-3 "Hebrews 12:2-3 - Looking to Jesus"), becomes the wellspring from which believers draw strength to endure their own trials, knowing that the servant is not above his Lord, and that in sharing His sufferings, they also partake in His glory ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

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 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.

Luke 11:15

But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.

John 7:20

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

Mark 3:22

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

John 8:48

Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

John 10:20

And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?