Matthew 10:25

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?

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}?

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!

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!

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

Matthew 10:25 is a powerful and sobering warning from Jesus to His disciples, preparing them for the opposition and slander they would face as His representatives. It serves as a foundational truth for all who follow Him.

Context of Matthew 10:25

This verse is found within Jesus' extensive instructions to the Twelve Apostles before He sends them out on their first missionary journey (see Matthew 10:1-5). Jesus is not only giving them power to heal and cast out demons but also preparing them for the harsh realities of ministry. He warns them about persecution, betrayal, and being brought before authorities (e.g., Matthew 10:17-18). Verse 25 specifically addresses the verbal abuse and demonization they will encounter, using His own experience as the ultimate example.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Shared Suffering and Identity with Christ: Jesus states that it is "enough for the disciple that he be as his master." This means that followers of Christ should expect to be treated similarly to their Lord. If Jesus, the "master of the house," was slandered and falsely accused, His "household" – His disciples – should anticipate no less. This theme underscores a deep identification with Christ's suffering.
  • Persecution as a Mark of Discipleship: Far from being a sign of failure, opposition and slander become an expected part of the Christian walk. This verse reframes persecution not as an anomaly but as a natural consequence of representing Jesus in a world that rejected Him. It prepares believers to endure hardship with resilience.
  • Comfort in Christ's Example: The fact that Jesus Himself endured such vile accusations provides immense comfort and encouragement. If the perfect, sinless Son of God was called Beelzebub, then His followers should not be surprised or discouraged when they face similar, albeit lesser, forms of calumny.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Beelzebub" (sometimes transliterated as Beelzebul) is highly significant. It was a derogatory name for the prince of demons, often associated with Baal-Zebub, the "lord of the flies" or "lord of dung," a Philistine deity mentioned in 2 Kings 1:2. By calling Jesus "Beelzebub," His accusers were not merely insulting Him; they were accusing Him of being possessed by, or in league with, Satan himself, attributing His miraculous works to demonic power. This extreme slander is also seen in Matthew 12:24 and Mark 3:22.

Practical Application and Reflection

Matthew 10:25 offers enduring wisdom for believers today. In a world that often opposes biblical truth, Christians may face ridicule, false accusations, and even demonization for their faith. This verse reminds us:

  • Expect Opposition: Do not be surprised when your commitment to Christ draws criticism or hostility.
  • Find Strength in Jesus: Remember that Jesus endured the ultimate slander. His suffering validates our own and empowers us to persevere.
  • Focus on God's Approval: Our ultimate concern should not be human praise or condemnation, but rather the approval of God, who sees and knows all things. Jesus encourages us to fear not those who kill the body, but Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

This verse provides a powerful reassurance that when we suffer for righteousness' sake, we are walking in the footsteps of our Master.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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?
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