Matthew 12:24

KJV

But when the Pharisees heard [it], they said, This [fellow] doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when the Pharisees {G5330} heard {G191} it, they said {G2036}, This {G3778} fellow doth {G1544} not {G3756} cast out {G1544} devils {G1140}, but {G1508} by {G1722} Beelzebub {G954} the prince {G758} of the devils {G1140}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when the P'rushim heard of it, they said, "It is only by Ba`al-Zibbul" -- the ruler of the demons -- "that this man drives out demons."

Berean Standard Bible

But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.”

American Standard Version

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man doth not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub the prince of the demons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:24 captures a pivotal moment of escalating opposition against Jesus, where the Pharisees, confronted by Jesus's undeniable power to cast out demons and heal, resort to a malicious and blasphemous accusation. Instead of acknowledging the divine source of His authority, they attribute Jesus's miraculous deliverance of a demon-possessed, blind, and mute man to Beelzebub, the chief of demons, thereby attempting to discredit His ministry and undermine His growing influence among the people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a powerful demonstration of Jesus's authority over demonic forces and physical ailments, as He heals a man who was both blind and mute due to demon possession ([Matthew 12:22](/matthew/12-22 "Matthew 12:22 - Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man")). The crowds, astounded by this miracle, begin to wonder aloud if Jesus might indeed be the long-awaited "Son of David," a messianic title ([Matthew 12:23](/matthew/12-23 "Matthew 12:23 - The Crowd Wonders About Jesus")). The Pharisees' accusation in [Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - The Pharisees' Blasphemous Accusation") serves as a direct, hostile response to this growing popular recognition of Jesus's messianic claims. It sets the stage for Jesus's profound rebuttal concerning a kingdom divided against itself and His solemn warning about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit ([Matthew 12:25-32](/matthew/12-25-32 "Matthew 12:25-32 - Jesus's Rebuttal and Warning Against Blasphemy")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions. They held significant influence among the people and often clashed with Jesus over matters of Sabbath observance, ritual purity, and His claims of authority. Their accusation of Jesus operating by Beelzebub reflects their deep-seated animosity and their inability to reconcile Jesus's actions with their preconceived notions of the Messiah. Beelzebub, likely a derogatory adaptation of "Baal-zebub" (the god of Ekron mentioned in [2 Kings 1:2](/2_kings/1-2 "2 Kings 1:2 - Ahaziah Inquires of Baal-zebub")), was understood in the New Testament period as a chief demon or even another name for Satan himself. To accuse someone of casting out demons by Beelzebub was to brand them as an agent of ultimate evil, a profound insult and a direct challenge to the divine nature of their power.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - The Pharisees' Blasphemous Accusation") powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it highlights the **escalating opposition** Jesus faced from religious authorities, who, despite undeniable evidence of divine power, chose rejection over belief. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **spiritual blindness**, as the Pharisees, blinded by envy and rigid legalism, failed to recognize God's work right before their eyes. Their accusation is a stark example of attributing good to evil. Thirdly, the verse introduces the critical theme of **the source of Jesus's authority and power**, directly challenging whether His miracles were from God or from Satan. This challenge leads directly into Jesus's teaching on the nature of spiritual kingdoms and the grave sin of **blasphemy against the Holy Spirit** ([Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - The Unpardonable Sin")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _dé'_):** This primary particle serves as an adversative conjunction, indicating a strong contrast or opposition. In this context, it sharply contrasts the astonished and questioning reaction of the crowds ([Matthew 12:23](/matthew/12-23 "Matthew 12:23 - The Crowd Wonders About Jesus")) with the hostile and condemning response of the Pharisees. It signals a turning point in the narrative, highlighting the deliberate rejection by the religious leaders.
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** Derived from `ek` (out) and `bállō` (to throw), this verb literally means "to eject" or "to drive out." It is consistently used in the Gospels to describe Jesus's powerful expulsion of demons. The Pharisees' use of this term acknowledges the undeniable reality of the exorcism, but their subsequent attribution of its power source to Beelzebub is a malicious reinterpretation, twisting a divine act into a demonic one.
* **Beelzebub (Greek, _Beelzeboúl'_):** Of Chaldee origin, this name is a derogatory parody of "Baal-zebub," the "Lord of Flies" from the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Beelzebub is understood as a principal demon or even a name for Satan himself, signifying "dung-god" or "lord of the high dwelling" (referring to a demonic prince). The Pharisees' accusation that Jesus casts out demons "by Beelzebub the prince of the devils" is a direct, grave charge that Jesus is an agent of the supreme power of evil, thereby denying the divine origin of His miracles and blaspheming the Holy Spirit through whom He operated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when the Pharisees heard [it],"** This clause emphasizes the immediate and deliberate response of the Pharisees. "It" refers to the crowd's questioning of Jesus's messianic identity following the healing miracle. Their hearing was not merely auditory but implied a comprehension of the implications of Jesus's power and the people's reaction, which directly threatened their authority.
* **"they said,"** This introduces the Pharisees' verbalized judgment. Their "saying" is not a question or an inquiry, but a definitive, condemning statement, revealing their hardened stance against Jesus.
* **"This [fellow] doth not cast out devils,"** This is the core of their accusation. The dismissive "This [fellow]" (referring to Jesus) underscores their contempt. While they acknowledge the reality of the exorcism ("cast out devils"), they immediately deny its divine source, setting up their alternative, blasphemous explanation.
* **"but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils."** This final clause provides their shocking explanation for Jesus's power. By asserting that Jesus operates "by" (through the agency of) Beelzebub, whom they identify as "the prince of the devils," they accuse Jesus of being in league with the very ruler of the demonic realm. This statement is a direct and profound blasphemy, attributing the work of God's Spirit to Satan.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 12:24 is rich in **Irony**, as the religious leaders, supposedly guardians of God's truth, accuse the Son of God of being an agent of Satan. This deep irony highlights their profound spiritual blindness. There is also significant **Contrast** between the crowd's hopeful questioning of Jesus's messianic identity and the Pharisees' outright condemnation and demonic attribution. The accusation itself employs **Hyperbole** and **Slander**, as the Pharisees exaggerate their claim by linking Jesus directly to the "prince of the devils," a deliberate attempt to malign His character and ministry. This verse also serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** for Jesus's subsequent teaching on the unpardonable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which is the ultimate rejection of God's clear revelation and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Pharisees' accusation in [Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - The Pharisees' Blasphemous Accusation") is not merely a misjudgment but a profound theological offense. By attributing the Holy Spirit's work to Beelzebub, they commit a direct act of blasphemy against the Spirit, a sin Jesus later warns is unforgivable ([Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")). This incident underscores the stark reality of spiritual warfare, where the forces of darkness actively oppose the light of God, and those who reject God's truth can become instruments of that opposition. It also highlights the critical importance of discerning the source of spiritual power, recognizing that true divine power always leads to liberation and restoration, not bondage.

* [Mark 3:22](/mark/3-22 "Mark 3:22 - The Scribes Accuse Jesus")
* [Luke 11:15](/luke/11-15 "Luke 11:15 - Some Say Jesus Casts Out Demons by Beelzebul")
* [John 8:48](/john/8-48 "John 8:48 - The Jews Accuse Jesus of Being a Samaritan and Having a Demon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:24 serves as a sobering reminder that even the most undeniable manifestations of God's power and goodness can be willfully misinterpreted, slandered, and rejected by those whose hearts are hardened by pride, envy, or a vested interest in maintaining their own authority. The Pharisees, unable to deny the miracle itself, chose to attribute it to the devil rather than acknowledge God's hand, thereby revealing their profound spiritual blindness. This passage challenges us to critically examine our own hearts: Are we open to recognizing God's work, even when it challenges our preconceived notions, traditions, or comfort zones? Or do we, like the Pharisees, allow prejudice and self-interest to blind us to divine truth and lead us to condemn what is truly of God? It underscores the danger of spiritual arrogance and the vital need for humility and discernment, ensuring that we are quick to celebrate God's activity and never attribute His good works to evil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to misinterpret or dismiss God's work today, especially if it doesn't fit my expectations or challenges my comfort zone?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is more open and discerning to recognize God's activity, even in unexpected forms or through unexpected people?**
* **What biases or self-interests might prevent me from acknowledging the truth or the good in others, particularly those with whom I disagree?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the Pharisees accusing Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebub?**

Answer: The accusation is highly significant because it represents the most severe and blasphemous charge leveled against Jesus by the religious authorities. By claiming Jesus operated by Beelzebub, whom they considered the "prince of the devils" or Satan himself, the Pharisees were not simply questioning Jesus's authority but directly attributing the Holy Spirit's work to the power of evil. This was a deliberate attempt to discredit Jesus, malign His character, and turn the people against Him, effectively calling good evil. Jesus's subsequent response in [Matthew 12:25-32](/matthew/12-25-32 "Matthew 12:25-32 - Jesus's Rebuttal and Warning Against Blasphemy") reveals the gravity of this accusation, particularly His warning about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:24, while detailing a moment of intense opposition, powerfully highlights Jesus's true identity and the nature of His mission. The Pharisees' accusation, though intended to condemn, inadvertently underscores the profound reality that Jesus was indeed confronting and conquering the kingdom of darkness. Their claim that He cast out demons by Beelzebub is precisely what Jesus was doing, but by the power of God, not Satan. This verse sets the stage for Jesus's own declaration that His ability to cast out demons is proof that the "kingdom of God has come upon you" ([Matthew 12:28](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - The Kingdom of God Has Come")). Jesus, as the "stronger man" ([Matthew 12:29](/matthew/12-29 "Matthew 12:29 - Plundering the Strong Man's House")), invades Satan's domain, binds him, and plunders his house, liberating those held captive. This foreshadows His ultimate victory over sin, death, and the devil through His crucifixion and resurrection, where He disarmed the powers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Jesus is the true Son of God, whose power over demons is not derived from evil, but from the very Spirit of God, establishing His rightful claim as the Messiah and the deliverer of humanity from spiritual bondage ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus's Mission Statement")).

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

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.

Matthew 9:34

But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

Luke 11:15

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