Matthew 12:25

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} knew {G1492} their {G846} thoughts {G1761}, and said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Every {G3956} kingdom {G932} divided {G3307} against {G2596} itself {G1438} is brought to desolation {G2049}; and {G2532} every {G3956} city {G4172} or {G2228} house {G3614} divided {G3307} against {G2596} itself {G1438} shall {G2476} not {G3756} stand {G2476}:

Complete Jewish Bible

However, knowing what they were thinking, Yeshua said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not survive.

Berean Standard Bible

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.

American Standard Version

And knowing their thoughts he said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 12:25, Jesus, demonstrating His divine omniscience by perceiving the malicious thoughts of the Pharisees, articulates a timeless principle: any entity, whether a kingdom, city, or household, that is internally divided against itself is destined for desolation and collapse. This profound statement serves as a logical refutation of their absurd accusation that He cast out demons by the power of Satan, simultaneously revealing the inherent self-destructive nature of evil and the unified power of God's advancing Kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to Jesus' powerful defense against the Pharisees' blasphemous accusation that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the ruler of demons, as stated in [Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - The Pharisees Accuse Jesus"). The accusation immediately follows Jesus' healing of a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, an undeniable miracle that astonished the crowds and led them to question if Jesus was the Son of David ([Matthew 12:22-23](/matthew/12-22-23 "Matthew 12:22-23 - Jesus Heals a Blind and Mute Man")). Jesus' response in [Matthew 12:25-29](/matthew/12-25-29 "Matthew 12:25-29 - Jesus' Response to the Pharisees") is a multi-pronged argument: first, a logical refutation based on the principle of internal division; second, a challenge regarding their own exorcists; and third, the "strong man" parable, which asserts His superior power over Satan. This entire discourse culminates in the solemn warning against blasphemy of the Holy Spirit in [Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - The Unforgivable Sin").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is first-century Jewish Palestine, where the Pharisees were a prominent religious and political sect. They were meticulous observers of the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, often viewing Jesus with suspicion and hostility due to His perceived disregard for their traditions and His claims of divine authority. Their accusation of Beelzebub reflects their deep-seated opposition and their inability or unwillingness to acknowledge the divine source of Jesus' power. The concepts of "kingdom," "city," and "house" were readily understood societal structures, representing progressively smaller units of organization. A "kingdom" (basileia) carried significant weight in Jewish eschatology, referring to the anticipated reign of God, often associated with the Messiah. Jesus' use of these common examples would have resonated deeply with His audience, making His logical argument undeniable.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **nature of spiritual warfare**, contrasting the unified, advancing Kingdom of God with the inherently self-destructive nature of Satan's kingdom. Jesus' ability to cast out demons is presented not as an alliance with evil, but as a direct assault on it, signaling that "the kingdom of God has come upon you" ([Matthew 12:28](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - The Kingdom of God Has Come")). Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' divine omniscience**, as He "knew their thoughts," a clear demonstration of His supernatural insight into the human heart, a characteristic often attributed to God alone ([Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The Lord Searches the Heart")). Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the **peril of division**, a principle that transcends spiritual warfare to apply to all levels of human organization, from nations to families, illustrating that internal strife inevitably leads to weakness and collapse.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, G1492, properly means "to see" (literally or figuratively), but by implication, especially in the perfect tense, it means "to know." In this context, it signifies Jesus' inherent divine knowledge, not merely a keen observation or deduction. He possessed full awareness of the Pharisees' internal deliberations and malicious intentions.
* **thoughts (Greek, _enthýmēsis'_):** G1761, derived from a verb meaning "to deliberate," refers to internal reflections, devices, or intentions. It points to the inner workings of the mind, the schemes and purposes being formulated. Jesus' knowledge extended beyond their words to their very mental processes and hidden motives.
* **divided (Greek, _merízō'_):** G3307 means "to part," "to apportion," or "to disunite." Here, in the passive voice, it describes something being split or set against itself. The repetition of "divided against itself" emphasizes the internal, self-destructive nature of the disunity, where components of a single entity are in opposition to one another.
* **brought to desolation (Greek, _erēmóō'_):** G2049 means "to lay waste" or "to make desolate." It conveys the idea of being utterly ruined, emptied, or brought to nought. This is the inevitable outcome for any kingdom or larger entity that succumbs to internal division.
* **stand (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** G2476 means "to stand," "to abide," or "to remain firm." In the negative, "shall not stand," it signifies that the entity will inevitably fall, collapse, or fail to maintain its integrity and existence. This reinforces the certainty of ruin for a divided house or city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus knew their thoughts":** This opening phrase immediately establishes Jesus' divine attribute of omniscience. He did not need to be told the Pharisees' accusations or their underlying malice; He supernaturally perceived their inner deliberations and the deceptive nature of their hearts. This divine insight validates the authority of His subsequent pronouncements.
* **"and said unto them":** This indicates a direct and authoritative response. Jesus does not merely think His refutation but articulates it clearly and publicly, confronting His accusers with undeniable truth.
* **"Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation;":** Jesus begins with a universal, self-evident truth applied to the largest societal unit—a kingdom. He asserts that internal conflict, where factions within a kingdom work against each other, inevitably leads to its ruin and collapse. This principle logically undercuts the Pharisees' claim: if Satan's kingdom were divided by him casting out his own demons, it would be self-destructing.
* **"and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:":** Jesus extends the principle to progressively smaller, more intimate units—a city and a house (referring to a household or family). This makes the truth even more relatable and undeniable. Just as a kingdom cannot endure internal strife, neither can a city maintain its order, nor a family its cohesion, if its members are in opposition to one another. The term "shall not stand" reinforces the certainty of inevitable failure and collapse.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this verse to make His argument compelling and memorable. The primary device is **Analogy**, where He draws a parallel between the functioning of a kingdom, a city, and a house. By presenting three progressively smaller and more relatable examples, Jesus demonstrates the universal applicability of the principle that internal division leads to ruin. This builds a logical and undeniable case. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the structure of the two clauses, reinforcing the consistent consequence of division: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation" is mirrored by "every city or house divided against itself shall not stand." The use of the strong negative "shall not stand" (οὐ στήσεται) provides an element of **Understatement** or **Litotes** (a form of ironic understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary), implying not just that it won't stand, but that it *cannot* stand—its collapse is an absolute certainty. Finally, the entire statement functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Question** (though not explicitly phrased as one), implicitly challenging the Pharisees: "How then can Satan's kingdom stand if he casts out demons?"

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:25 profoundly illuminates the nature of spiritual authority and the inherent opposition between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Jesus' argument reveals that Satan's kingdom, while formidable and oppressive, operates with a perverse unity against God and humanity. However, it is ultimately self-serving and inherently unstable, destined for "desolation" because it is founded on rebellion and lies, not truth and cohesion. In stark contrast, the Kingdom of God, inaugurated by Jesus, is characterized by unity, truth, and divine power. Jesus' exorcisms are not an internal conflict within the realm of evil, but rather the sovereign power of God invading and dismantling Satan's domain, signifying that the "strong man" (Satan) is being bound by one stronger than he ([Matthew 12:29](/matthew/12-29 "Matthew 12:29 - Binding the Strong Man")). This verse therefore serves as a foundational theological statement on the nature of God's victory over evil, achieved through a unified divine purpose.

* [Mark 3:24-26](/mark/3-24-26 "Mark 3:24-26 - Jesus' Kingdom Analogy")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh, Including Dissensions")
* [Romans 16:17-18](/romans/16-17-18 "Romans 16:17-18 - Avoid Those Who Cause Divisions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The principle articulated by Jesus in Matthew 12:25 holds timeless and universal relevance, extending far beyond the immediate context of spiritual warfare to encompass all aspects of human existence. For the individual believer, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of internal coherence and integrity. A heart or mind "divided against itself" by conflicting desires, unresolved sin, or hypocrisy cannot stand firm in faith or purpose. Spiritually, it calls us to single-minded devotion to Christ, ensuring that our thoughts, words, and actions are aligned with God's will. For the Church, the body of Christ, this verse is a potent call to unity. Internal strife, factions, gossip, and doctrinal disputes weaken its witness, hinder its mission, and ultimately threaten its effectiveness. Just as a physical house cannot stand if its foundational elements are at odds, so too the spiritual house of God must strive for the "unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" ([Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity in the Spirit")). This verse challenges us to actively pursue reconciliation, humility, and mutual submission, recognizing that our collective strength lies in our oneness in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my personal life or spiritual walk do I experience internal division, and how might this hinder my growth or effectiveness?**
* **How does this principle of "a house divided" apply to my family, workplace, or community, and what role can I play in fostering unity?**
* **Considering the Church, what specific actions can I take to promote unity and discourage division within my local congregation or the broader Christian community?**
* **How does Jesus' omniscience, highlighted in this verse, impact my understanding of His authority and my willingness to submit to His truth?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus know the Pharisees' thoughts?**

Answer: Jesus' knowledge of the Pharisees' thoughts highlights His divine omniscience, a characteristic of God alone. It demonstrates that He was not merely guessing their intentions or reacting to their spoken words, but possessed supernatural insight into their hearts and minds. This divine attribute underscored His authority and the truthfulness of His subsequent refutation, showing that He knew the malicious and absurd nature of their accusation even before they fully voiced it or while they were still contemplating it. This is consistent with other passages where Jesus perceives people's thoughts, such as in [Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knew Their Thoughts") or [Luke 6:8](/luke/6-8 "Luke 6:8 - Jesus Knew Their Thoughts").

**What does "divided against itself" mean in practical terms for a kingdom, city, or house?**

Answer: "Divided against itself" refers to internal conflict, disunity, or a lack of cohesion within an entity. For a kingdom, it means civil war, rebellions, or factions vying for power, leading to instability and eventual collapse. For a city, it implies internal strife, rivalries among its inhabitants, or a breakdown of civic order, making it vulnerable. For a house or family, it means discord, unresolved conflicts, or members working against each other, which inevitably leads to the disintegration of the family unit. The principle asserts that any entity whose components are in opposition to its own overall well-being cannot long endure.

**How does this verse apply to the Church today?**

Answer: This verse serves as a critical warning and a call to unity for the Church. Just as a kingdom or house cannot stand divided, the body of Christ is called to be unified in purpose, doctrine, and love. Internal conflicts, denominationalism, factions, gossip, and personal agendas that create division weaken the Church's witness to the world and hinder its effectiveness in fulfilling the Great Commission. The Apostle Paul frequently admonished believers to avoid divisions and strive for unity, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Paul's Appeal for Unity") and [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity in the Body of Christ"). The Church's strength and ability to "stand" are directly tied to its internal harmony and shared commitment to Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:25, though a logical argument in response to a specific accusation, points profoundly to the nature of Christ's kingdom and His ultimate triumph. Jesus' assertion that "every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation" underscores the inherent instability and ultimate doom of Satan's kingdom, which, despite its outward appearance of unity against God, is founded on rebellion and self-interest. In contrast, Jesus came to establish an eternal kingdom, one that is perfectly unified under His headship. His victory over demons, far from being an internal conflict within the realm of darkness, was a direct and decisive assault on Satan's domain, demonstrating that He is the "stronger man" who has come to plunder the "strong man's" house ([Matthew 12:29](/matthew/12-29 "Matthew 12:29 - Binding the Strong Man")). Christ's life, death, and resurrection represent the ultimate triumph over the powers of darkness, leading to their desolation and His eternal reign. He is the unifying head of His body, the Church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), and His prayer for His followers is that they "may be one, just as you and I are one" ([John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")), reflecting the perfect unity of the Godhead. Thus, this verse foreshadows the ultimate desolation of all that opposes God and the eternal, unified, and unshakeable reign of 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

Galatians 5:15

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

Jeremiah 17:10

I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.

Matthew 9:4

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

1 Corinthians 2:11

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

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 11:22

But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

Isaiah 9:21

Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: [and] they together [shall be] against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.