Matthew 12:26

KJV

And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1487} Satan {G4567} cast out {G1544} Satan {G4567}, he is divided {G3307} against {G1909} himself {G1438}; how {G4459} shall {G2476} then {G3767} his {G846} kingdom {G932} stand {G2476}?

Complete Jewish Bible

If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself; so how can his kingdom survive?

Berean Standard Bible

If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?

American Standard Version

and if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:26 captures a crucial moment in Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees, who maliciously accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons. In this verse, Jesus employs an irrefutable logical argument, exposing the inherent absurdity and self-contradictory nature of their accusation. He highlights that if Satan were to cast out Satan, his own kingdom would be divided against itself, leading to its inevitable collapse—a scenario that defies the very purpose and unity of evil dominion. This rhetorical question powerfully underscores Jesus' divine authority and the true source of His power, which is diametrically opposed to the kingdom of darkness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger narrative in [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus' Authority and Conflict with Pharisees") that showcases Jesus' growing conflict with the religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees. The immediate trigger is Jesus' healing of a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, leading the crowds to wonder if He was the Messiah ([Matthew 12:22-23](/matthew/12-22-23 "Matthew 12:22-23 - Healing of a Blind and Mute Man")). The Pharisees, unable to deny the miraculous healing but unwilling to acknowledge Jesus' divine origin, resort to the blasphemous accusation that Jesus casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the ruler of demons ([Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - The Pharisees' Blasphemous Accusation")). Jesus' response begins with a foundational principle in [Matthew 12:25](/matthew/12-25 "Matthew 12:25 - A Kingdom Divided Cannot Stand"), stating that any kingdom or house divided against itself cannot stand. Verse 26 then directly applies this universal principle to Satan's own realm, forming a critical part of Jesus' multi-faceted rebuttal that culminates in His declaration of the arrival of the [Kingdom of God](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - The Kingdom of God Has Come").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The accusation leveled against Jesus by the Pharisees was deeply significant within the Jewish cultural and religious landscape. Demon possession was a recognized phenomenon, and exorcism was practiced by some Jewish healers, though not with the consistent authority and power demonstrated by Jesus. Beelzebub, likely a derogatory alteration of "Baal-zebul" (lord of the high house) or "Baal-zebub" (lord of the flies), was a pagan deity associated with evil and was considered by some Jews to be the chief of demons. The Pharisees, as a prominent religious sect, held considerable influence and were zealous for the Mosaic Law and oral traditions. Their accusation was not merely a theological disagreement but a malicious attempt to discredit Jesus' miracles and undermine His authority by associating Him with the very forces of evil He was combating. This slanderous charge, bordering on blasphemy against the Holy Spirit ([Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")), revealed their profound spiritual blindness and hardened hearts, prioritizing their own power and tradition over the clear evidence of God's work.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 12:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Jesus' unquestionable authority over evil forces**. By demonstrating that His power cannot be from Satan, Jesus implicitly asserts its divine origin, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God. Secondly, the verse highlights the **nature of Satan's kingdom and the reality of spiritual warfare**. Jesus acknowledges the existence of a unified, albeit evil, dominion under Satan, which seeks to oppose God's purposes. The very premise of His argument—that Satan would not undermine his own kingdom—reveals the strategic unity of evil. Thirdly, this passage sets the stage for the declaration of the **arrival of the Kingdom of God**. If Jesus is not casting out demons by Satan's power, then His exorcisms are undeniable evidence that the [Kingdom of God has indeed come upon them](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - Kingdom of God by Finger of God"), breaking Satan's dominion. Finally, the interaction exposes the **spiritual blindness and hypocrisy of the Pharisees**, who, despite witnessing divine power, attribute it to evil, demonstrating their resistance to God's truth and their ultimate inability to discern the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Satan (Greek, _Satanâs'_):** Derived from the Hebrew, meaning "adversary" or "accuser." In this context, it refers to the chief spiritual enemy of God and humanity, the devil. Jesus' use of this term acknowledges the reality of a singular, malevolent spiritual entity orchestrating evil.
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** From _ek_ (out of) and _bállō_ (to throw), meaning "to eject" or "drive out." This word perfectly describes the forceful expulsion of demons, emphasizing Jesus' active and authoritative power over them.
* **divided (Greek, _merízō'_):** To "part," "apportion," or "disunite." This term highlights the internal conflict or fragmentation that would occur if Satan were to work against himself, leading to a loss of cohesion and strength within his dominion.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** Properly, "royalty" or "rule," but concretely, a "realm" or "dominion." Here, it signifies the sphere of Satan's authority and influence, encompassing all demonic forces and their operations. Jesus' argument posits that a ruler seeks to maintain and expand their kingdom, not to dismantle it from within.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if Satan cast out Satan,"**: This clause sets up the hypothetical scenario, directly addressing the Pharisees' accusation. Jesus takes their premise—that He is casting out demons by Satan's power—and uses it as the basis for His logical refutation. The repetition of "Satan" emphasizes the internal contradiction implied by their claim.
* **"he is divided against himself;"**: This is the immediate logical consequence of the hypothetical. If Satan were to empower actions that undermine his own agents or operations (i.e., casting out demons), it would signify internal division and self-sabotage within his kingdom. The phrase "against himself" (Greek: _epí heautoû_) underscores this self-destructive conflict.
* **"how shall then his kingdom stand?"**: This rhetorical question serves as the powerful conclusion to Jesus' argument. It implies an undeniable answer: a kingdom divided against itself cannot endure. The question highlights the sheer illogicality of the Pharisees' claim, as Satan, like any ruler, would seek to preserve and strengthen his dominion, not weaken it through internal conflict. The word "stand" (Greek: _hístēmi_) implies stability, endurance, and continued existence.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus' statement in Matthew 12:26 masterfully employs several literary devices. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question**, "how shall then his kingdom stand?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful assertion, implying an obvious answer (it cannot stand). This technique engages the listener and highlights the undeniable truth of Jesus' logic. Closely related is the **Argumentum ad Absurdum** (argument to absurdity), where Jesus takes the Pharisees' premise (that He casts out demons by Satan's power) and demonstrates that it leads to an illogical and absurd conclusion (Satan working against himself), thereby discrediting the initial premise. This is also an example of **Analogy**, as Jesus extends the common-sense principle of a "house divided" from the previous verse ([Matthew 12:25](/matthew/12-25 "Matthew 12:25 - A House Divided")) to the specific case of Satan's kingdom, making His argument relatable and profoundly impactful. Finally, there is **Symbolism** in the concept of "kingdom," which represents not just a physical realm but a sphere of authority and power, making the argument applicable to any system, human or spiritual, that requires unity for its survival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:26 profoundly illuminates the nature of spiritual warfare and the ultimate triumph of God's Kingdom. It establishes that while evil forces are organized under Satan, their power is not absolute, nor is it self-destructive in its immediate operations. Satan's kingdom, though unified in its opposition to God, is inherently unstable and ultimately destined for collapse, not by internal division but by the superior power of God. Jesus' exorcisms are the tangible evidence that a greater power has invaded Satan's domain, signaling the decisive defeat of evil through the advent of the Kingdom of God. This verse underscores the foundational truth that Jesus' authority over demons is a direct manifestation of God's sovereign rule breaking into the world, demonstrating His power to bind the "strong man" and plunder his house.

* [Mark 3:23-27](/mark/3-23-27 "Mark 3:23-27 - Jesus' Rebuttal to Blasphemy")
* [Luke 11:17-20](/luke/11-17-20 "Luke 11:17-20 - Kingdom Divided")
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' logical dismantling of the Pharisees' accusation in Matthew 12:26 offers profound lessons for believers today. It calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, enabling us to critically evaluate claims and accusations, especially those that seek to undermine the work of God. Just as Jesus used sound reasoning to expose falsehood, we are encouraged to engage with truth and logic, grounded in Scripture, when confronting spiritual deception or false narratives. Furthermore, this passage reminds us that while Satan's kingdom operates with a unified, destructive purpose, it is ultimately fragile and doomed. We are engaged in a real spiritual battle, but our victory is assured through Christ, who has already disarmed the powers of darkness. This understanding should empower us to stand firm, resist the devil, and participate in the advancement of God's Kingdom, knowing that the forces of evil, though formidable, are ultimately no match for the divine authority of Jesus. Finally, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity within the body of Christ, for if a kingdom divided cannot stand, how much more essential is unity for the Church's mission and witness in a world hostile to the gospel?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' logical argument in this verse challenge our own assumptions or biases when evaluating spiritual phenomena?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Pharisees, be tempted to attribute God's work to other sources out of unbelief or a desire to maintain control?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the nature of spiritual warfare and the ultimate fate of Satan's kingdom?**
* **How can the principle of a "kingdom divided" apply to our personal lives or to the Church, and what steps can we take to foster greater unity?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Pharisees accuse Jesus of using Satan's power?**

Answer: The Pharisees accused Jesus of using Satan's power (Beelzebub) primarily because they could not deny the reality of His miracles, particularly His powerful exorcisms, yet they refused to acknowledge Him as the Messiah or the Son of God. Their hearts were hardened by envy, pride, and a rigid adherence to their own traditions, which blinded them to God's work through Jesus. Attributing His power to Satan was their desperate attempt to discredit Him in the eyes of the people, maintain their own religious authority, and avoid the uncomfortable truth that Jesus was indeed operating by divine power, signaling the arrival of [God's Kingdom](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - Kingdom of God by Finger of God"). This accusation was a malicious and blasphemous slander, revealing their deep spiritual opposition to Christ.

**Does Satan truly have a "kingdom"?**

Answer: Yes, the Bible, including Jesus' own words in [Matthew 12:26](/matthew/12-26 "Matthew 12:26 - Satan's Divided Kingdom"), clearly depicts Satan as having a "kingdom" or "dominion." This refers to his sphere of influence and authority over the fallen world and the demonic forces under his command. He is referred to as the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Prince of This World")) and the "god of this age" ([2 Corinthians 4:4](/2_corinthians/4-4 "2 Corinthians 4:4 - God of This Age")), indicating a structured, albeit evil, realm that opposes God's righteous rule. However, it's crucial to understand that Satan's kingdom is not co-equal with God's; it is a created, rebellious kingdom that is ultimately subordinate to God's sovereign power and destined for complete destruction ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - Satan Cast into the Lake of Fire")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:26, while a logical argument against a false accusation, profoundly points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' ability to cast out demons, far from being a work of Satan, is the definitive sign that the "strong man" (Satan) has been bound by one stronger than he—Jesus Himself. This passage foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over the powers of darkness, demonstrating that He has invaded Satan's domain not to divide it, but to dismantle it. The very fact that Jesus can plunder Satan's house (as implied in [Matthew 12:29](/matthew/12-29 "Matthew 12:29 - Binding the Strong Man")) means He possesses superior authority and power. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus decisively triumphed over all principalities and powers, disarming them and leading them in triumph ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil")). His exorcisms were not merely acts of healing but tangible demonstrations of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world, inaugurating a new era where Satan's dominion is being systematically overthrown. Ultimately, the "kingdom" that will truly stand is Christ's eternal Kingdom, which is established through His victory and will one day encompass all things, as He reigns supreme over every foe, including death and the devil ([1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25-26 "1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - Christ's Reign and Defeat of Enemies")).

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

Colossians 1:13

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Revelation 20:2

And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

Revelation 20:3

And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

1 John 5:19

[And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

Revelation 12:9

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Revelation 16:10

And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

John 16:11

Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.