Matthew 12:27

KJV

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast [them] out? therefore they shall be your judges.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1487} I {G1473} by {G1722} Beelzebub {G954} cast out {G1544} devils {G1140}, by {G1722} whom {G5101} do your {G5216} children {G5207} cast them out {G1544}? therefore {G5124}{G1223} they {G846} shall be {G2071} your {G5216} judges {G2923}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Besides, if I drive out demons by Ba`al-Zibbul, by whom do your people drive them out? So, they will be your judges!

Berean Standard Bible

And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.

American Standard Version

And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 12:27, Jesus continues His incisive counter-argument against the Pharisees' malicious accusation that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub. He masterfully turns their own logic against them by posing a rhetorical question: if His exorcisms are demonic, by what power do their own "children"—referring to other Jewish exorcists—perform similar acts? This question serves to expose the profound hypocrisy and spiritual blindness of His accusers, implying that their own accepted practices would condemn their biased judgment of Jesus, thereby establishing the legitimacy of His divine authority and the presence of God's Kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' direct confrontation with the religious authorities following a pivotal miracle. In [Matthew 12:22](/matthew/12-22 "Matthew 12:22 - Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man"), Jesus heals a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, astonishing the crowds and prompting the question, "Is not this the Son of David?" This Messianic inquiry immediately draws the ire of the Pharisees, who, rather than acknowledging God's power, attribute Jesus' exorcism to Beelzebub, the "prince of devils" ([Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - The Pharisees' Blasphemous Accusation")). Jesus first responds by demonstrating the logical absurdity of Satan casting out Satan ([Matthew 12:25-26](/matthew/12-25-26 "Matthew 12:25-26 - Jesus' Argument Against a Divided Kingdom")), asserting that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Verse 27 then builds upon this by introducing a "lesser to greater" argument, using the Pharisees' own accepted practices as a mirror to reflect their flawed judgment, setting the stage for His declaration of the Kingdom of God's arrival in [Matthew 12:28](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - The Kingdom of God Has Come").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the Second Temple period, exorcism was a recognized practice within Judaism, with various Jewish practitioners claiming to cast out demons through incantations, prayers, or the use of specific names (e.g., Solomon's name). Josephus, a Jewish historian, attests to such practices. The Pharisees, as a prominent religious sect, would have been aware of, and perhaps even approved of, certain forms of Jewish exorcism. The term "Beelzebub" (or Beelzebul) was a derogatory Jewish alteration of Baal-Zebub, a Philistine deity mentioned in [2 Kings 1:2](/2_kings/1-2 "2 Kings 1:2 - Ahaziah Inquires of Baal-Zebub"). By Jesus' time, it had become a common designation for the chief demon or Satan himself. The Pharisees' accusation was not merely a theological disagreement but a grave charge of sorcery and alliance with the forces of evil, designed to discredit Jesus and undermine His growing influence among the people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Authority vs. Demonic Power**. Jesus' ability to cast out demons is presented as clear evidence of His divine power and the presence of God's Spirit, directly contrasting with the Pharisees' absurd claim of demonic alliance. Secondly, the verse exposes the profound **Hypocrisy and Spiritual Blindness of Religious Leaders**. The Pharisees, quick to condemn Jesus, are shown to be inconsistent in their judgment, accepting similar actions from their "children" while attributing Jesus' works to evil. Their prejudice prevents them from recognizing the true source of Jesus' authority. Finally, this passage underscores the theme of the **Arrival of the Kingdom of God**. Jesus' power over demons is not merely a display of personal might but a tangible sign that God's reign is breaking into the world, confronting and overcoming the dominion of Satan, as explicitly stated in [Matthew 12:28](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - The Kingdom of God's Arrival").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beelzebub (Greek, _Beelzeboúl'_):** This term (G954) is of Chaldee origin, likely a parody on the Philistine deity Baal-Zebub, meaning "dung-god." In the New Testament, it functions as a proper noun, a name for Satan or the chief demon. The Pharisees' accusation that Jesus casts out demons "by Beelzebub" is a direct claim that His power is sourced from the very ruler of the demonic realm, a blasphemous and damning charge.
* **devils (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This word (G1140), a neuter form of a derivative of _daimōn_, refers to a demonic being or, by extension, a deity. In the New Testament, it consistently denotes evil spirits or demons, often associated with causing physical ailments or spiritual oppression. Jesus' act of "casting out devils" signifies His authority over these malevolent spiritual entities.
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** This verb (G1544), formed from _ek_ (out) and _bállō_ (to throw), means to eject, literally or figuratively. It conveys a forceful expulsion or driving out. In the context of exorcism, it emphasizes the decisive and authoritative act of expelling a demon from a person, highlighting Jesus' power and control over the demonic realm.
* **judges (Greek, _kritḗs'_):** Derived from _krínō_ (to judge), this noun (G2923) refers to one who judges, a judge. In this verse, Jesus uses it to declare that the actions of the Pharisees' own "children" (Jewish exorcists) will serve as a witness or standard by which the Pharisees themselves will be judged, exposing their inconsistent and biased condemnation of Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils,"**: Jesus begins with a conditional clause, directly quoting or rephrasing the Pharisees' accusation. The "if" (G1487, _ei_) here is not expressing doubt but setting up a premise for a logical argument, essentially saying, "Assuming, for the sake of argument, that your premise is true..." This premise is that Jesus' power to expel demons (G1544, _ekbállō_ G1140, _daimónion_) is derived from Beelzebub (G954), the prince of demons. This clause encapsulates the core of the Pharisees' blasphemous charge.
* **"by whom do your children cast [them] out?"**: This is the rhetorical heart of Jesus' rebuttal. He poses a direct question to the Pharisees, using their own accepted practices against them. "Your children" (G5216, _hymōn_ G5207, _huiós_) refers to other Jewish exorcists, perhaps their disciples or those within their broader tradition, whom the Pharisees presumably did not accuse of being empowered by Satan. The implication is that if Jesus' exorcisms are demonic, then the exorcisms performed by their own people must also be demonic, leading to an untenable conclusion for the Pharisees.
* **"therefore they shall be your judges."**: This concluding statement delivers the powerful verdict. The actions of these Jewish exorcists, whom the Pharisees tolerated or even approved, will serve as a condemning witness (G2923, _kritḗs_) against the Pharisees themselves. Their own standards and inconsistencies will expose their prejudice and spiritual blindness in judging Jesus. It implies that their judgment of Jesus is not based on truth or consistent principles, but on malice and rejection of God's manifest power.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 12:27 is rich in literary devices that amplify Jesus' powerful rebuttal. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question**, "by whom do your children cast [them] out?" This question is not meant to elicit an answer but to make a point, forcing the Pharisees to confront the illogical and hypocritical nature of their accusation. It functions as an **Argumentum ad Hominem**, not in a fallacious sense, but by using the Pharisees' own accepted practices and beliefs to expose their inconsistency. There is a strong element of **Irony** present, as Jesus uses the very people the Pharisees would consider "their own" to condemn their judgment of Him. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Hypocrisy** of the Pharisees, revealing their double standard: they accept exorcisms performed by others in their tradition but condemn Jesus for the same act, attributing it to evil. This strategic use of their own "children" as "judges" is a powerful and damning indictment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:27 is a pivotal verse that not only refutes a specific accusation but also unveils profound theological truths about Jesus' identity and the nature of His ministry. It underscores that Jesus' power over demons is not merely a display of might but a direct manifestation of God's Spirit at work, signaling the inbreaking of the Kingdom of God. The Pharisees' accusation, born of spiritual blindness and hardened hearts, represents a fundamental misunderstanding of who Jesus is and the divine source of His authority. By challenging them with their own "children," Jesus forces them to confront their inconsistent standards, revealing that their rejection of Him is not based on logical or theological grounds but on prejudice and a refusal to acknowledge God's active presence in their midst. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent declaration about the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the gravity of attributing divine works to demonic power.

* [Mark 3:23-26](/mark/3-23-26 "Mark 3:23-26 - Jesus' Parable of the Divided Kingdom")
* [Luke 11:19-20](/luke/11-19-20 "Luke 11:19-20 - Jesus' Argument and the Finger of God")
* [Acts 19:13-16](/acts/19-13-16 "Acts 19:13-16 - The Sons of Sceva Attempt Exorcism")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:27 challenges us to examine the standards by which we judge others, particularly those who claim to act in God's name. It serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of spiritual blindness, hypocrisy, and prejudice. Like the Pharisees, we can sometimes be so entrenched in our own traditions, biases, or preconceived notions that we fail to recognize God's work when it appears in unexpected ways or through unexpected people. This passage calls us to discern actions by their fruit and their source, rather than by our personal preferences or affiliations. It encourages humility and open-mindedness, urging us to celebrate God's power wherever it is manifested, especially in acts of liberation, healing, and truth. Ultimately, it reinforces the truth that Jesus' authority is supreme, and His victory over evil is undeniable, empowering believers to stand firm in the face of spiritual opposition, knowing that the Kingdom of God has indeed come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or spiritual understanding might I be prone to hypocrisy or inconsistent judgment, similar to the Pharisees?**
* **How do I discern between genuine acts of God's Spirit and other influences, ensuring I am not attributing divine works to false sources or vice versa?**
* **What "unconventional" ways might God be working in the world today that I might be overlooking or dismissing due to my own biases or traditions?**

### FAQ

**What does "your children" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In [Matthew 12:27](/matthew/12-27 "Matthew 12:27 - Jesus' Challenge to the Pharisees"), "your children" (Greek: _huiós_) refers to other Jewish exorcists of the time. These were individuals within the broader Jewish community, perhaps even disciples of the Pharisees or other practitioners, who claimed to cast out demons. Jesus uses this term to highlight the Pharisees' hypocrisy: they accepted or at least tolerated the exorcisms performed by these "children" without accusing them of being empowered by Beelzebub, yet they leveled that very charge against Jesus. This implies that their judgment of Jesus was not based on consistent principles but on prejudice and a rejection of His divine authority.

**What was the significance of the accusation that Jesus cast out demons by Beelzebub?**

Answer: The accusation that Jesus cast out demons by Beelzebub ([Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - The Pharisees' Blasphemous Accusation")) was a profoundly serious and blasphemous charge. Beelzebub was understood to be the prince of demons, or Satan himself. By making this accusation, the Pharisees were not merely questioning Jesus' methods; they were claiming that His power came directly from the ultimate source of evil, thereby denying the divine origin of His miracles and attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan. This charge was a direct assault on Jesus' identity and mission, and it foreshadows Jesus' warning about the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit in [Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - The Unforgivable Sin").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:27, though a sharp retort to the Pharisees, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ over all demonic powers and reveals the true nature of the Kingdom He inaugurates. Jesus' ability to cast out demons by the Spirit of God, as He clarifies in [Matthew 12:28](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - The Kingdom of God's Arrival"), is a direct manifestation of His Messianic authority and the breaking in of God's reign. This authority culminates in His death and resurrection, where He decisively "disarmed the powers and authorities, he 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 Powers")). The "children" who cast out demons in Jesus' day, though perhaps operating with some divine allowance, were but a dim reflection of the full, sovereign power embodied in Christ. He is the one who ultimately crushes the head of the serpent ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")), and through His finished work, believers are now empowered to participate in His victory, casting out demons and proclaiming the gospel in His name ([Mark 16:17](/mark/16-17 "Mark 16:17 - Signs Following Believers"); [Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over All the Power of the Enemy")). Thus, Matthew 12:27 is not just about a historical argument, but about the unique and ultimate authority of Jesus Christ, the King who has come to plunder Satan's house and set the captives free.

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 9:38

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

Mark 9:39

But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

Acts 19:13

¶ Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

Acts 19:16

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Luke 11:19

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast [them] out? therefore shall they be your judges.

Luke 9:49

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

Luke 9:50

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid [him] not: for he that is not against us is for us.