Matthew 9:34

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the Pharisees {G5330} said {G3004}, He casteth out {G1544} devils {G1140} through {G1722} the prince {G758} of the devils {G1140}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the P'rushim said, "It is through the ruler of the demons that he expels demons."

Berean Standard Bible

But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that He drives out demons.”

American Standard Version

But the Pharisees said, By the prince of the demons casteth he out demons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 9:34 captures the stark and immediate opposition Jesus faced from the religious establishment, specifically the Pharisees, following a miraculous healing. While the crowds marveled at Jesus' power to cast out a demon and restore speech to a mute man, the Pharisees, unable to deny the undeniable miracle, resorted to a grave accusation: they claimed Jesus performed His exorcisms by the power of Beelzebul, "the prince of the devils," thereby attributing divine power to demonic sources. This verse serves as a pivotal moment, highlighting the entrenched spiritual blindness and hardened hearts that characterized the religious leaders' rejection of Jesus' messianic identity and divine authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a dramatic display of Jesus' power over evil spirits and physical infirmity. In [Matthew 9:32-33](/matthew/9-32-33 "Matthew 9:32-33 - Jesus Heals a Mute, Demon-Possessed Man"), Jesus encounters a man who is both demon-possessed and mute. With a simple act of casting out the demon, the man is instantly able to speak. This miracle elicits an overwhelming response from the crowds, who exclaim in astonishment, "It was never so seen in Israel!" (as recorded in [Matthew 9:33](/matthew/9-33 "Matthew 9:33 - The Crowds' Amazement")). The Pharisees' accusation in [Matthew 9:34](/matthew/9-34 "Matthew 9:34 - The Pharisees' Accusation") directly contrasts with this public acclaim, demonstrating their consistent pattern of antagonism towards Jesus throughout the Gospel of Matthew, often appearing immediately after His powerful demonstrations of authority, such as the healing of the paralytic in [Matthew 9:1-8](/matthew/9-1-8 "Matthew 9:1-8 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic and Forgives Sins").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious sect during the Second Temple period, known for their meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law and their oral traditions. They held significant influence among the common people and were often seen as guardians of religious purity and national identity. Their authority was rooted in their perceived piety and expertise in the Law. However, their rigid interpretations and self-righteousness often led them into conflict with Jesus, who challenged their legalistic approach and emphasized the spirit of the Law over its letter. Their accusation in [Matthew 9:34](/matthew/9-34 "Matthew 9:34 - The Pharisees' Accusation") reflects a desperate attempt to discredit Jesus in the eyes of the public. By attributing His power to Satan, they sought to delegitimize His ministry and portray Him as an agent of evil, rather than acknowledging the divine source of His miracles, which would have undermined their own religious authority. This was a common tactic in ancient polemics, to accuse an opponent of being in league with dark forces.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the growing **opposition to Jesus' authority** from the religious establishment. Despite undeniable miracles, the Pharisees consistently refuse to acknowledge Jesus' divine power, instead seeking ways to undermine Him. This theme is further developed in later chapters, leading to Jesus' direct confrontations with them, such as the discourse on blasphemy against the Holy Spirit in [Matthew 12:22-37](/matthew/12-22-37 "Matthew 12:22-37 - Jesus and Beelzebul"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **spiritual blindness and hardened hearts**. The Pharisees' inability or unwillingness to perceive God's work in Jesus' ministry, despite clear evidence, tragically illustrates a spiritual insensitivity rooted in prejudice and self-preservation. Their rejection of Jesus is not due to a lack of evidence, but a refusal to believe. Finally, the verse touches upon the **nature of spiritual warfare**. Jesus' ministry is portrayed as a direct assault on the kingdom of darkness, and the Pharisees' accusation reveals the enemy's strategy to twist truth and sow doubt, attributing the work of God to the devil himself. This cosmic conflict is a recurring motif throughout the Gospels, culminating in Christ's victory over sin and death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pharisees (Greek, _Pharisaîos'_):** This term, derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to separate," denotes a separatist or one who is exclusively religious. In the context of the Gospels, the Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions, often setting themselves apart from the common people. Their presence here signifies the official religious opposition to Jesus.
* **casteth out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** This verb literally means "to eject" or "to drive out," and it is used both literally and figuratively in the New Testament. Here, it specifically refers to the act of expelling demons, highlighting Jesus' demonstrable power and authority over evil spirits. The use of this strong verb emphasizes the decisive and forceful nature of Jesus' exorcisms.
* **prince (Greek, _árchōn'_):** This noun refers to one who is "first in rank or power," a chief ruler, or magistrate. In this context, "the prince of the devils" is a direct reference to Satan (often identified as Beelzebul in parallel passages), indicating the Pharisees' belief that Jesus' power over demons was derived from the very leader of the demonic realm, rather than from God. This accusation is a profound theological and spiritual slander.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the Pharisees said,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes a contrast ("But") between the public's amazement and the religious leaders' reaction. The Pharisees, as the authoritative religious voice, are presented as the source of this severe counter-narrative, indicating their deliberate and official opposition to Jesus. Their "saying" is not a question but a definitive accusation.
* **"He casteth out devils"**: This part acknowledges the undeniable reality of Jesus' actions. The Pharisees do not deny that Jesus performed exorcisms; the miracle itself was too evident to dispute, especially after the man immediately spoke. Their challenge is not to the *what* but to the *how* and *by whom*. This admission, however grudging, validates Jesus' power over demonic forces.
* **"through the prince of the devils."**: This is the core of their accusation. They attribute Jesus' power to Satan, the "prince" or ruler of the demonic realm. This implies that Jesus is an agent of evil, working in league with the very forces He appears to be conquering. This statement is a direct and malicious slander, designed to undermine Jesus' divine authority and discredit Him in the eyes of the people by associating Him with the ultimate source of evil.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 9:34 powerfully employs **Contrast** by juxtaposing the awe and wonder of the crowds with the cynical and malevolent accusation of the Pharisees. This stark difference highlights the spiritual divide between those open to God's work and those hardened against it. The verse also features profound **Irony**; the religious leaders, who should have been the first to recognize God's Messiah, instead accuse Him of being an agent of Satan, thereby demonstrating their own spiritual blindness and opposition to God's kingdom. Furthermore, the Pharisees' statement is a form of **Slander** and **Blasphemy**, as they attribute the Holy Spirit's work to demonic power, a serious charge that Jesus addresses more fully in [Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Pharisees' accusation in Matthew 9:34 is a pivotal moment that exposes the depth of their spiritual rebellion and foreshadows the ultimate rejection of Jesus by the religious establishment. Theologically, it raises profound questions about the source of divine power, the nature of evil, and the tragic consequences of spiritual blindness. Their refusal to acknowledge God's hand in Jesus' miracles, instead attributing them to Satan, represents a deliberate rejection of truth and a hardening of their hearts against the very Messiah they claimed to await. This incident sets the stage for Jesus' later, more explicit warnings about the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, underscoring the gravity of misrepresenting the work of God.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 9:34 serves as a sobering reminder of how prejudice, envy, and a rigid adherence to preconceived notions can blind individuals to the clear evidence of God's work. The Pharisees, despite witnessing an undeniable miracle, chose to interpret it through a lens of hostility and suspicion, ultimately leading them to attribute divine power to demonic forces. This challenges us to examine our own hearts and biases: Are we truly open to God's activity, even when it manifests in unexpected ways or through people we might not initially approve of? Do we allow our theological frameworks or personal preferences to hinder our recognition of genuine spiritual fruit? The danger lies in becoming so entrenched in our own understanding that we reject God's truth when it confronts us. This passage calls us to cultivate humility, discernment, and a willingness to acknowledge God's hand, even when it overturns our comfort zones or challenges our established norms. It encourages us to pray for eyes to see and hearts to believe, rather than allowing spiritual blindness to lead us into false accusations or a rejection of Christ's ongoing work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own biases or preconceived notions prevent me from recognizing God's work today?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is more open to discerning the true source of power and good in the world, even when it challenges my expectations?**
* **What are the dangers of allowing jealousy or a desire to maintain personal authority to cloud my spiritual judgment?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the prince of devils?**

Answer: The Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of "the prince of the devils" (Beelzebul/Satan) primarily because they could not deny the reality of His exorcisms, which were visible and undeniable. Instead of acknowledging Jesus' divine authority, which would have undermined their own religious and social standing, they chose to discredit Him by attributing His power to the ultimate source of evil. This was a desperate attempt to explain away His miracles and turn the public against Him, portraying Him as an agent of darkness rather than the promised Messiah. Their accusation stemmed from spiritual blindness, envy, and a hardened heart that refused to accept the truth about Jesus' identity and mission, as seen throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/1 "The Gospel of Matthew").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:34, though a moment of intense opposition, ultimately highlights the profound nature of Jesus' mission and His victory over the powers of darkness. The Pharisees' accusation, that Jesus cast out demons by the "prince of the devils," ironically underscores the very real spiritual warfare Jesus was engaged in. He was not merely a healer but the Son of God, who came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Came to Destroy the Works of the Devil")). His ability to cast out demons, far from being a sign of demonic alliance, was irrefutable proof of His divine authority and the inauguration of God's kingdom, where Satan's power is being decisively overthrown ([Luke 10:18](/luke/10-18 "Luke 10:18 - Jesus Sees Satan Fall")). Jesus' power over evil spirits foreshadows His ultimate triumph on the cross, where He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) and secured victory over sin and death, thereby establishing His reign as the true King, whose authority far surpasses any earthly or demonic "prince." His ministry of deliverance was a tangible sign that the Strong Man had been bound ([Matthew 12:29](/matthew/12-29 "Matthew 12:29 - Binding the Strong Man")), and His kingdom had arrived.

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

Luke 11:15

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

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 12:23

And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?

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.

John 3:20

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.