Luke 11:18

If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.

If {G1161}{G1499} Satan {G4567} also {G1499} be divided {G1266} against {G1909} himself {G1438}, how {G4459} shall {G2476} his {G846} kingdom {G932} stand {G2476}? because {G3754} ye say {G3004} that I {G3165} cast out {G1544} devils {G1140} through {G1722} Beelzebub {G954}.

So if the Adversary too is divided against himself, how can his kingdom survive? I’m asking because you claim it is by Ba‘al-Zibbul that I drive out the demons.

If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? After all, you say that I drive out demons by Beelzebul.

And if Satan also is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out demons by Beelzebub.

Commentary

Luke 11:18 is part of Jesus' powerful and logical response to the Pharisees and scribes who accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the ruler of demons. This verse highlights the absurdity of their accusation, demonstrating that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.

Context

Prior to this verse, Jesus had just performed a miraculous exorcism, casting out a demon that had caused muteness (Luke 11:14). Instead of acknowledging the divine power at work, some onlookers, particularly the religious leaders, maliciously suggested that Jesus was allied with Satan, operating under the authority of "Beelzebub." This accusation is also recorded in parallel accounts in Matthew 12:26 and Mark 3:23. Jesus' reply here is a masterful piece of reasoning, exposing the illogical nature of their slander.

Key Themes

  • Logical Fallacy of Division: Jesus argues that if He, by casting out demons, were working for Satan, then Satan's kingdom would be actively undermining itself. A kingdom in such internal conflict would inevitably collapse, proving that His power must come from an opposing source.
  • Source of Power: The verse implicitly challenges the accusers to consider the true source of Jesus' authority. His ability to cast out demons points not to a pact with evil, but to the presence and power of God's Spirit.
  • Unity of Evil: While inherently chaotic and destructive, evil forces, particularly Satan's kingdom, maintain a form of unity in their opposition to God and His purposes. They would not intentionally work against their own established dominion.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Beelzebub" (Greek: Beelzeboul) is a significant term here. It is likely a derisive corruption of "Baal-Zebub," a Philistine deity worshipped in Ekron, meaning "lord of flies" (2 Kings 1:2). In the New Testament, it became a common Jewish derogatory term for the prince of demons, or Satan himself. By using this name, the accusers were attempting to link Jesus directly with the ultimate source of evil, thereby discrediting His divine mission.

Practical Application

Luke 11:18 offers important insights for believers today:

  • Discernment: It teaches us to discern the true source of spiritual power and to recognize illogical arguments or false accusations, especially when they seek to discredit God's work.
  • Spiritual Warfare: It underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the strategic nature of Satan's kingdom, which, despite its evil, is organized to resist God's kingdom. We are reminded that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12).
  • Confidence in Christ: Jesus' triumph over demons, even when slandered, reaffirms His supreme authority over all evil powers, offering believers confidence in His ability to deliver and save.
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 12:26 (6 votes)

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

  • Matthew 12:31 (3 votes)

    Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy [against] the [Holy] Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

  • Matthew 12:34 (3 votes)

    O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

  • Matthew 4:10 (2 votes)

    Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

  • Luke 11:15 (2 votes)

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

  • James 3:5 (2 votes)

    Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

  • James 3:8 (2 votes)

    But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.