Mark 3:24

And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

And {G2532} if {G1437} a kingdom {G932} be divided {G3307} against {G1909} itself {G1438}, that {G1565} kingdom {G932} cannot {G3756}{G1410} stand {G2476}.

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom can't survive;

If a kingdom is divided against itself, it cannot stand.

And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Commentary

Context

In Mark chapter 3, Jesus has been performing numerous miracles, including casting out demons, drawing large crowds. Scribes from Jerusalem, who have come to observe Him, accuse Him of being possessed by Beelzebub, the prince of devils, and casting out demons by his power. In response, Jesus presents a series of logical parables to expose the absurdity of their accusation. Verse 24 is the opening statement of His masterful counter-argument, establishing a universal truth about the nature of division.

Key Themes

  • The Principle of Unity: This verse articulates a profound and timeless truth: any entity, be it a family, a city, a nation, or a spiritual kingdom, cannot endure if it is internally divided against itself. Jesus uses this undeniable logic to highlight the illogic of His accusers' claim.
  • Spiritual Warfare and Logic: Jesus's argument exposes the fundamental conflict between two distinct spiritual kingdoms: God's and Satan's. If Satan were casting out Satan, his own kingdom would be self-destructing, which defies the very purpose of an adversarial power seeking to maintain control. This sets the stage for understanding Jesus's true authority over evil forces.
  • The Kingdom of God: Implicitly, Jesus demonstrates that His actions are consistent with the advancement of God's kingdom, which is united and righteous, not in league with the forces of evil.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "kingdom" is basileia (βασιλεία), which denotes a realm of authority, rule, or dominion. Here, it refers to the sphere of influence and power, whether political or spiritual.
  • "Divided" comes from merizō (μερίζω), meaning "to be parted," "to be separated," or "to be in dissension." The phrase "divided against itself" strongly emphasizes internal strife and disunity, where different parts work against each other.
  • "Cannot stand" (οὐ δύναται στῆναι - ou dunatai stēnai) conveys an absolute impossibility. It signifies that such a kingdom lacks the inherent power or stability to endure; it is destined for collapse.

Practical Application

This timeless principle extends beyond spiritual kingdoms to all forms of human organization and relationships. For any community, family, church, or nation to thrive, unity of purpose and spirit is essential. Internal quarrels, factions, and a lack of common vision inevitably lead to weakening and eventual collapse. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity within the body of Christ. Just as Satan's kingdom is united in its opposition to God, so too should followers of Christ strive for harmony and common goals, resisting anything that fosters division (see 1 Corinthians 1:10). This verse ultimately underscores that Jesus's power over demons is proof of His divine authority, not collusion with evil, as He is the one who disarms and triumphs over the spiritual powers of darkness.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 37:22 (3 votes)

    And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:

  • 2 Samuel 20:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name [was] Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.

  • 2 Samuel 20:6 (3 votes)

    And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than [did] Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:10 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:13 (3 votes)

    Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

  • Isaiah 19:2 (3 votes)

    And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, [and] kingdom against kingdom.

  • Isaiah 19:3 (3 votes)

    And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.