Luke 11:19
And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus points out the inconsistency of his accusers by asking who their own people claim casts out demons. If their own "sons"—likely referring to Jewish exorcists or students of their religious teachers—can perform such acts, and they don't attribute those to the devil, then their judgment against Jesus working through divine power is unfair and self-condemning.
Jesus has just cast out a demon, and instead of marveling, the religious leaders accuse Him of working with Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus responds by using their own logic, pointing out that if He were truly in league with evil, their own people, who also claimed to cast out demons, would be judged by association. He's challenging their biased judgment by highlighting a perceived hypocrisy within their own ranks.
Jesus points to a group within Jewish society performing exorcisms. Who are these 'sons,' and why does Jesus bring them up?
When Jesus refers to 'your sons' casting out demons, he's making a clever point by appealing to the accusers' own experiences and beliefs.
Jesus argues that the accusers' own actions will condemn them. How does hypocrisy lead to self-judgment?
Jesus's argument is a classic argumentum ad hominem (argument to the person), but in a way that exposes the accuser's own flawed logic.
c. 1st Century AD
Jewish Exorcists Practice
During the time of Jesus, Jewish exorcists were active, claiming to cast out demons using various methods, often invoking names like Solomon or the patriarchs.
c. 1st Century AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry of Exorcism
Jesus performed numerous exorcisms, demonstrating a powerful authority over demonic forces, which led to awe among the crowds but suspicion from religious leaders.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus Accused of Using Beelzebul
Religious leaders, witnessing Jesus cast out demons, accused Him of working through the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, rather than God.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Defense and Rebuttal
In response to the accusation, Jesus used logical arguments, including pointing to the existence of Jewish exorcists ('your sons'), to expose the irrationality of their charge.
This passage presents the same accusation and Jesus' counter-argument, directly comparing His power to cast out demons to that of the Pharisees' own 'sons' or disciples, highlighting the inconsistency of their accusation.
Acts 19:13-16This passage shows a contrasting situation where unauthorized individuals attempt to cast out demons using Jesus' name, highlighting that not all attempts at exorcism are divinely sanctioned and can even lead to negative outcomes, underscoring Jesus' unique authority.
1 Samuel 16:14-23This passage describes how David's music soothed King Saul when an evil spirit tormented him, illustrating that even in the Old Testament, the divine power could be used to overcome demonic influence, setting a precedent for Jesus' actions.
Mark 3:22-30This passage provides another instance of the scribes accusing Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebul, with Jesus here emphasizing the serious nature of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit, adding a weighty theological dimension to the accusation.
clarkeLuke 11:19: "And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges."
Beelzebub - See on Matthew 10:25 (note).
pulpitLuke 11:19: "And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges."
Verse 19. - By whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But he goes further in his skillful line of argument. "I am not the only one," said Jesus, "who claims to cast out devils. There are those in the midst of you, your sons, who make a similar assertion. Have they too entered into a league with this evil angel?" A question has been raised r…
Jesus points out the inconsistency of his accusers by asking who their own people claim casts out demons. If their own "sons"—likely referring to Jewish exorcists or students of their religious teachers—can perform such acts, and they don't attribute those to the devil, then their judgment against Jesus working through divine power is unfair and self-condemning.
Jesus has just cast out a demon, and instead of marveling, the religious leaders accuse Him of working with Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus responds by using their own logic, pointing out that if He were truly in league with evil, their own people, who also claimed to cast out demons, would be judged by association. He's challenging their biased judgment by highlighting a perceived hypocrisy within their own ranks.
Jesus has just cast out a demon, and instead of marveling, the religious leaders accuse Him of working with Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus responds by using their own logic, pointing out that if He were truly in league with evil, their own people, who also claimed to cast out demons, would be judged by association. He's challenging their biased judgment by highlighting a perceived hypocrisy within their own ranks.
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"And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges." — Jesus points out the inconsistency of his accusers by asking who their own people claim casts out demons. If their own "sons"—likely referring to Jewish exorcists or students of their religious teach…
