Matthew 12:25
Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus doesn't just rebut the Pharisees' accusation; he reveals their illogical thinking. By accusing him of casting out demons through the power of the "prince of demons," they were essentially saying Satan's kingdom was attacking itself, which, as Jesus points out, would mean it couldn't possibly endure.
Jesus has just healed a man possessed by a demon, who was blind and mute. The Pharisees, witnessing this miracle, respond with accusation, claiming Jesus casts out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus, knowing their malicious intent, uses this opportunity to expose the absurdity of their claim.
How could Jesus know what the Pharisees were thinking? And why does it matter for how we read this passage?
The Pharisees had just accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Their intention was to undermine Jesus' authority and discredit his ministry.
But Jesus, with divine insight, "knew their thoughts." This isn't just a neat trick; it highlights Jesus' unique identity as the Son of God. The ability to discern the inner workings of the human heart belongs to God alone.
Jesus uses everyday examples to expose a profound spiritual truth. What can we learn from his logic about kingdoms, cities, and houses?
Jesus’ response is a masterstroke of logic. He points to a universally understood truth: division leads to destruction.
Understand the original words
basileia · Greek Noun
The comprehensive sovereign reign and authority of God over His creation; in the Bible, it refers to the reality where God’s will is performed and His rule is acknowledged.
c. 25 AD
John the Baptist's Ministry
John the Baptist preaches a message of repentance and baptizes people, preparing the way for Jesus' ministry.
c. 26-30 AD
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, performing miracles, teaching, and gathering disciples, which attracts large crowds and the attention of religious leaders.
c. 28 AD— this verse
Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man
Jesus casts out a demon from a man who was blind and mute. This healing is witnessed by many and becomes a point of contention with the Pharisees.
c. 28 AD
Pharisees Accuse Jesus of Using Beelzebub
The Pharisees, witnessing Jesus' power over demons, accuse him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons, rather than by God's Spirit.
c. 28 AD
Jesus' Response and Warning
Jesus uses the analogy of a divided kingdom, city, or house to expose the illogical nature of their accusation and warns them about the unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
This passage highlights the absurdity of attacking a stronger force, similar to how Jesus points out the illogicality of the Pharisees accusing Him of working with Satan.
Isaiah 9:6This prophecy about the Messiah describes Him as the Prince of Peace who will establish an everlasting kingdom, contrasting with the divided, unstable kingdoms Jesus addresses.
Romans 16:20Paul echoes this principle by stating that the God of peace will soon crush Satan underfoot, emphasizing God's ultimate victory over division and chaos.
Mark 3:23-26This parallel account in Mark's Gospel directly records Jesus' question, 'How can Satan cast out Satan?' before using the 'divided kingdom' analogy, reinforcing the immediate context.
Luke 11:17-18Luke also presents this teaching, directly linking the argument about divided kingdoms and houses to the Pharisees' accusations of Jesus casting out demons by Beelzebul.
barnesMatthew 12:25: "And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:"
And Jesus knew their thoughts ... - To know the thoughts of the heart belongs only to God, Psalm 139:2 ; Jeremiah 17:10 . Every kingdom ... - Their subtle and cunning device was completely foiled, and Jesus made their argument recoil on their own heads. A kingdom or a family can prosper only by living i…
bensonMatthew 12:25: "And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:"
Matthew 12:25-26 . And Jesus knew their thoughts — “It often happens, that through ignorance or weakness men form wrong judgments of things;” a conduct which, though censurable, admits of some excuse: “but when wrong judgments proceed from evil dispositions, then, indeed, do they become highly culpable.…
Jesus doesn't just rebut the Pharisees' accusation; he reveals their illogical thinking. By accusing him of casting out demons through the power of the "prince of demons," they were essentially saying Satan's kingdom was attacking itself, which, as Jesus points out, would mean it couldn't possibly endure.
Jesus has just healed a man possessed by a demon, who was blind and mute. The Pharisees, witnessing this miracle, respond with accusation, claiming Jesus casts out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus, knowing their malicious intent, uses this opportunity to expose the absurdity of their claim.
Jesus has just healed a man possessed by a demon, who was blind and mute. The Pharisees, witnessing this miracle, respond with accusation, claiming Jesus casts out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus, knowing their malicious intent, uses this opportunity to expose the absurdity of their claim.
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"Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand." — Jesus doesn't just rebut the Pharisees' accusation; he reveals their illogical thinking. By accusing him of casting out demons through the power of the "prince of demons," they were essentially sayin…
