Matthew 9:34
But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Matthew 9:34
But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The Pharisees' accusation that Jesus casts out demons "by the prince of demons" isn't just a denial of his power; it's a deliberate twisting of the evidence. They acknowledge the miracle is happening, but instead of seeing God at work, they attribute it to Satan, revealing a deep-seated opposition to Jesus, no matter the proof.
Immediately after Jesus heals a man who was demon-possessed and unable to speak, causing a crowd to marvel at the unprecedented miracle, the religious leaders lash out. Rather than acknowledging God's power, they accuse Jesus of using demonic authority to cast out demons, attributing the miraculous deed to the "prince of demons." This accusation, though not explicitly named Beelzebul here, directly contrasts the people's wonder with the Pharisees' malicious opposition and foreshadows a larger confrontation.
Jesus just healed a man who was mute and demon-possessed, and the crowds were amazed. But some religious leaders saw it differently.
The Pharisees couldn't deny that a miracle had occurred – the man was healed and could speak. However, instead of acknowledging God's power, they deliberately twisted the truth.
A Calculated Accusation
They didn't say Jesus couldn't cast out demons; they accused Him of using the power of the devil to do it. This was a deliberate attempt to discredit Jesus and undermine the evidence of His divine authority, even though it contradicted the obvious reality of the healing.
This shows that sometimes, rejection isn't about a lack of evidence, but a stubborn refusal to accept what is clearly seen.
Why would religious leaders deliberately accuse the Messiah of working with the devil? It speaks volumes about their hearts.
This accusation is particularly venomous because it takes an undeniable act of good and flips it into an act of evil.
A Spirit of Envy and Opposition
The Pharisees were so threatened by Jesus' popularity and authority that they resorted to slander. Instead of admitting Jesus was working for God, they accused Him of being in league with the ultimate enemy of God.
This reveals a heart that is blinded by opposition and jealousy. It’s a dangerous place to be when you start calling God's good works the work of the devil.
Understand the original words
Pharisaios · Greek Noun
A Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the oral and written Law; in the Gospels, they frequently appear as antagonists who oppose Jesus' ministry and authority.
daimonion · Greek Noun
An evil, malevolent spiritual being opposed to God; they are agents of spiritual darkness who seek to harm, deceive, and enslave humanity under the influence of Satan.
archōn · Greek Noun
A title for the leader or ruler of the demonic realm; in this context, the Pharisees use it to attribute Jesus' authority to Satan (Beelzebul).
The Pharisees' accusation wasn't just a theological debate; it was a calculated attempt to discredit Jesus in the face of overwhelming evidence of His divine power. Their refusal to acknowledge God at work shows how deeply entrenched opposition can twist truth into slander, even when confronted with undeniable miracles.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, performing numerous miracles of healing and casting out demons, drawing large crowds.
c. 29 AD— this verse
Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man
Jesus casts a demon out of a mute man, enabling him to speak. The crowds are amazed and declare that nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.
c. 29 AD
Pharisees Accuse Jesus of Demonic Power
The Pharisees, witnessing Jesus' power, reject the evidence of God's work and accuse Him of casting out demons through the power of Satan, the prince of demons. This marks a significant escalation of their opposition.
c. 29-30 AD
Jesus Addresses the Blasphemy Charge
Jesus later confronts the Pharisees directly about their accusation, explaining that a kingdom divided cannot stand and that his power comes from God, not Satan. This detailed refutation appears in Matthew 12.
This passage presents the same accusation made by the Pharisees, but here Jesus directly addresses and refutes their slander, revealing their heart of opposition.
Luke 11:15Luke records this event similarly, highlighting the crowd's wonder and the Pharisees' immediate, twisted interpretation of Jesus' power.
John 9:41Jesus confronts a similar spiritual blindness when the Pharisees dismiss His power, stating that their willful ignorance makes their sin persistent.
1 Corinthians 12:3This verse speaks to the Holy Spirit's empowerment for ministry, contrasting with the Pharisees' blasphemous claim that Jesus was empowered by the 'prince of demons'.
barnesMatthew 9:34: "But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils."
But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils - That is, Beelzebub. See the notes at Matthew 12:24 . They did not deny the reality of the miracle or the facts in the case, but they ascribed what was done to the power of the great leader of the fallen host, as if Jesus were in league with him. For the manner in which the Saviour met that reasoning, see the notes at Mat…
pulpitMatthew 9:34: "But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils."
Verse 34. - But the Pharisees said (vide supra). If the verse be genuine here, the thought, of course, is that the only effect of Christ's miracles upon the Pharisees was to drive them to open blasphemy and wanton opposition to the evidence of plain facts, as is brought out at length in Matthew 12:24-32. He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils; by the prince of the devils casteth he ou…
The Pharisees' accusation that Jesus casts out demons "by the prince of demons" isn't just a denial of his power; it's a deliberate twisting of the evidence. They acknowledge the miracle is happening, but instead of seeing God at work, they attribute it to Satan, revealing a deep-seated opposition to Jesus, no matter the proof.
Immediately after Jesus heals a man who was demon-possessed and unable to speak, causing a crowd to marvel at the unprecedented miracle, the religious leaders lash out. Rather than acknowledging God's power, they accuse Jesus of using demonic authority to cast out demons, attributing the miraculous deed to the "prince of demons." This accusation, though not explicitly named Beelzebul here, directly contrasts the people's wonder with the Pharisees' malicious opposition and foreshadows a larger confrontation.
Immediately after Jesus heals a man who was demon-possessed and unable to speak, causing a crowd to marvel at the unprecedented miracle, the religious leaders lash out. Rather than acknowledging God's power, they accuse Jesus of using demonic authority to cast out demons, attributing the miraculous deed to the "prince of demons." This accusation, though not explicitly named Beelzebul here, directly contrasts the people's wonder with the Pharisees' malicious opposition and foreshadows a larger confrontation.
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"But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”" — The Pharisees' accusation that Jesus casts out demons "by the prince of demons" isn't just a denial of his power; it's a deliberate twisting of the evidence. They acknowledge the miracle is happening…