Luke 11:15
What does Luke 11:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 11:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 11:15 means
In direct response to the powerful miracle of the mute man speaking, some among the crowd voice a cynical and blasphemous accusation. They claim that Jesus casts out demons not by divine power, but by the authority of "Beelzebub," identified as the "prince of the demons," essentially equating Him with the devil. This accusation challenges the source and legitimacy of Jesus' authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But some of them said, By Beelzebub the prince of the demons casteth he out demons.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But some of them said, By Beelzebub the prince of the demons casteth he out demons.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But some of them said, He sends out evil spirits by Beelzebul, the ruler of evil spirits.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and certain of them said, `By Beelzeboul, ruler of the demons, he doth cast forth the demons;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But some of them said: He casteth out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of devils.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But some from among them said, By Beelzebub the prince of the demons casts he out demons.
Context
This verse presents the immediate, negative reaction to Jesus' miracle of casting out a mute demon, contrasting sharply with the multitude's marveling. It introduces the critical accusation that Jesus operates by demonic power. This sets up Jesus' subsequent logical refutation and teachings on the nature of spiritual warfare and the kingdom of God, which dominate the next several verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 3:22
And the scribes that came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and, By the prince of the demons casteth he out the demons.
- John 7:20
The multitude answered, Thou hast a demon: who seeketh to kill thee?
- Matthew 12:24
But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man doth not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub the prince of the demons.
- John 8:48
The Jews answered and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a demon?
- John 10:20
And many of them said, He hath a demon, and is mad; why hear ye him?
- Luke 11:18
And if Satan also is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out demons by Beelzebub.
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