Devine Scripture

Luke 11:17

What does Luke 11:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 11:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 11:17 means

Jesus, perceiving their intentions and thoughts, responds with a logical argument against their accusations. He states the self-evident truth that any kingdom or household divided against itself cannot stand; it will inevitably be brought to ruin. This principle serves as a foundational premise for His refutation of the idea that He casts out demons by the power of Satan, showing such a notion is inherently illogical.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But he, having knowledge of their thoughts, said to them, Every kingdom in which there is division is made waste; and a house in which there is division comes to destruction.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, `Every kingdom having been divided against itself is desolated; and house against house doth fall;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he seeing their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself shall be brought to desolation; and house upon house shall fall.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation: and a house set against a house falls;

Context

In response to the accusations and demands for a sign, Jesus begins His logical counter-argument in this verse. He lays down a fundamental principle about division and collapse, setting the stage for applying this truth to the spiritual realm. This introduces His refutation of the claim that He casts out demons by Beelzebub, solidifying the idea that a divided kingdom cannot endure.

v.16And others, trying him, sought of him a sign from heaven.

v.17This passage

v.18And if Satan also is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out demons by Beelzebub.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Chronicles 10:16

    And when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So all Israel departed unto their tents.

  • Matthew 12:25

    And knowing their thoughts he said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

  • Isaiah 19:2

    And I will stir up the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbor; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.

  • Revelation 2:23

    And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.

  • Matthew 9:4

    And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

  • Isaiah 9:20

    And one shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm:

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