Luke 11:18
What does Luke 11:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 11:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 11:18 means
Applying the principle of division, Jesus directly challenges the notion that He operates by satanic power. He reasons that if Satan were divided against himself, empowering Jesus to cast out his own demons, then Satan's kingdom could not possibly stand. This powerfully exposes the absurdity of their accusation, demonstrating that His exorcisms actually signify a direct assault on the devil's domain, not collaboration with it.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And if Satan also is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out demons by Beelzebub.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And if Satan also is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out demons by Beelzebub.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If, then, Satan is at war with himself, how will he keep his kingdom? because you say that I send evil spirits out of men by the help of Beelzebul.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if also the Adversary against himself was divided, how shall his kingdom be made to stand? for ye say, by Beelzeboul is my casting forth the demons.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And if Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? Because you say that through Beelzebub I cast out devils.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and if also Satan is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom subsist? because ye say that I cast out demons by Beelzebub.
Context
This verse builds directly on the previous statement about a divided kingdom, applying the principle to Satan's domain. It logically refutes the accusation that Jesus casts out demons by Beelzebub. This argument establishes that Jesus is actively working against Satan, rather than with him, which then leads to the conclusion about the kingdom of God's arrival in subsequent verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 12:26
and if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?
- Matthew 4:10
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
- James 3:5
So the tongue also is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire!
- Luke 11:15
But some of them said, By Beelzebub the prince of the demons casteth he out demons.
- Matthew 12:31
Therefore I say unto you, Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.
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