Devine Scripture

Luke 11:20

What does Luke 11:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 11:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 11:20 means

Here, Jesus presents the alternative explanation for His power: if He casts out demons by "the finger of God," then this signifies that the "kingdom of God is come upon you." The "finger of God" is a clear reference to divine power (as in Exodus 8:19). His exorcisms are thus undeniable proof that God's sovereign rule is actively breaking into human history, confronting evil, and establishing His authority in their midst.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But if I by the finger of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But if I by the finger of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if I, by the finger of God, send out evil spirits, then the kingdom of God has overtaken you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but if by the finger of God I cast forth the demons, then come unawares upon you did the reign of God.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But if I by the finger of God cast out devils, doubtless the kingdom of God is come upon you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But if by the finger ofGod I cast out demons, then the kingdom ofGod is come upon you.

Context

This verse presents the profound conclusion of Jesus' argument against the Beelzebub accusation. It follows His logical refutation and challenges to His accusers, offering the correct interpretation of His miraculous power. This declaration of the kingdom of God's arrival is central to understanding Jesus' ministry and sets the stage for the parable of the strong man and the warning about spiritual neutrality that follow.

v.19And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.

v.20This passage

v.21When the strong man fully armed guardeth his own court, his goods are in peace:

Cross references

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

  • Daniel 2:44

    And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

  • Acts 20:25

    And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, shall see my face no more.

  • Luke 10:9

    and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:5

    which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God; to the end that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

  • Luke 10:11

    Even the dust from your city, that cleaveth to our feet, we wipe off against you: nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh.

  • Matthew 12:28

    But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you.

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