Matthew 12:24
What does Matthew 12:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 12:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 12:24 means
The Pharisees claim Jesus casts out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons—an accusation that attributes God’s power to Satan. This slander shows their willful resistance to the truth of his identity. Rather than acknowledging God at work, they explain it away as demonic. Their charge is especially grave because it denies the source of Jesus’ authority and sets the stage for Jesus’ logical refutation about Satanic division and the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit that he will later name.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man doth not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub the prince of the demons.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man doth not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub the prince of the demons.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But the Pharisees, hearing of it, said, This man only sends evil spirits out of men by Beelzebub, the ruler of evil spirits.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but the Pharisees having heard, said, `This one doth not cast out demons, except by Beelzeboul, ruler of the demons.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But the Pharisees hearing it, said: This man casteth not out devils but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But the Pharisees, having heard [it], said, This [man] does not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub, prince of demons.
Context
This hostile declaration responds to the crowd’s question about the Messiah. It intensifies the chapter’s conflict by moving from criticism of Sabbath actions to outright blasphemy. Jesus will answer by pointing out the absurdity of their logic and teaching about spiritual accountability and blasphemy against the Spirit.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 11:15
But some of them said, By Beelzebub the prince of the demons casteth he out demons.
- Matthew 9:34
But the Pharisees said, By the prince of the demons casteth he out demons.
- 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.
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