Devine Scripture

Matthew 12:26

What does Matthew 12:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 12:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 12:26 means

Jesus applies the division principle: if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself, so his kingdom would fail. The logic makes the Pharisees’ accusation untenable. Jesus implies that his exorcisms are acts against Satan’s realm, not in its service. This clears the moral and rational ground for understanding his miracles as evidence of a coming kingdom of God, working to dismantle demonic power rather than colluding with it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And if Satan sends out Satan, he makes war against himself; how then will he keep his kingdom?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if the Adversary doth cast out the Adversary, against himself he was divided, how then doth his kingdom stand?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself: how then shall his kingdom stand?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom subsist?

Context

This verse follows the general principle of verse 25 and makes it specific to their claim. It dismantles the accusation with simple logic. Having undermined their reasoning, Jesus prepares further argumentation that points toward the Spirit’s work and the consequences of rejecting it.

v.25And 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:

v.26This passage

v.27And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.

Cross references

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

  • John 16:11

    of judgment, because the prince of this world hath been judged.

  • Revelation 20:2

    And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,

  • 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.

  • Revelation 12:9

    And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.

  • 1 John 5:19

    We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in the evil one.

  • Revelation 16:10

    And the fifth poured out his bowl upon the throne of the beast; and his kingdom was darkened; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

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