Devine Scripture

Matthew 9:34

What does Matthew 9:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 9:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 9:34 means

In direct contrast to the marveling crowd, the Pharisees attribute Jesus' power to cast out demons to "the prince of the demons." This harsh accusation of blasphemy reveals their deep-seated opposition and spiritual blindness. Rather than acknowledging God's work, they twist the evidence, choosing to malign Jesus' character and attribute His miraculous power to Satan, thereby actively resisting the clear evidence of the Holy Spirit's work. Their hearts demonstrate their commitment to their previous, false judgments of Jesus.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But the Pharisees said, By the prince of the demons casteth he out demons.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But the Pharisees said, By the prince of the demons casteth he out demons.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the Pharisees said, By the ruler of evil spirits, he sends evil spirits out of men.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but the Pharisees said, `By the ruler of the demons he doth cast out the demons.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But the Pharisees said, By the prince of devils he casteth out devils.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the Pharisees said, He casts out the demons through the prince of the demons.

Context

This verse presents the harsh, critical response of the Pharisees, standing in stark opposition to the crowd's amazement. It directly follows the miraculous healing of the mute man, highlighting their persistent disbelief despite overwhelming evidence. Their accusation sets the stage for future confrontations and underscores the growing religious opposition Jesus faced, revealing a pattern of spiritual hardness against His divine authority.

v.33And when the demon was cast out, the dumb man spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

v.34This passage

v.35And Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease and all manner of sickness.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 12:23

    And all the multitudes were amazed, and said, Can this be the son of David?

  • Luke 11:15

    But some of them said, By Beelzebub the prince of the demons casteth he out demons.

  • John 3:20

    For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved.

  • 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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