Devine Scripture

Mark 3:22

What does Mark 3:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 3:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 3:22 means

Scribes, who were biblical scholars and interpreters of the law, traveled from Jerusalem, the religious center, to confront Jesus. Their accusation was grave: they claimed he was possessed by "Beelzebub," a derogatory term for Satan, and that he cast out demons "by the prince of the demons." This slanderous charge represents the pinnacle of their malicious opposition, attributing his divine power to demonic sources and directly blaspheming the Holy Spirit working through him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the scribes that came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and, By the prince of the demons casteth he out the demons.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the scribes that came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and, By the prince of the demons casteth he out the demons.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem, said, He has Beelzebub, and, By the ruler of evil spirits he sends evil spirits out of men.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the scribes who <FI>are<Fi> from Jerusalem having come down, said--`He hath Beelzeboul,' and--`By the ruler of the demons he doth cast out the demons.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the scribes who were come down from Jerusalem, said: He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of devils he casteth out devils.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem said, He has Beelzebub, and, By the prince of the demons he casts out demons.

Context

This verse presents the most severe accusation against Jesus yet, immediately following his family's concern. The arrival of the scribes from Jerusalem signifies the heightened official opposition. This direct challenge to Jesus' authority and the source of his power sets the stage for his crucial teaching on the kingdom of God and the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit in the verses that follow.

v.21And when his friends heard it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

v.22This passage

v.23And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?

Cross references

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

  • John 8:52

    The Jews said unto him, Now we know that thou hast a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my word, he shall never taste of death.

  • Matthew 11:18

    For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a demon.

  • Matthew 10:25

    It is enough for the disciple that he be as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household!

  • Luke 11:15

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

  • Luke 5:17

    And it came to pass on one of those days, that he was teaching; and there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, who were come out of every village of Galilee and Judæa and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was with him to heal.

  • John 10:22

    And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem:

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 3

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 3.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Mark 3:22.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary