Devine Scripture

Mark 3:23

What does Mark 3:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 3:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 3:23 means

In response to their accusations, Jesus calls the scribes to him and begins to teach them using parables, or analogies. His initial question, "How can Satan cast out Satan?" is a logical and rhetorical challenge. If his power came from Satan, it would imply a self-destructive division within the demonic kingdom, which is illogical. This simple yet profound question begins to dismantle their absurd charge.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And turning to them, he said to them in the form of a story, How is it possible for Satan to put out Satan?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And, having called them near, in similes he said to them, `How is the Adversary able to cast out the Adversary?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And after he had called them together, he said to them in parables: How can Satan cast out Satan?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having called them to [him], he said to them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?

Context

Following the scribes' severe accusation, Jesus immediately addresses them with a logical rebuttal. This verse introduces his teaching method using parables, specifically targeting their mistaken belief about the source of his power. This foundational question sets up the subsequent analogies of a divided kingdom and house, further illustrating the absurdity of their claim.

v.22And the scribes that came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and, By the prince of the demons casteth he out the demons.

v.23This passage

v.24And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 13:34

    All these things spake Jesus in parables unto the multitudes; and without a parable spake he nothing unto them:

  • Mark 4:2

    And he taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in his teaching,

  • Luke 11:17

    But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

  • Matthew 12:25

    And 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:

  • 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.

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