Mark 3:25
What does Mark 3:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 3:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 3:25 means
Continuing the theme of internal division, Jesus extends his analogy to a "house divided against itself." This more intimate example resonates by demonstrating that even a family unit or household cannot stand if its members are in conflict. This reinforces the absurdity of the scribes' accusation, asserting that Satan would not deliberately undermine his own authority and kingdom by empowering Jesus to cast out demons.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And if a house be divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And if a house be divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And if there is division in a house, that house will come to destruction;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if a house against itself be divided, that house cannot be made to stand;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And if a house has become divided against itself, that house cannot subsist.
Context
This verse directly expands on the principle introduced in the previous verse, offering a relatable, domestic analogy. The image of a divided house further strengthens Jesus' argument against the scribes' illogical accusations. This immediate follow-up then culminates in the specific application of this principle to Satan's kingdom, leading to the logical conclusion of his argument.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- James 3:16
For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed.
- Genesis 13:7
And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelt then in the land.
- Galatians 5:15
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
- Genesis 37:4
And his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren; and they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.
- Psalms 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
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