Luke 11:18

Verse

If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? After all, you say that I drive out demons by Beelzebul.

American Standard Version (1901)

And if Satan also is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out demons by Beelzebub.

Bible in Basic English

If, then, Satan is at war with himself, how will he keep his kingdom? because you say that I send evil spirits out of men by the help of Beelzebul.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And if Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because you say, that through Beelzebub I cast out devils.

Free Bible Version

If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? You say that I cast out demons using the power of Beelzebub.

Geneva Bible 1599

So if Satan also bee deuided against himselfe, howe shall his kingdome stande, because yee say that I cast out deuils through Beelzebub?

King James (Authorized) Version

If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.

One Unity Resource Bible

If Satan [Adversary] also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Ba'al-Zibbul [Lord of Flies].

Translation for Translators

Similarly, if Satan and his demons were fighting against each other, ◄his rule over them would certainly not last!/how would his rule over them last?► [RHQ] I say this because you are saying that I am expelling demons by the power of the ruler of his own demons

Unlocked Literal Bible

If Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say I cast out demons by Beelzebul.

Noah Webster Bible

If Satan also is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out demons through Beelzebub.

World English Bible

If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.

Young's Literal Translation

and if also the Adversary against himself was divided, how shall his kingdom be made to stand? for ye say, by Beelzeboul is my casting forth the demons.

Context

A House Divided

¹⁷Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and a house divided against a house will fall.¹⁸If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? After all, you say that I drive out demons by Beelzebul.¹⁹And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.

Sermons

Exposing the Religious Spirit

Scott Hynds

755

Summary

In Luke 11:18, Jesus addresses the accusation that He is driving out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. He refutes this claim by explaining that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, indicating that Satan would not work against his own kingdom. This response highlights the illogical nature of the accusation and affirms Jesus' authority over evil spirits. It serves as a reminder of the power and sovereignty of Jesus, who is ultimately victorious over all forces of darkness.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils,.... Which is what the Pharisees charged him with; in the Greek copies, and so in the Arabic and Ethiopic versions it is read, "by Beelzebul", and so in the preceding verses; See Gill on Mat 10:25. By whom do your sons cast them out? by whose help? or in whose name? for the Jews pretended to cast out devils, and to heal those that were possessed with them; which they did sometimes, by making use of the names of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and sometimes of the name of Solomon: Josephus (q) speaks of many in his time, who had this power of healing; and he himself saw one Eleazar, in the presence of Vespasian, his children, officers, and soldiers, cure many that were possessed of devils: and his method was, by putting a ring to the nose of the possessed, under the seal of which, was a root directed to by Solomon, and thereby brought out the unclean spirit; and as soon as the man was healed, he adjured the devil never to return more; at which time he made mention of the name of Solomon, and rehearsed the enchantments written by him: the said Eleazar, to give a specimen of the efficacy of his art, set a cup full of water upon the ground, and commanded the devil when he went out of the man, to turn it over, as a sign that he had left the man, and the devil immediately obeyed his order: now if these sons of theirs cast out devils, which they would not say were done by the help of the devil, or in his name, why should they ascribe the ejection of devils by Christ, to a diabolical assistance? therefore shall they be your judges; or "judges against you", as the Arabic version; or "shall reprove you", as the Ethiopic; convict and condemn you; See Gill on Mat 12:27. (q) Antiqu. Jud. l. 8. c. 2.