Luke 11:18

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#2
δὲ
G1161
If
but, and, etc
#3
καὶ
G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
Σατανᾶς
G4567
Satan
the accuser, i.e., the devil
#6
ἐφ'
G1909
against
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#7
ἑαυτὸν
G1438
himself
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#8
διεμερίσθη
G1266
be divided
to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)
#9
πῶς
G4459
how
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#10
σταθήσεται
G2476
shall
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#11
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
βασιλεία
G932
kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#13
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#14
ὅτι
G3754
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#15
λέγετε
G3004
ye say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#16
ἐν
G1722
through
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
Βεελζεβοὺλ
G954
Beelzebub
dung-god; beelzebul, a name of satan
#18
ἐκβάλλειν
G1544
cast out
to eject (literally or figuratively)
#19
με
G3165
that I
me
#20
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
δαιμόνια
G1140
devils
a daemonic being; by extension a deity

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Luke. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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