Luke Chapter 11 · Verse 18
If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐφ'
against
G1909
ἐφ'
against
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
6 of 21
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
7 of 21
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
διεμερίσθη
be divided
G1266
διεμερίσθη
be divided
Strong's:
G1266
Word #:
8 of 21
to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
9 of 21
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
σταθήσεται
shall
G2476
σταθήσεται
shall
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
10 of 21
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 21
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
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
λέγετε
ye say
G3004
λέγετε
ye say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Historical Context
Jewish theology in Jesus' day recognized Satan (called by various names: Beelzebub, Belial, Mastema) as a real spiritual adversary who led rebellious angels and opposed God's purposes. The Dead Sea Scrolls describe cosmic conflict between the Prince of Light and the Angel of Darkness. Jesus doesn't dispute Satan's power or kingdom but argues that His exorcisms prove Satan's kingdom is being plundered, not served. This aligns with His later statement: 'I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven' (Luke 10:18).
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' acknowledgment of Satan's 'kingdom' teach about the organized nature of spiritual opposition to God's rule?
- How does understanding Satan's kingdom as real but doomed shape Christian engagement in spiritual warfare?
- Why is it logically necessary that Jesus' exorcisms demonstrate God's power rather than Satan's, given Satan's self-interest in preserving his kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? Jesus applies the divided kingdom principle specifically to Satan's realm. The conditional "if" (εἰ, ei) introduces a reductio ad absurdum—if the Pharisees' accusation were true, Satan would be self-destructing. The phrase "his kingdom" (ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ, hē basileia autou) acknowledges Satan's organized dominion over fallen angels and unregenerate humanity—a counterfeit kingdom opposing God's rule.
Because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. Jesus directly confronts His accusers' logic. If He, empowered by Beelzebub, destroys demons, then Satan's forces war against themselves—an impossibility for any kingdom intending to survive. The argument's brilliance lies in forcing opponents to choose: either admit Jesus operates by God's power, or maintain an absurd position that Satan deliberately undermines his own kingdom. This exposes the bankruptcy of their accusation and their willful blindness to truth. The passage also reveals Satan's kingdom as real but ultimately doomed—its temporary success cannot prevent its final overthrow at Christ's return (Revelation 20:10).