Luke Chapter 11 · Verse 19
And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.
Original Language Analysis
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοὶ
sons
G5207
υἱοὶ
sons
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
10 of 20
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τίνι
whom
G5101
τίνι
whom
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
13 of 20
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
διὰ
therefore
G1223
διὰ
therefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
15 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Historical Context
Archaeological and literary evidence confirms Jewish exorcism practices in the first century. Josephus describes Jewish exorcists using Solomon's formulas, roots, and incantations. The Testament of Solomon and magical papyri preserve elaborate rituals. Unlike these complex methods requiring intermediaries, Jesus expelled demons with simple commands, demonstrating unique authority. The Pharisees' acceptance of their own exorcists' limited successes while rejecting Jesus' superior power reveals their opposition was theological and political, not evidential.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' argument expose the double standards and prejudice often underlying religious criticism of God's work?
- What does the existence of 'your sons' (Jewish exorcists) teach about God's common grace allowing even unregenerate people to occasionally accomplish good?
- In what ways do contemporary Christians apply inconsistent standards when evaluating spiritual gifts or miracles in others versus their own traditions?
Analysis & Commentary
And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? Jesus introduces an ad hominem argument that devastates His critics. The phrase "your sons" (οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν, hoi huioi humōn) refers to Jewish exorcists among the Pharisees' own disciples and followers. Jewish exorcism was practiced (cf. Acts 19:13-16 for 'sons of Sceva'), though with limited success compared to Jesus' authority. Jesus' logic is inescapable: if He casts out demons by Beelzebub, then the Pharisees' own exorcists must also be using demonic power—a conclusion they would never accept.
Therefore shall they be your judges. The phrase "they be your judges" (αὐτοὶ ὑμῶν κριταὶ ἔσονται, autoi humōn kritai esontai) means the Pharisees' own disciples will condemn their hypocrisy. Their double standard—accepting exorcisms from their own while attributing identical works by Jesus to Satan—exposes prejudice rather than principle. This argument doesn't validate Jewish exorcism techniques but uses His opponents' own assumptions against them, demonstrating the inconsistency and malice underlying their accusation.