Luke Chapter 11 · Verse 20
But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
Original Language Analysis
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄρα
no doubt
G686
ἄρα
no doubt
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
9 of 16
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
ἔφθασεν
is come
G5348
ἔφθασεν
is come
Strong's:
G5348
Word #:
10 of 16
to be beforehand, i.e., anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at
ἐφ'
upon
G1909
ἐφ'
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
the kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Exodus 8:19Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.Matthew 12:28But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.Luke 10:9And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.Matthew 3:2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.Luke 10:11Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.Daniel 2:44And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Historical Context
Jewish eschatological expectation centered on God's kingdom—a future age when Messiah would reign, Israel would be restored, and God's enemies defeated. The prophets foretold this age (Isaiah 9:6-7, Daniel 2:44, Zechariah 14:9). Jesus' radical claim is that this kingdom has arrived in His person and ministry. His exorcisms are not isolated miracles but kingdom warfare—the binding of the strong man (vv. 21-22), the overthrow of Satan's tyranny, and the liberation of captives. This inaugurates the 'already but not yet' tension of kingdom theology.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the phrase 'finger of God' reveal about Jesus' divine authority and the nature of His exorcisms as God's direct action?
- How do Jesus' exorcisms demonstrate that the kingdom of God is not merely future hope but present reality breaking into history?
- In what ways should the kingdom's arrival in Christ's ministry shape Christian understanding of spiritual warfare and deliverance today?
Analysis & Commentary
But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. This verse contains one of Scripture's clearest proclamations of the kingdom's arrival. The phrase "finger of God" (ἐν δακτύλῳ Θεοῦ, en daktulō Theou) echoes Exodus 8:19, where Pharaoh's magicians recognized God's power in the plagues. It's an anthropomorphism indicating divine power and authority—Matthew's parallel uses "Spirit of God" (Matthew 12:28), showing these are equivalent expressions.
The phrase "the kingdom of God is come upon you" (ἔφθασεν ἐφ' ὑμᾶς ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, ephthasen eph' humas hē basileia tou Theou) uses the verb φθάνω (phthanō), meaning to arrive, reach, or come upon. The aorist tense indicates a definite arrival, not mere approach. Jesus declares that His exorcisms are not mere healings but kingdom manifestations—wherever Satan's power is broken, God's reign advances. This is realized eschatology: the kingdom has invaded history in Christ, though its consummation awaits His return. The present power of God's kingdom confronts them now, demanding response.