Mark 3:22
And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Ἱεροσολύμων
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσολύμων
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
6 of 21
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 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
ὅτι
G3754
ἔχει
He hath
G2192
ἔχει
He hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
G3754
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 15:1Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,Matthew 10:25It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?Matthew 12:24But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.Matthew 9:34But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.John 7:20The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?Mark 7:1Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.Matthew 11:18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.John 8:52Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.John 8:48Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?Luke 11:15But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
Historical Context
Jerusalem scribes represented official religious establishment investigating Jesus. Their presence indicates institutional concern. The charge was serious—deuteronomic law mandated death for false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:20). By attributing power to Beelzebub, they justified eventual execution. This accusation recurs (Matthew 9:34; 12:24; John 7:20; 8:48; 10:20). Early Christians faced similar charges.
Questions for Reflection
- How do hardened hearts rationalize clear evidence of God's work to maintain unbelief?
- What does this accusation reveal about danger of persistent rejection of truth?
- How should believers respond when opponents attribute God's work to evil?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Scribes from Jerusalem accused: 'He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.' This blasphemous charge attributes Jesus' exorcisms to satanic power. 'Beelzebub' (Βεελζεβούλ) derives from Ba'al Zebub ('lord of flies'), Philistine god (2 Kings 1:2), here identified with Satan. The accusation is absurd—Satan casting out Satan—yet reveals hardened hearts desperately rationalizing undeniable miracles. When unable to deny power, opponents attribute it to evil. This leads to teaching on blasphemy against Holy Spirit (vv. 28-29).