Mark 3:23
And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσκαλεσάμενος
he called
G4341
προσκαλεσάμενος
he called
Strong's:
G4341
Word #:
2 of 12
to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 12
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
παραβολαῖς
parables
G3850
παραβολαῖς
parables
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
5 of 12
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
ἔλεγεν
unto him and said
G3004
ἔλεγεν
unto him and said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 12
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
Historical Context
Rabbinic teaching regularly employed parables (Hebrew mashal, Greek parabolē). Jesus' parables differed in directness and authority—He didn't cite previous authorities but spoke with inherent authority. Parabolic teaching served apologetic purposes in controversial settings—forcing listeners to draw conclusions rather than rejecting direct claims. 'How can Satan cast out Satan?' employs reductio ad absurdum, demonstrating logical impossibility.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' patient engagement model gracious apologetics?
- What role should logic and reason play in defending Christian truth?
- How can you use questions to expose false reasoning while pointing toward truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus 'called them unto him' for direct confrontation and teaching 'in parables'—brief illustrative stories conveying spiritual truth. His rhetorical question 'How can Satan cast out Satan?' exposes illogical accusation. The question assumes Satan's self-interest—he wouldn't undermine his kingdom. Jesus' parabolic method accomplishes dual purposes: revealing truth to receptive hearts while concealing from hardened hearts (Mark 4:11-12). His willingness to engage opponents demonstrates patient teaching despite hostility.