Mark Chapter 3 · Verse 24
And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
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
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 12
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
βασιλεία
a kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
a kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
ἐφ'
against
G1909
ἐφ'
against
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ἑαυτὴν
itself
G1438
ἑαυτὴν
itself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
5 of 12
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
μερισθῇ
be divided
G3307
μερισθῇ
be divided
Strong's:
G3307
Word #:
6 of 12
to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ
σταθῆναι
stand
G2476
σταθῆναι
stand
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
9 of 12
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Samuel 20:6And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.2 Samuel 20:1And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.
Historical Context
First-century Palestine witnessed numerous failed political movements torn by division—Zealot factions, messianic pretenders, revolutionary groups collapsed through infighting. Roman empire maintained control through divide-and-conquer. Jesus' audience understood political fragmentation's consequences. Application to spiritual realm reveals cosmic conflict underlying history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' logic about divided kingdoms apply to church unity?
- What does this principle teach about necessity of unified purpose in ministry?
- How should you respond to division within Christian communities?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus uses political imagery: 'If a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.' This self-evident principle applies to all organizations—internal division causes collapse. 'Divided' (μερισθῇ) means split, fragmented. Jesus' logic is inescapable—self-defeating action ensures destruction. Applied to Satan: if he casts out demons, he destroys his kingdom. Therefore, exorcisms must come from opposing power—God's kingdom overcoming Satan's. This silences opponents while revealing divine authority.