Mark 3:25
And if a house be divided against itself, that house 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
οἰκία
a house
G3614
οἰκία
a house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
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
James 3:16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.Psalms 133:1Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!Genesis 37:4And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.Galatians 5:15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Historical Context
Ancient households (οἶκος) encompassed extended family, servants, dependents—economic and social units requiring unity. Inheritance disputes and family feuds regularly destroyed households. Roman law recognized paterfamilias whose authority maintained order. The principle applies throughout Scripture—Israel's kingdom divided led to both's downfall; apostolic warnings against church division (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:3-4) reflect this concern.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this principle apply to your family, church, and community?
- What role do you play in fostering unity or contributing to division?
- How can you pursue biblical unity while maintaining doctrinal faithfulness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus extends principle from kingdom to household: 'if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.' The move from macro to micro personalizes the argument. First-century listeners understood family unity determined survival and prosperity. Internal strife destroyed families. The principle remains universal—whether kingdom, household, or satanic realm, internal division ensures collapse. Jesus' argument is airtight: Satan wouldn't sabotage his operation. Therefore, Jesus' power must come from God.