Mark 3:26
And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνέστη
rise up
G450
ἀνέστη
rise up
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
5 of 15
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
ἐφ'
against
G1909
ἐφ'
against
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
7 of 15
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μεμερίσται,
be divided
G3307
μεμερίσται,
be divided
Strong's:
G3307
Word #:
9 of 15
to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ
οὐ
he cannot
G3756
οὐ
he cannot
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
10 of 15
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
σταθῆναι,
stand
G2476
σταθῆναι,
stand
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
12 of 15
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Historical Context
Jewish theology understood Satan as real spiritual adversary opposing God and afflicting humanity. Demonic oppression was widespread. Exorcism was practiced but often ineffective. Jesus' consistent success over demons demonstrated unique authority. This passage anticipates fuller teaching on Satan's defeat—Jesus sees Satan 'fall like lightning' (Luke 10:18); at cross, judgment comes upon 'ruler of this world' (John 12:31); ultimately Satan is bound and destroyed (Revelation 20:1-10).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' victory over Satan encourage you in spiritual warfare?
- What does Satan's ultimate 'end' teach about certainty of God's triumph?
- How should you respond to satanic opposition knowing Christ has already won decisive victory?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus concludes the argument: 'If Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.' The conditional 'if' assumes the scribes' accusation for sake of argument, then demonstrates its absurdity. Satan rising against himself equals self-destruction. The phrase 'hath an end' (τέλος ἔχει) means complete termination—Satan's kingdom would cease to exist. This proves Jesus' exorcisms don't come from satanic power but from superior force—God's kingdom. The logic is undeniable: Jesus' power over demons demonstrates God's authority breaking Satan's rule.