Matthew 12:26

Authorized King James Version

And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
εἰ
G1487
if
if, whether, that, etc
#3
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Σατανᾶν
G4567
Satan
the accuser, i.e., the devil
#5
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
Σατανᾶν
G4567
Satan
the accuser, i.e., the devil
#7
ἐκβάλλει
G1544
cast out
to eject (literally or figuratively)
#8
ἐφ'
G1909
against
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#9
ἑαυτὸν
G1438
himself
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#10
ἐμερίσθη·
G3307
he is divided
to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ
#11
πῶς
G4459
how
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#12
οὖν
G3767
then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#13
σταθήσεται
G2476
shall
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#14
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
βασιλεία
G932
his kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#16
αὐτοῦ
G846
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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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