King James Version

What Does Luke 11:18 Mean?

Luke 11:18 in the King James Version says “If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Bee... — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.

Luke 11:18 · KJV


Context

16

And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.

17

But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

18

If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.

19

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.

20

But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? Jesus applies the divided kingdom principle specifically to Satan's realm. The conditional "if" (εἰ, ei) introduces a reductio ad absurdum—if the Pharisees' accusation were true, Satan would be self-destructing. The phrase "his kingdom" (ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ, hē basileia autou) acknowledges Satan's organized dominion over fallen angels and unregenerate humanity—a counterfeit kingdom opposing God's rule.

Because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. Jesus directly confronts His accusers' logic. If He, empowered by Beelzebub, destroys demons, then Satan's forces war against themselves—an impossibility for any kingdom intending to survive. The argument's brilliance lies in forcing opponents to choose: either admit Jesus operates by God's power, or maintain an absurd position that Satan deliberately undermines his own kingdom. This exposes the bankruptcy of their accusation and their willful blindness to truth. The passage also reveals Satan's kingdom as real but ultimately doomed—its temporary success cannot prevent its final overthrow at Christ's return (Revelation 20:10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish theology in Jesus' day recognized Satan (called by various names: Beelzebub, Belial, Mastema) as a real spiritual adversary who led rebellious angels and opposed God's purposes. The Dead Sea Scrolls describe cosmic conflict between the Prince of Light and the Angel of Darkness. Jesus doesn't dispute Satan's power or kingdom but argues that His exorcisms prove Satan's kingdom is being plundered, not served. This aligns with His later statement: 'I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven' (Luke 10:18).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' acknowledgment of Satan's 'kingdom' teach about the organized nature of spiritual opposition to God's rule?
  2. How does understanding Satan's kingdom as real but doomed shape Christian engagement in spiritual warfare?
  3. Why is it logically necessary that Jesus' exorcisms demonstrate God's power rather than Satan's, given Satan's self-interest in preserving his kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
εἰ1 of 21
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 21

If

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 21
G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

4 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Σατανᾶς5 of 21

Satan

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

ἐφ'6 of 21

against

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἑαυτὸν7 of 21

himself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

διεμερίσθη8 of 21

be divided

G1266

to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)

πῶς9 of 21

how

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

σταθήσεται10 of 21

shall

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

11 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλεία12 of 21

kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ13 of 21

his

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

ὅτι14 of 21

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

λέγετε15 of 21

ye say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἐν16 of 21

through

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Βεελζεβοὺλ17 of 21

Beelzebub

G954

dung-god; beelzebul, a name of satan

ἐκβάλλειν18 of 21

cast out

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

με19 of 21

that I

G3165

me

τὰ20 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δαιμόνια21 of 21

devils

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 11:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 11:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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