King James Version

What Does Luke 11:19 Mean?

Luke 11:19 in the King James Version says “And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 11:19 · KJV

Context

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.

21

When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? Jesus introduces an ad hominem argument that devastates His critics. The phrase "your sons" (οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν, hoi huioi humōn) refers to Jewish exorcists among the Pharisees' own disciples and followers. Jewish exorcism was practiced (cf. Acts 19:13-16 for 'sons of Sceva'), though with limited success compared to Jesus' authority. Jesus' logic is inescapable: if He casts out demons by Beelzebub, then the Pharisees' own exorcists must also be using demonic power—a conclusion they would never accept.

Therefore shall they be your judges. The phrase "they be your judges" (αὐτοὶ ὑμῶν κριταὶ ἔσονται, autoi humōn kritai esontai) means the Pharisees' own disciples will condemn their hypocrisy. Their double standard—accepting exorcisms from their own while attributing identical works by Jesus to Satan—exposes prejudice rather than principle. This argument doesn't validate Jewish exorcism techniques but uses His opponents' own assumptions against them, demonstrating the inconsistency and malice underlying their accusation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological and literary evidence confirms Jewish exorcism practices in the first century. Josephus describes Jewish exorcists using Solomon's formulas, roots, and incantations. The Testament of Solomon and magical papyri preserve elaborate rituals. Unlike these complex methods requiring intermediaries, Jesus expelled demons with simple commands, demonstrating unique authority. The Pharisees' acceptance of their own exorcists' limited successes while rejecting Jesus' superior power reveals their opposition was theological and political, not evidential.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' argument expose the double standards and prejudice often underlying religious criticism of God's work?
  2. What does the existence of 'your sons' (Jewish exorcists) teach about God's common grace allowing even unregenerate people to occasionally accomplish good?
  3. In what ways do contemporary Christians apply inconsistent standards when evaluating spiritual gifts or miracles in others versus their own traditions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
εἰ1 of 20

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 20

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγὼ3 of 20

“I”

G1473

i, me

ἐν4 of 20

“by”

G1722

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

Βεελζεβοὺλ5 of 20

“Beelzebub”

G954

dung-god; beelzebul, a name of satan

ἐκβάλλουσιν6 of 20

“cast out”

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

τὰ7 of 20
G3588

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

δαιμόνια8 of 20

“devils”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

οἱ9 of 20
G3588

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

υἱοὶ10 of 20

“sons”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

ὑμῶν11 of 20

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐν12 of 20

“by”

G1722

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

τίνι13 of 20

“whom”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐκβάλλουσιν14 of 20

“cast out”

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

διὰ15 of 20

“therefore”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο16 of 20
G5124

that thing

κριταὶ17 of 20

“judges”

G2923

a judge (genitive case or specially)

ὑμῶν18 of 20

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

αὐτοὶ19 of 20
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

ἔσονται20 of 20

“shall they be”

G2071

will be

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 11:19 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 11:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 9:49Job 15:6Romans 3:19Luke 11:31-32Matthew 12:27-28Luke 19:22

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