King James Version

What Does Mark 3:22 Mean?

Mark 3:22 in the King James Version says “And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out d... — study this verse from Mark chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

Mark 3:22 · KJV


Context

20

And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

21

And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. friends: or, kinsmen

22

And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

23

And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?

24

And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Scribes from Jerusalem accused: 'He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.' This blasphemous charge attributes Jesus' exorcisms to satanic power. 'Beelzebub' (Βεελζεβούλ) derives from Ba'al Zebub ('lord of flies'), Philistine god (2 Kings 1:2), here identified with Satan. The accusation is absurd—Satan casting out Satan—yet reveals hardened hearts desperately rationalizing undeniable miracles. When unable to deny power, opponents attribute it to evil. This leads to teaching on blasphemy against Holy Spirit (vv. 28-29).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem scribes represented official religious establishment investigating Jesus. Their presence indicates institutional concern. The charge was serious—deuteronomic law mandated death for false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:20). By attributing power to Beelzebub, they justified eventual execution. This accusation recurs (Matthew 9:34; 12:24; John 7:20; 8:48; 10:20). Early Christians faced similar charges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do hardened hearts rationalize clear evidence of God's work to maintain unbelief?
  2. What does this accusation reveal about danger of persistent rejection of truth?
  3. How should believers respond when opponents attribute God's work to evil?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

And

G2532

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

τὰ2 of 21

which

G3588

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

γραμματεῖς3 of 21

the scribes

G1122

a professional writer

τὰ4 of 21

which

G3588

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

ἀπὸ5 of 21

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Ἱεροσολύμων6 of 21

Jerusalem

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

καταβάντες7 of 21

came down

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ἔλεγον8 of 21

said

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

ὅτι9 of 21
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Βεελζεβοὺλ10 of 21

Beelzebub

G954

dung-god; beelzebul, a name of satan

ἔχει11 of 21

He hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καὶ12 of 21

And

G2532

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

ὅτι13 of 21
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν14 of 21

by

G1722

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

τὰ15 of 21

which

G3588

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

ἄρχοντι16 of 21

the prince

G758

a first (in rank or power)

τὰ17 of 21

which

G3588

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

δαιμόνια18 of 21

devils

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

ἐκβάλλει19 of 21

casteth he out

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

τὰ20 of 21

which

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 Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 3:22 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 Mark 3:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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