King James Version

What Does Mark 3:24 Mean?

Mark 3:24 in the King James Version says “And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. — study this verse from Mark chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 3:24 · KJV


Context

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.

25

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

26

And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus uses political imagery: 'If a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.' This self-evident principle applies to all organizations—internal division causes collapse. 'Divided' (μερισθῇ) means split, fragmented. Jesus' logic is inescapable—self-defeating action ensures destruction. Applied to Satan: if he casts out demons, he destroys his kingdom. Therefore, exorcisms must come from opposing power—God's kingdom overcoming Satan's. This silences opponents while revealing divine authority.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestine witnessed numerous failed political movements torn by division—Zealot factions, messianic pretenders, revolutionary groups collapsed through infighting. Roman empire maintained control through divide-and-conquer. Jesus' audience understood political fragmentation's consequences. Application to spiritual realm reveals cosmic conflict underlying history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' logic about divided kingdoms apply to church unity?
  2. What does this principle teach about necessity of unified purpose in ministry?
  3. How should you respond to division within Christian communities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

And

G2532

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

ἐὰν2 of 12

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

βασιλεία3 of 12

a kingdom

G932

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

ἐφ'4 of 12

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

ἑαυτὴν5 of 12

itself

G1438

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

μερισθῇ6 of 12

be divided

G3307

to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ

οὐ7 of 12

cannot

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δύναται8 of 12
G1410

to be able or possible

σταθῆναι9 of 12

stand

G2476

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

10 of 12
G3588

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

βασιλεία11 of 12

a kingdom

G932

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

ἐκείνη·12 of 12

that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed


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 3:24 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 3:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study