King James Version

What Does Mark 3:25 Mean?

Mark 3:25 in the King James Version says “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 3:25 · King James Version


Context

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.

27

No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Jesus extends principle from kingdom to household: 'if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.' The move from macro to micro personalizes the argument. First-century listeners understood family unity determined survival and prosperity. Internal strife destroyed families. The principle remains universal—whether kingdom, household, or satanic realm, internal division ensures collapse. Jesus' argument is airtight: Satan wouldn't sabotage his operation. Therefore, Jesus' power must come from God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient households (οἶκος) encompassed extended family, servants, dependents—economic and social units requiring unity. Inheritance disputes and family feuds regularly destroyed households. Roman law recognized paterfamilias whose authority maintained order. The principle applies throughout Scripture—Israel's kingdom divided led to both's downfall; apostolic warnings against church division (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:3-4) reflect this concern.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this principle apply to your family, church, and community?
  2. What role do you play in fostering unity or contributing to division?
  3. How can you pursue biblical unity while maintaining doctrinal faithfulness?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


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

οἰκία3 of 12

“a house”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

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)

ἡ10 of 12
G3588

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

οἰκία11 of 12

“a house”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

ἐκείνη12 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 3:25 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 3:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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