King James Version

What Does Mark 3:26 Mean?

Mark 3:26 in the King James Version says “And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 3:26 · King James Version


Context

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.

28

Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Jesus concludes the argument: 'If Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.' The conditional 'if' assumes the scribes' accusation for sake of argument, then demonstrates its absurdity. Satan rising against himself equals self-destruction. The phrase 'hath an end' (τέλος ἔχει) means complete termination—Satan's kingdom would cease to exist. This proves Jesus' exorcisms don't come from satanic power but from superior force—God's kingdom. The logic is undeniable: Jesus' power over demons demonstrates God's authority breaking Satan's rule.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish theology understood Satan as real spiritual adversary opposing God and afflicting humanity. Demonic oppression was widespread. Exorcism was practiced but often ineffective. Jesus' consistent success over demons demonstrated unique authority. This passage anticipates fuller teaching on Satan's defeat—Jesus sees Satan 'fall like lightning' (Luke 10:18); at cross, judgment comes upon 'ruler of this world' (John 12:31); ultimately Satan is bound and destroyed (Revelation 20:1-10).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' victory over Satan encourage you in spiritual warfare?
  2. What does Satan's ultimate 'end' teach about certainty of God's triumph?
  3. How should you respond to satanic opposition knowing Christ has already won decisive victory?

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


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

εἰ2 of 15

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ὁ3 of 15
G3588

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

Σατανᾶς4 of 15

“Satan”

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

ἀνέστη5 of 15

“rise up”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

ἐφ'6 of 15

“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 15

“himself”

G1438

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

καὶ8 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

μεμερίσται,9 of 15

“be divided”

G3307

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

οὐ10 of 15

“he cannot”

G3756

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

δύναται11 of 15
G1410

to be able or possible

σταθῆναι,12 of 15

“stand”

G2476

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

ἀλλὰ13 of 15

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τέλος14 of 15

“an end”

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

ἔχει15 of 15

“hath”

G2192

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


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 3:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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