King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:24 Mean?

Matthew 12:24 in the King James Version says “But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the dev...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. Beelzebub: Gr. Beelzebul”

Matthew 12:24 · King James Version

Context

22

Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

23

And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?

24

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. Beelzebub: Gr. Beelzebul

25

And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

26

And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

Read Matthew 12 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
'But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.' The Pharisees' response contrasts starkly with the crowds': rather than considering messianic identity, they attributed Jesus's power to 'Beelzebub' (Βεελζεβοὺλ/Beelzeboul), prince of demons (Satan). The word 'fellow' (οὗτος/houtos) is dismissive—refusing to name Jesus respectfully. Their accusation: Jesus casts out demons through demonic power—a satanic civil war. The charge is absurd (Jesus demonstrates in v.25-29), yet it reveals their spiritual blindness. Confronted with undeniable supernatural power, they couldn't deny it but refused to acknowledge divine source. Reformed theology sees this as example of judicial hardening: persistently rejecting clear truth, they reached state where obvious evidence produced perverse interpretation. This introduces Jesus's teaching on blasphemy against Holy Spirit (v.31-32)—attributing to Satan what Holy Spirit clearly accomplishes through Christ. Such willful inversion of truth demonstrates complete spiritual corruption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Beelzebub (Βεελζεβούλ/Beelzeboul) derives from Hebrew בַּעַל זְבוּב (Ba'al Zevuv, 'lord of flies'), mockingly referring to Philistine god Baal-zebub (2 Kings 1:2). By Jesus's time, it became title for Satan, prince of demons. The Pharisees' accusation was calculated: they couldn't deny Jesus's miracles—too many witnesses, too dramatic—so they explained them through satanic power. This accusation appeared earlier (Matthew 9:34) and recurs (Mark 3:22, Luke 11:15, John 7:20, 8:48-52). It demonstrates progression: initial skepticism hardened into systematic rejection and ultimately demonization of Jesus. The charge was particularly wicked because these religious experts knew Scripture, recognized genuine spiritual power, yet deliberately misattributed it. Jesus's response (v.25-37) exposes their illogic and pronounces severe warning. Early church faced similar accusations: persecutors attributed Christian miracles to magic or demons. Throughout history, genuine spiritual movements have been demonized by religious establishments feeling threatened. The pattern warns: religious knowledge doesn't prevent spiritual blindness; it can even intensify it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can religious people become so hardened that they attribute obvious works of God to Satan—what spiritual dynamics produce this perversion?
  2. What's the difference between honest doubt or questions about Jesus versus the willful rejection demonstrated by Pharisees?
  3. How do you recognize when you're rationalizing away clear evidence of God's work rather than submitting to it?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
οἱ1 of 18
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 18

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

Φαρισαῖοι3 of 18

“when the Pharisees”

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

ἀκούσαντες4 of 18

“heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

εἶπον5 of 18

“it they said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Οὗτος6 of 18

“This”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

οὐκ7 of 18

“not”

G3756

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

ἐκβάλλει8 of 18

“cast out”

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

τὰ9 of 18
G3588

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

δαιμονίων10 of 18

“devils”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

εἰ11 of 18
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ12 of 18
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐν13 of 18

“by”

G1722

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

τῷ14 of 18
G3588

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

Βεελζεβοὺλ15 of 18

“Beelzebub”

G954

dung-god; beelzebul, a name of satan

ἄρχοντι16 of 18

“the prince”

G758

a first (in rank or power)

τῶν17 of 18
G3588

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

δαιμονίων18 of 18

“devils”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 12:24 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 Matthew 12:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 3:22Matthew 9:34Luke 11:15

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