King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:26 Mean?

Matthew 12:26 in the King James Version says “And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 12:26 · KJV

Context

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?

27

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.

28

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?' Jesus applies the division principle specifically to Pharisees' accusation. If Satan casts out Satan—if demons expel demons—then Satan's kingdom is internally divided and cannot stand. The rhetorical question expects obvious answer: it can't. The argument is airtight. Reformed theology observes that evil, though powerful, is ultimately self-destructive. Sin doesn't build; it erodes. Satan doesn't create; he corrupts. Demonic power doesn't heal; it harms. For Satan to empower Jesus to cast out demons and heal people would contradict his destructive nature. The verse also reveals Satan has a 'kingdom' (βασιλεία/basileia)—organized realm of evil operating systematically against God's kingdom. Spiritual warfare is real: two kingdoms, two kings, two opposing purposes. But Satan's kingdom is doomed—already defeated at the cross (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14), awaiting final judgment (Revelation 20:10). Meanwhile, Christ's kingdom advances, Satan's declines.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish theology recognized Satan as adversary of God and humanity, commanding demons (fallen angels) in organized opposition to God's purposes. Intertestamental literature (Book of Enoch, Jubilees, Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs) developed elaborate demonology. Jesus acknowledged this reality while emphasizing His superior authority. His exorcisms demonstrated kingdom of God overcoming kingdom of Satan (Matthew 12:28). Early church continued this battle: Paul describes spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18), John affirms Christ's purpose was destroying devil's works (1 John 3:8), Revelation depicts ultimate victory (Revelation 20:7-10). Throughout history, church has maintained belief in Satan's reality and organized opposition while emphasizing Christ's victory. Modern skepticism often dismisses spiritual warfare as primitive mythology—but Scripture, church tradition, and missionary experience consistently testify to demonic reality. The comfort: Satan's kingdom is divided and falling; Christ's kingdom is unified and advancing. The battle is real, but the outcome is certain.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding Satan as having an organized but ultimately doomed kingdom affect your perspective on spiritual warfare and evil in the world?
  2. What evidence do you see of Satan's kingdom being internally divided and self-destructive?
  3. How does knowing Christ has already defeated Satan at the cross provide assurance in ongoing spiritual battles?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

εἰ2 of 16

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ὁ3 of 16
G3588

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

Σατανᾶν4 of 16

“Satan”

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

τὸν5 of 16
G3588

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

Σατανᾶν6 of 16

“Satan”

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

ἐκβάλλει7 of 16

“cast out”

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

ἐφ'8 of 16

“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

ἑαυτὸν9 of 16

“himself”

G1438

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

ἐμερίσθη·10 of 16

“he is divided”

G3307

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

πῶς11 of 16

“how”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

οὖν12 of 16

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

σταθήσεται13 of 16

“shall”

G2476

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

ἡ14 of 16
G3588

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

βασιλεία15 of 16

“his kingdom”

G932

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

αὐτοῦ16 of 16
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

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 12:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 12:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 1:13Revelation 20:2-31 John 5:19John 12:31John 14:30Matthew 4:10

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