Luke 11:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.

NIV: If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul.

NASB: And if Satan also has been divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you claim that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul.

CSB: If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say I drive out demons by Beelzebul.

NLT: You say I am empowered by Satan. But if Satan is divided and fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive?

KJV: If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.

NKJV: If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? Because you say I cast out demons by Beelzebub.

A man made blind and mute by a demon received healing from Jesus (Luke 11:14; Matthew 12:22). The lawyers, visiting from Jerusalem (Mark 3:22), quickly judge that Satan has empowered Jesus to do so (Luke 11:15). Jesus is pointing out that if Satan is enabling Him to cast out demons, Satan's kingdom is divided and will fall. Jesus has given a concrete example of a split nation, probably referring to the division of the nation of Israel into the kingdoms of Israel and Judah (1 Kings 12:16–20). He's also spoken of a split family, which may refer to the failing Herodian empire (Luke 11:17).

Now, Jesus gets to his point: Satan does not work against his own purposes. Satan's intent is to take glory from God. He does so in two ways. First is by convincing people made in God's image to worship Satan, instead. Second is by destroying people made in God's image (1 Peter 5:8). If one of the Devil's demons so controlled a man that he was blind and mute, purposefully allowing that demon to be cast out would work against Satan's purposes.

Some wonder if Satan may have arranged for false exorcisms as part of a larger strategy to win the trust of the people. That becomes an interesting thought experiment within the moment depicted by this passage. Yet it doesn't hold weight against the wider picture of Jesus and His ministry. Jesus proved in His temptation that He will not follow or worship Satan or in any way agree to his schemes (Luke 4:1–13). Jesus is God and is working through the power of the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28–30; Luke 3:21–22). Satan's larger strategy is right in front of him: to cause pain to God the Son incarnate and arrange for His murder. By hurting this man and steering the prideful thoughts of the religious lawyers, he has done both.

Further, as Jesus notes (Luke 11:19), the men criticizing Him believe their own family members cast out demons: if so, how can they then claim what Jesus does is Satanic?

When Jesus says, "Beelzebul," He's using the same terminology the Jewish lawyers do (Luke 11:15). They are equating Satan to the Philistine god called the "lord of the flies."

Luke 11:14–20 is the first of several stories that describe the Pharisees' rejection of their Messiah and their coming judgment, in contrast to the disciples' acceptance and blessing (Luke 11:14–54). The scribes, or lawyers, of the Pharisees have come from Jerusalem (Matthew 12:24; Mark 3:22) and determine that Jesus expels demons through the power of Beelzebul—Satan. Jesus responds by explaining the true nature of demons and their relationship with humans. Matthew 12:22–30 and Mark 3:22–27 cover the same accusation, but they also go on to address blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31–32; Mark 3:28–30).

In what some scholars refer to as "The Travelogue to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51—19:27), Jesus prepares His disciples for His crucifixion and resurrection and the establishment of the church. The description begins with Christ teaching the disciples how to spread the news of the kingdom of God and reaffirming how they will be blessed, culminating in the Lord's Prayer (Luke 9:51—11:13). Luke 11 finishes with accounts of leaders who reject Jesus. The remainder of the travelogue gives a pattern of teaching on the kingdom of God, miracles, and explanations of salvation. Then Jesus enters Jerusalem to face the cross.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.