Mark 3 24

Mark 3:24 kjv

And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Mark 3:24 nkjv

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Mark 3:24 niv

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Mark 3:24 esv

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Mark 3:24 nlt

"A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse.

Mark 3 verses

Mark 3 24 Meaning

Mark 3:24 asserts a fundamental principle: any entity, whether a kingdom or a household, that experiences internal division and conflict will inevitably collapse and fail to endure. Jesus uses this undeniable logical truth to dismantle the accusation from the scribes that He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of demons. He argues that Satan, a kingdom by definition, would not engage in self-destructive behavior by fighting against himself, as that would lead to his own demise, thereby making the scribes' claim absurd and impossible.

Mark 3 24 Context

Mark 3:24 is part of Jesus' direct response to severe accusations by the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem. These scribes accused Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebul, meaning the "lord of the flies" or "ruler of demons," and performing exorcisms by demonic power (Mark 3:22). This accusation was deeply blasphemous and directly challenged the source and nature of Jesus' authority and ministry. Jesus uses parables and logical reasoning, beginning with this verse and extending through Mark 3:26, to show the utter absurdity of their claim. He then illustrates His power through the parable of binding the strong man (Mark 3:27), concluding with the grave warning about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28-30), implying their accusation veers dangerously close to it. Historically, the belief in demon possession and the battle between divine and demonic forces was common in this Jewish cultural context.

Mark 3 24 Word analysis

• If (Gr. ean - ἐὰν): A conditional particle, introducing a hypothetical yet logical premise. It sets up an "if-then" statement, appealing to common sense and basic reason.
• a kingdom (Gr. basileia - βασιλεία): Refers to a royal dominion, a realm, or the rule of a sovereign. Here, Jesus applies it to Satan's sphere of influence, His kingdom. The concept is universal; any organized entity.
• is divided (Gr. meristhei - μερισθῇ): From merizo (μερίζω), meaning to divide, apportion, separate, or split. In the passive voice, it indicates the kingdom experiences this internal fracture. It implies disunity, strife, and self-contradiction.
• against itself (Gr. eph' heautēn - ἐφ᾽ ἑαυτήν): Literally "upon itself." This emphatic phrase stresses that the division originates and operates internally. The conflict is not from an external adversary but from self-sabotage.
• that kingdom: A reiteration of the subject, reinforcing the specific kingdom under discussion and the direct consequence that follows.
• cannot (Gr. ou dynamai - οὐ δυνήσεται): From ou (οὐ - absolute negation) and dynamai (δύναμαι - to be able, to have power). Signifies an absolute impossibility; it is inherently unable.
• stand (Gr. stathenai - σταθῆναι): From histēmi (ἵστημι), meaning to stand, to remain, to endure, to be firm, to persist. In this context, it refers to its ability to continue existing or maintain its position of power and stability.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• If a kingdom is divided: This initial phrase establishes the condition for collapse. The concept of a "kingdom" (an ordered, unified entity) inherently conflicts with "divided," setting up the logical dilemma.
• divided against itself: Emphasizes the destructive nature of internal conflict. It is not an external force but self-inflicted wounds that lead to ruin. This directly counters the scribes' implicit notion that Satan would cooperate to undermine his own kingdom by enabling Jesus' work.
• that kingdom cannot stand: The absolute and inevitable consequence. Internal division invariably leads to the incapacity to endure. This universal principle applies equally to Satan's dominion as it does to human structures, making the scribes' argument illogical.

Mark 3 24 Bonus section

The argument presented in Mark 3:24 (and parallels) is a logical refutation known as reductio ad absurdum. Jesus accepts their premise (that His power is demonic) for a moment and then shows how it leads to an absurd and self-contradictory conclusion. If Satan were casting out Satan, his kingdom would logically cease to exist, making their accusation irrational. This not only dismantles their argument but also subtly asserts the reality of a kingdom of God clashing directly with the kingdom of Satan, highlighting Jesus's victory as a true invasion and defeat of the forces of darkness.

Mark 3 24 Commentary

Mark 3:24 unveils a foundational spiritual and natural law: internal disunity guarantees downfall. Jesus employs this self-evident truth to expose the foolishness of His accusers. Their premise, that Satan would empower Him to cast out demons, implies a deep internal schism within Satan's realm. Such a schism would signify Satan fighting against himself, which contradicts the very nature of an organized, though evil, dominion seeking to oppose God. A house, city, or kingdom cannot withstand self-destructive internal conflict; it is destined to disintegrate. Thus, Jesus demonstrates that His power is from God, not from a ludicrously divided Satan. This principle extends to all human endeavors, reminding us that unity is prerequisite for strength and longevity in any spiritual, social, or personal endeavor. For instance, a church divided by factions will struggle to fulfill its mission; a family plagued by infighting cannot provide true refuge.