Mark 3 25

Mark 3:25 kjv

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

Mark 3:25 nkjv

And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

Mark 3:25 niv

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

Mark 3:25 esv

And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

Mark 3:25 nlt

Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart.

Mark 3 verses

Mark 3 25 Meaning

Mark 3:25 teaches a fundamental principle: internal division inevitably leads to collapse. In the context of Jesus' teaching, this principle primarily refutes the scribes' illogical accusation that He casts out demons by the power of Satan, arguing that Satan's kingdom, if divided against itself, could not stand. Beyond this specific scenario, the verse encapsulates a universal truth applicable to any entity, whether a household, kingdom, or institution, that is internally at war with itself—it cannot endure or maintain its integrity.

Mark 3 25 Context

Mark 3:25 occurs during a critical phase of Jesus' public ministry in Galilee. Following healings on the Sabbath, the Pharisees conspired against Him (Mk 3:6), and His growing popularity drew immense crowds (Mk 3:7-10). It is in this context that scribes who came down from Jerusalem accused Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebul and casting out demons by the ruler of demons (Mk 3:22). This was a direct spiritual and intellectual challenge to Jesus' authority and identity. In response (Mk 3:23-26), Jesus calls them to Him and uses three parables—a kingdom divided, a house divided, and binding the strong man—to expose the irrationality of their accusation. His argument is that if He, an agent of God, were casting out demons by the power of Satan, then Satan's kingdom would be at war with itself, rendering it unable to stand. This verse, therefore, directly serves as a logical counter-argument to refute the polemic against His divine power, implicitly asserting that His power comes from God and is effectively dismantling Satan's domain.

Mark 3 25 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A simple conjunction, connecting this specific logical argument to the preceding one about a kingdom divided. It indicates a continuation of Jesus' response, linking this illustration directly to the kingdom analogy.
• if (ἐὰν - ean): Introduces a conditional clause. This indicates a hypothetical situation being presented by Jesus to expose the illogical nature of His accusers' claim. It doesn't necessarily mean the "house" is divided in reality in Satan's case, but that if it were, the outcome would be certain.
• a house (οἰκία - oikia): From Greek, meaning a dwelling, household, family, or property. It broadly represents any collective unit, from a single family to a complex organization or spiritual domain. Here, it functions as an analogy, parallel to "kingdom," extending the scope of Jesus' universal principle.
• be divided (μερισθῇ - meristhē): From Greek merizō, meaning to divide, separate, or distribute. In this passive perfect participle form, it denotes a state of being broken apart from within, suffering from internal dissension, conflict, or fragmentation. It implies self-inflicted wounds or internal discord.
• against (ἐφ᾽ - eph'): A preposition, in this context meaning "against," "upon," or "over." It intensifies the internal nature of the division, making it self-antagonistic.
• itself (ἑαυτὴν - heautēn): A reflexive pronoun, emphasizing that the division originates and is directed inward. This internal conflict is inherently self-destructive.
• that house (ἐκείνη ἡ οἰκία - ekeinē hē oikia): A demonstrative pronoun ("that") combined with "the house." This phrase specifically points back to the subject of the conditional clause, reinforcing the direct consequence for the internally divided entity.
• cannot (οὐ δύναται - ou dynatai): Ou is a strong negative particle meaning "no, not." Dynatai (from dynamai) means "to be able," "to have power," or "to be possible." Together, they emphatically declare an impossibility; there is no capacity or inherent power for the house to endure.
• stand (στῆναι - stēnai): From Greek histēmi, meaning to stand, set up, or endure. Here, it signifies the ability to remain upright, to survive, to endure, or to maintain its stability and integrity.

Words-group analysis:

• "And if a house be divided against itself": This clause sets the foundational premise. It presents a hypothetical yet universally acknowledged truth: internal conflict or discord is a self-inflicted wound that undermines the very structure or purpose of an entity. This directly counters the idea that Satan would work against his own interest by empowering Jesus to cast out demons.
• "that house cannot stand": This clause presents the inescapable and dire consequence of the established premise. It's an absolute declaration—there is no alternative outcome. Division, when internal and self-directed, invariably leads to inherent instability and eventual collapse, whether in a human household, a kingdom, or a spiritual domain. It's a statement of an unalterable principle, a law of existence.

Mark 3 25 Bonus section

The broader theological implication of Mark 3:25 is that Jesus' ministry is an assault on Satan's kingdom, not an alliance with it. He isn't merely alleviating symptoms of demonic oppression; He is forcefully disarming the "strong man" (Satan) to plunder his house (Mk 3:27), signaling the inauguration of God's Kingdom. This powerful display of authority proves His divine nature and challenges the false religious authorities of the time who could not comprehend or accept this truth. The Pharisees and scribes were, in a sense, acting as a "house divided" against God's will themselves, having set themselves against the very One God sent, which ultimately led to their downfall concerning God's plan of redemption through Christ.

Mark 3 25 Commentary

Mark 3:25 reveals Jesus as a master of logical argument, utilizing simple, undeniable truths to expose the folly of His accusers. The scribes from Jerusalem had alleged that Jesus operated by demonic power. Jesus' brilliant reply highlights the self-contradictory nature of their claim. No kingdom or household, by definition, can survive if its components are warring against themselves. This would apply perfectly to Satan's realm: if Satan were battling his own forces (by empowering Jesus to cast out demons), his kingdom would already be collapsing from within, negating its power and purpose. Therefore, Jesus' work of expelling demons, far from being Satan's doing, was actively dismantling Satan's domain.

Beyond this specific refutation, the verse stands as a profound general principle applicable universally: unity is foundational for stability and survival, while internal division guarantees downfall. This timeless wisdom resonates for believers as well:

• For the Church, division hinders its witness and effectiveness, weakening its collective strength against spiritual forces and undermining its purpose as Christ's body. Unity in Christ, despite diverse gifts, is essential for spiritual endurance.
• For individual Christians, a "house divided" might reflect a heart at war with itself—trying to serve both God and worldly desires—which results in spiritual instability and ineffectiveness.

In essence, Jesus teaches that internal coherence is indispensable for strength and endurance, both for kingdoms of darkness and for the kingdom of light.