Question 1

What does Luke 11:15 mean?

Accepted Answer

Luke 11:15 describes how some people accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, who they called the chief of the demons. Instead of recognizing Jesus’ authority as coming from God, these people claimed He was working through an evil source. In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd after casting out a demon. Some in the crowd, likely religious leaders or skeptics, respond by saying that Jesus’ power comes from Beelzebub—a name used for a leading evil spirit. This accusation shows their refusal to accept Jesus’ miracles as evidence of God’s work and sets up the following verses, where Jesus addresses their claim.

Question 2

The Greek behind Luke 11:15

Accepted Answer

Βεελζεβούλ (Beelzeboul, transliterated “Beelzebub”): This name refers to a figure considered the “chief of the devils.” In the context of the verse, it highlights the seriousness of the accusation, as they are not just saying Jesus is possessed, but that He is in league with the highest evil power. ἄρχων (archōn, “chief”): This word means ruler or leader. Calling Beelzebub the “chief of the devils” emphasizes the claim that Jesus’ authority comes from the top of the demonic hierarchy, not from God. ἐκβάλλει (ekballei, “casteth out”): This verb means to drive out or expel. The focus is on Jesus’ visible power over evil spirits, which the accusers twist to suggest a sinister source.

Question 3

Why Luke 11:15 matters

Accepted Answer

Luke 11:15 helps clarify that not everyone who witnessed Jesus’ miracles accepted them as proof of His divine authority; some tried to explain them away with hostile accusations. This verse sets up the tension for the following discussion, where Jesus responds to the charge and explains why their logic is flawed. Understanding this accusation sheds light on the broader conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders, revealing the depth of their opposition and the lengths they would go to discredit Him.

Luke 11:15 (KJV)