But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.

LUKE 11:15KJV
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Luke 11:15 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:15 mean?

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.

The Greek behind Luke 11:15

  • 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.

Why Luke 11:15 matters

  • 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.

Where else these words appear

“Beelzebub” Greek G954 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
  • Matthew 12:27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.
  • Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.

“chief” Greek G758 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Luke 23:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
  • Acts 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

“devils” Greek G1140 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
  • Luke 11:14 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

“out” Greek G1544 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
  • Mark 1:12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
  • Luke 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.