And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

MARK 3:22KJV
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Mark 3:22 (KJV)

What does Mark 3:22 mean?

Mark 3:22 describes how some scribes from Jerusalem accused Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebub and claimed that he cast out demons by the power of the prince of demons. This verse shows the religious leaders’ attempt to explain away Jesus’ authority by attributing his miracles to an evil source.

In this scene, the scribes—experts in Jewish law—have traveled from Jerusalem and are speaking about Jesus to the crowds. They do not deny that Jesus is casting out demons, but they challenge the source of his power, suggesting it is demonic rather than divine. This accusation sets the stage for Jesus’ later response about the nature of his authority and the seriousness of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

The Greek behind Mark 3:22

  • Βεελζεβούλ (Beelzeboul, transliterated “Beelzebub”): This name is often understood as referring to a chief demon or “the prince of the devils.” The use of this title shows the depth of the scribes’ accusation, as they are not just calling Jesus misguided but aligning him with the worst possible spiritual enemy.
  • ἄρχων (archōn, “prince”): This Greek word means “ruler” or “leader.” By calling Beelzebub the “prince of the devils,” the scribes claim that Jesus’ power comes from the highest authority among evil spirits, not from God.
  • δαιμόνιον (daimonion, “devil” or “demon”): This word refers to evil spirits. The repetition in the verse (“casteth he out devils”) emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus’ actions and the seriousness of the charge against him.

Why Mark 3:22 matters

  • Mark 3:22 clarifies that Jesus’ opponents did not question whether he performed miracles, but rather the source of his power, which highlights the impact of his ministry.
  • This verse helps explain the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, setting up the conflict that will shape much of the rest of Mark’s Gospel.
  • Understanding this accusation is key to grasping Jesus’ later teaching on blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, as it shows the gravity of attributing God’s work to evil.