But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

MATTHEW 12:24KJV
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Matthew 12:24 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:24 mean?

Matthew 12:24 describes how the Pharisees, after hearing about Jesus casting out demons, accused Him of using the power of Beelzebub, whom they called the prince of demons, rather than acting by God’s authority. This verse shows the Pharisees’ skepticism and their attempt to discredit Jesus by linking His miracles to an evil source.

In this scene, the Pharisees—religious leaders in Jesus’ time—are responding to Jesus’ miracles, specifically His casting out of demons. Instead of acknowledging the good done, they claim Jesus is working through “Beelzebub,” a name often associated with a chief demon or evil spirit. Their accusation reveals both their opposition to Jesus and their unwillingness to accept His authority or the possibility that His power comes from God.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:24

  • “Βεελζεβούλ” (Beelzeboul, transliterated “Beelzebub”): This name is often understood as referring to a major evil spirit or the chief of demons. The Pharisees’ use of this name shows they are accusing Jesus of being in league with the worst kind of evil, not just any demon.
  • “ἄρχων” (archōn, translated “prince”): This word means a ruler or leader. By calling Beelzebub the “prince of the devils,” the Pharisees are emphasizing the idea that Jesus’ power comes from the highest authority among evil spirits, not from God.
  • “ἐκβάλλει” (ekballei, translated “cast out”): This verb means to drive out or expel. The Pharisees are specifically questioning the source of Jesus’ authority to expel demons, suggesting it is not divine.

Why Matthew 12:24 matters

  • This verse clears up the common misunderstanding that everyone who witnessed Jesus’ miracles accepted Him; in fact, some religious leaders actively tried to undermine Him.
  • The accusation reveals the depth of the Pharisees’ opposition and their unwillingness to consider that Jesus’ power could be from God, setting up the following verses where Jesus responds to their logic.
  • Understanding the use of “Beelzebub” and “prince of the devils” helps clarify just how serious and hostile the Pharisees’ accusation was, framing it as a direct challenge to Jesus’ identity and mission.

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?
  • Mark 3:22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
  • 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.

“prince” 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 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
  • Luke 11:15 But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.

“doth” 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 1:34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.
  • 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.