And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

MATTHEW 12:25KJV
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Matthew 12:25 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:25 mean?

Matthew 12:25 records Jesus’ answer to an accusation about the source of his power. Jesus points out that a kingdom, city, or household weakened by fighting within itself cannot hold together. He is preparing to show why the accusation against him does not make sense.

Jesus says this after the Pharisees accuse him of driving out demons by the power of their ruler. The three images move from a kingdom to a city and then to a household, making the point at both public and family levels. Jesus also knows the thoughts of those he addresses.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:25

  • “thoughts” — ἐνθύμησις (enthymēsis): This word carries the sense of thoughts or inward reasoning. In this verse, Jesus responds not only to the accusation but also to what his listeners are thinking.
  • “divided” — μερίζω (merizō): This word means to divide or separate. Here, the phrase “against itself” pictures people within the same group turning against one another.
  • “desolation” — ἐρημόω (ēremoō): This word can mean to lay waste or make deserted. Jesus’ picture is of a kingdom ruined by its own internal conflict.

Why Matthew 12:25 matters

  • Jesus is answering a specific charge, not merely offering a general saying about unity. In the next verse, he applies the image to Satan being divided against himself.
  • Jesus’ examples invite his listeners to consider the consequences of their accusation. If Satan were driving out Satan, Jesus asks, “how shall then his kingdom stand?” (verse 26).
  • Jesus then takes the discussion further by asking about the Pharisees’ own people who drive out demons (verse 27). That question presses them to consider how they judge the same kind of action.

Where else these words appear

“thoughts” Greek G1761 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
  • Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
  • Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

“desolation” Greek G2049 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
  • Revelation 17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
  • Revelation 18:17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

“divided” Greek G3307 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 12:26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
  • Mark 6:41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

“house” Greek G3614 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,