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 12:25KJVWhat does Matthew 12:25 mean?
Matthew 12:25 means that Jesus, knowing what people were thinking, explained that any group—whether a kingdom, city, or household—that is divided against itself will fall apart and not survive. He is warning that internal conflict destroys unity and leads to ruin.
In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd that includes religious leaders who are accusing Him of casting out demons by the power of evil. Jesus responds by pointing out the obvious truth that no group can stand if it is fighting against itself. By using examples like kingdoms, cities, and households, Jesus makes the point clear and relatable to everyone listening.
The Greek behind Matthew 12:25
- The word for "divided" (μερίζω, merizō) carries the sense of being split or separated into parts, emphasizing not just disagreement but a deep, destructive division.
- The word for "desolation" (ἐρημόω, erēmoō) means to be laid waste or left deserted, highlighting the seriousness of what happens when unity is lost.
- The phrase "shall not stand" (οὐ σταθήσεται, ou stathēsetai) means it will not remain or endure, stressing the inevitable collapse that comes from division.
Why Matthew 12:25 matters
- This verse clarifies that Jesus is not just making a general observation but is directly addressing the accusation against Him, showing that their logic is flawed.
- It highlights the importance of unity, whether in a nation, community, or family, and how division leads to downfall.
- The statement sets up Jesus’ further argument about the source of His power and helps the reader see the broader conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders in this chapter.