And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

MATTHEW 12:26KJV
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Matthew 12:26 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:26 mean?

Matthew 12:26 describes Jesus pointing out that if Satan were casting out his own demons, he would be working against himself, and his kingdom would not survive. Jesus uses this logic to show that it does not make sense to accuse him of casting out demons by Satan’s power.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to religious leaders who claim he drives out demons by the power of Satan. Jesus challenges their accusation by highlighting the contradiction: if Satan is divided against himself, his power and influence would collapse. This argument is part of Jesus’ broader response, showing that his authority comes from God, not from evil.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:26

  • διαμερίζεται (G3307; diamerizetai, “divided”): This word means to be split or separated into parts. Jesus uses it to emphasize that a divided force cannot remain strong or united.
  • βασιλεία (G932; basileia, “kingdom”): This term refers to a realm or domain of rule. Jesus’ mention of Satan’s “kingdom” highlights the idea of organized evil, making the logic of internal division even clearer.
  • σταθήσεται (G2476; stathēsetai, “stand”): This word means to stand firm or endure. Jesus’ question about how Satan’s kingdom could “stand” underscores the impossibility of a divided evil power continuing to exist.

Why Matthew 12:26 matters

  • Matthew 12:26 clears up the misunderstanding that Jesus’ power over demons could come from Satan, by showing such an idea is self-defeating.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ logical reasoning, inviting listeners to think critically about the accusations against him.
  • This statement connects to the larger passage, where Jesus is revealing the true source of his authority and exposing the flawed thinking of his critics.

Where else these words appear

“divided” Greek G3307 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 12:25 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:
  • 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.

“Satan” Greek G4567 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Luke 13:16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

“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 1:34 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.

“how” Greek G4459 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Luke 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
  • Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.