And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.

MATTHEW 12:27KJV
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Matthew 12:27 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:27 mean?

Matthew 12:27 records Jesus challenging His critics by asking, “If I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.” Jesus points out the inconsistency in the accusation that He uses evil power to drive out demons, since some Jews also practiced exorcism and were not accused in the same way.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, who had accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub (a name used for a chief demon or Satan). Jesus highlights that their own people (“your children”) also cast out demons, so if His power is suspect, theirs should be as well. This exposes the unfairness and bias in their accusation, and Jesus says their own exorcists will be witnesses against them.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:27

  • Βεελζεβούλ (Beelzeboul): This Greek word refers to a figure associated with evil, often understood as a name for Satan or a chief demon. Its use here shows the seriousness of the accusation against Jesus.
  • υἱοί (huioi): Translated as “children,” this word can mean literal children or, more broadly, followers or members of the same group. Here, it likely refers to other Jews who practiced exorcism, not necessarily the Pharisees’ biological children.
  • κριταί (kritai): This word means “judges.” Jesus is saying that these other exorcists will serve as evidence or witnesses, highlighting the inconsistency of the Pharisees’ logic.

Why Matthew 12:27 matters

  • Matthew 12:27 clarifies that Jesus is not the only one performing exorcisms; others among the Jews did so without facing the same accusations, revealing the Pharisees’ double standard.
  • This verse emphasizes Jesus’ skillful use of logic to turn the Pharisees’ argument back on them, showing that their charge against Him does not hold up.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage, where Jesus is defending His authority and the source of His power, and it sets up His further teaching about the kingdom of God and the danger of attributing God’s work to evil.