But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

MATTHEW 12:28KJV
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Matthew 12:28 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:28 mean?

Matthew 12:28 says that if Jesus is casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has already arrived among the people. This statement points to Jesus’ authority and the presence of God’s power at work through him.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, including religious leaders who have accused him of casting out demons by evil power. Jesus responds by saying that his ability to drive out demons comes from God’s Spirit, not from any evil source. He uses this moment to show that God’s reign is breaking into the world through his actions.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:28

  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, G4151): This word means "Spirit," and in this context, it refers specifically to the Spirit of God. Jesus is emphasizing that his power comes from God’s own presence, not from any other source.
  • βασιλεία (basileia, G932): This word means "kingdom." Here, Jesus is not talking about a political kingdom but about God’s rule and authority being established among people.
  • ἔφθασεν (ephthasen, G5348): This word is translated "is come" and often carries the sense of something arriving or overtaking. The idea is that God’s kingdom is not just near, but has already arrived in their midst.

Why Matthew 12:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’ miracles are evidence of God’s power, not evil forces, correcting a misunderstanding held by some of his critics.
  • The verse highlights that the arrival of God’s kingdom is not just a future hope but is already happening through Jesus’ ministry.
  • It connects to the larger theme in Matthew of Jesus revealing God’s authority and challenging the expectations of religious leaders about how and when God’s kingdom would come.

Where else these words appear

“come” Greek G5348 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

“then” Greek G686 · used in 51 verses

  • Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
  • Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

“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.

“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.