But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

MATTHEW 9:34KJV
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Matthew 9:34 (KJV)

What does Matthew 9:34 mean?

Matthew 9:34 describes how the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of "the prince of the devils," suggesting that Jesus was working with evil forces rather than by God's authority. This verse shows the opposition and suspicion Jesus faced from religious leaders, even as he performed acts of healing.

In this scene, the Pharisees—who were respected religious teachers—are responding to Jesus’ miracles, specifically his casting out of demons. Instead of acknowledging the good Jesus was doing, they claim his power comes from an evil source. This accusation highlights the growing tension between Jesus and the religious establishment, and it sets the stage for later conflicts about the source and nature of Jesus’ authority.

The Greek behind Matthew 9:34

  • "Prince" (ἄρχων, archōn): This word means a ruler or leader. Here, it refers to the head of the demons, often understood as Satan. The Pharisees are not just accusing Jesus of using any demonic power, but the highest authority among evil spirits.
  • "Devils" (δαιμόνια, daimonia): This word is used for evil spirits or demons. The repetition ("devils" and "prince of the devils") emphasizes the Pharisees’ claim that Jesus is aligned with the forces of evil.
  • "Through" (ἐν, en): This Greek word often means "in" or "by." The Pharisees are saying Jesus is acting "by means of" or "in the power of" the prince of demons, not just in association with, but empowered by him.

Why Matthew 9:34 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that everyone who saw Jesus’ miracles believed in him; some, like the Pharisees, explained away his power in the most negative way possible.
  • The accusation reveals the depth of opposition Jesus faced from religious leaders, even in the face of clear acts of compassion and healing.
  • Matthew 9:34 connects to a wider theme in the Gospel: questions about Jesus’ authority and the source of his power, which become central issues in his ministry and in the conflicts leading to his crucifixion.

Where else these words appear

“prince” Greek G758 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Luke 23:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
  • Acts 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

“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.

“Pharisees” Greek G5330 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Mark 2:24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
  • Luke 16:14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.