Matthew 12:26

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 12:26 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?
Matthew 12:26 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
26and if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And if Satan cast out Satan, etc.] That is, if Satan, the same with Beelzebub, casts out the rest of the Satans, or other devils, of which he is the prince and head, he is divided against himself; he acts contrary to his own interest, which is to keep possession of the bodies and souls of men; and consequently it must, in course, be subversive of his power and dominion: how shall then his kingdom stand? he will never be able to maintain his authority, and keep up the show of a government, as he does: for these words suggest, that there is a form of government among the devils, who are united in one body, under one head; and whose unity and concord are their greatest strength, as in all other…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?--The argument here is irresistible. "No organized society can stand--whether kingdom, city, or household--when turned against itself; such intestine war is suicidal: But the works I do are destructive of Satan's kingdom: That I should be in league with Satan, therefore, is incredible and absurd."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil - See the notes at Matthew 4:24. The same account, substantially, is found in Mark 3:22-27, and Luke 11:14-26. Matthew 12:23 Is not this the Son of David? - That is, Is not this the promised “descendant” of David, the Messiah? They were acquainted with the prophecy in Isaiah 35:5, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped,” and they inferred that he must be the promised Messiah who was able to do this. This inference was drawn by the common people, and not by the proud and haughty Pharisees. It is not uncommon that people of plain common sense, though unlearned, see the true meaning of the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“How shall his kingdom be established - Does not that subtle spirit know thin is not the way to establish his kingdom? Matthew 12:27”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:26 Jesus argued, in essence, “If I cast out demons under the influence of Satan, then Satan is dividing his camp, which obviously would be a foolish thing for Satan to do.””
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“his: Joh 12:31, Joh 14:30, Joh 16:11; Co2 4:4; Col 1:13; Jo1 5:19; Rev 9:11; Rev 12:9, Rev 16:10, Rev 20:2, Rev 20:3 Matthew 12:27”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification