Bible Strands
Luke 11:15
but some of them said, “It is by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons, that He drives out demons.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Following Jesus’ exorcism of a mute man in Luke 11:14, a segment of the surrounding crowd responds by attributing His power to a demonic source.
The words — Βεελζεβοὺλ (Beelzeboul) names the alleged demonic authority, while ἐν (en) literally means "by" or "through," specifying the claimed channel of His works.
The thread — This charge echoes the accusation in Matthew 9:34 and sets up the master-servant comparison found in Matthew 10:25.
Why it lands — The text demands a clear verdict on Jesus’ authority, rejecting passive acceptance of the accusation while leaving the reader to weigh the claim against the demonstrated act.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
Cross-references
- Matthew 9:34 But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that He drives out demons.”
- John 10:20 Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and insane. Why would you listen to Him?”
- Matthew 10:25 It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
- Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.”
- Mark 3:22 And the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and, “By the prince of the demons He drives out demons.”
- Luke 11:18 If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? After all, you say that I drive out demons by Beelzebul.
- John 7:20 “You have a demon,” the crowd replied. “Who is trying to kill You?”
- John 8:48 The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right to say that You are a Samaritan and You have a demon?”
- John 8:52 “Now we know that You have a demon!” declared the Jews. “Abraham died, and so did the prophets, yet You say that anyone who keeps Your word will never taste death.