Bible Strands
Matthew 12:28
But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the Pharisees who have just accused Him of casting out demons by Beelzebul, responding directly to their challenge about His authority. He speaks this declaration immediately after contrasting His method with theirs and before explaining how He overcomes the strong man.
The words — πνεύματι (pneumati) = Spirit, θεοῦ (theou) = of God. Together they form the phrase "by the Spirit of God," which grounds the exorcism in divine power rather than occult sources.
The thread — Luke 11:20 records the same event with the variant "finger of God," while Daniel 7:14 outlines the universal dominion and kingship that this kingdom brings. Matthew 6:33 later commands prioritizing this same kingdom above material needs.
Why it lands — It demands recognition that Jesus' exorcisms prove God's rule is actively present, requiring a shift from accusing Him to submitting to His authority.
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 if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
Cross-references
- Luke 11:20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
- Daniel 7:14 And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
- Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
- Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.
- Matthew 21:43 Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.
- Colossians 1:13 He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,
- Matthew 21:31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
- Mark 1:15 “The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”
- Luke 16:16 The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the gospel of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.
- Luke 17:20 When asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God will not come with observable signs.