New Testament
Matthew 12:25
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Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to ruin, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand."
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And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
What Matthew 12:25 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses the thoughts of those who were accusing Him of casting out demons by the power of Satan. He points out a fundamental truth about unity and division. A kingdom or a household that is divided cannot survive; internal conflict leads to destruction. Jesus uses this principle to argue that if He were working for Satan, then Satan's kingdom would be doomed to fail. The implication is clear: His power to cast out demons is evidence of God's kingdom at work, not Satan's. This statement emphasizes the importance of unity and the dangers of division, whether in a community, family, or any organization. Jesus is highlighting that cooperation and harmony are essential for strength and survival, while division leads to downfall.
How to apply Matthew 12:25 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of unity in our relationships and communities. When we face conflicts, we should strive for reconciliation and cooperation rather than division. Working together strengthens our bonds and helps us overcome challenges, reflecting the principles of God's kingdom.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 12:25 mean?
Matthew 12:25 means that Jesus is teaching about the dangers of division. He explains that a kingdom or household that is divided cannot survive, using this principle to argue that His ability to cast out demons shows He is not working for Satan.
What is the significance of unity in Matthew 12:25?
The significance of unity in Matthew 12:25 is that it highlights the importance of cooperation for survival. Jesus emphasizes that internal conflict leads to destruction, whether in a kingdom, city, or family.
How does Matthew 12:25 relate to conflict resolution?
Matthew 12:25 relates to conflict resolution by illustrating that division weakens relationships and communities. It encourages individuals to seek reconciliation and work together to overcome challenges.
What does Jesus mean by 'a kingdom divided against itself'?
When Jesus refers to 'a kingdom divided against itself,' He means that any group or organization that is not united will ultimately fail. This statement serves as a warning against internal strife.
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