New Testament

Matthew 12:27

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus is responding to accusations that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub, a name associated with the devil.

Author: Matthew the apostle
Written: Around AD 60-70
Genre: Gospel
Original Audience: Jewish Christians

CBTClear Bible Translation

And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your children drive them out? Therefore, they will be your judges.

KJVKing James Version

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus is responding to accusations that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub, a name associated with the devil. He challenges His critics by asking them how their own children, who also perform exorcisms, do so. This rhetorical question implies that if He is using evil power, then their children must be doing the same. Jesus points out the inconsistency in their logic, suggesting that their own actions would condemn them. The implication is that His authority comes from God, not from evil. This verse highlights the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time, emphasizing the need for discernment in recognizing true spiritual authority. It serves as a reminder that accusations against others can often reflect our own shortcomings and biases.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Matthew 12:27 to your life

This verse encourages us to examine our own judgments and accusations against others. Before criticizing someone, we should consider our own actions and motivations. It reminds us to seek understanding and discernment rather than jumping to conclusions based on assumptions or biases.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 12:27 mean?

Matthew 12:27 shows Jesus responding to accusations that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub. He questions His critics about how their own children perform exorcisms, highlighting the inconsistency in their logic and asserting that His authority comes from God.

What is the significance of Beelzebub in Matthew 12:27?

Beelzebub is a name associated with the devil, and in Matthew 12:27, it represents the accusation against Jesus that He uses evil power to cast out demons. Jesus uses this reference to challenge the credibility of His critics and their claims.

What does Jesus imply about spiritual authority in this verse?

In Matthew 12:27, Jesus implies that true spiritual authority comes from God, not from evil. By questioning His critics, He emphasizes the need for discernment in recognizing genuine spiritual power.

How does Matthew 12:27 relate to judgment and hypocrisy?

Matthew 12:27 highlights the theme of judgment by pointing out that if Jesus is casting out demons by evil means, then the same must apply to His critics' children. This rhetorical question exposes hypocrisy in their accusations.

Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

The birth of Jesus Christ is on this wise: His mother Mary is espoused to Joseph, but before they come together, she is found with child of the Holy Ghost. Joseph, being a just man and not willing to make her a publick example, is minded to put her away privily. But while he thinks on these things, an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream, saying, Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. The angel saith she shall bring forth a son, and Joseph shall call his name JESUS, for he shall save his people from their sins. Joseph, being raised from sleep, does as the angel had bidden him and takes unto him his wife, but knows her not till she has brought forth her firstborn son. Matthew 2: The Wise Men and the Flight to Egypt When Jesus is born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, there come wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king hears these things, he is troubled. He gathers the chief priests and scribes and demands of them where Christ should be born. They say unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea. Herod privily calls the wise men and sends them to Bethlehem to search for the young child, telling them to bring him word again, that he may come and worship him also. The star goes before them until it stands over where the young child is. They rejoice, and entering the house, they see the young child with Mary his mother, and fall down and worship him, presenting him with gifts. Being warned of God in a dream not to return to Herod, they depart into their own country another way.

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