New Testament
Matthew 9:34
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, the Pharisees, who were religious leaders, accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan, referred to as the 'prince of demons.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
But the Pharisees claimed, "He drives out demons by the power of the prince of demons."
But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Pharisees, who were religious leaders, accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan, referred to as the 'prince of demons.' This accusation reflects their disbelief in Jesus' divine authority and their unwillingness to accept His miracles as acts of God. Instead of recognizing the good He was doing by freeing people from demonic oppression, they attributed His power to evil. This highlights a significant conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities of the time, showcasing their fear of losing influence and control. The Pharisees' claim also serves as a warning about the dangers of attributing God's work to evil forces, which can lead to spiritual blindness. Jesus' response to such accusations later in the chapter emphasizes the illogical nature of their claims, as a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. This moment illustrates the tension between faith and skepticism, and the challenges faced by those who seek to follow Jesus amidst opposition.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 9:34 to your life
This verse encourages us to be cautious about how we judge others' actions, especially when they are doing good. It reminds us to seek understanding and discernment rather than jumping to conclusions based on our biases. We should be open to recognizing God's work in unexpected ways.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 9:34 mean?
Matthew 9:34 describes how the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan, indicating their disbelief in His divine authority. This accusation highlights the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders, who were unwilling to accept His miracles as acts of God.
What is the significance of the 'prince of demons' in Matthew 9:34?
The 'prince of demons' refers to Satan, suggesting that the Pharisees believed Jesus was using evil power to perform His miracles. This phrase underscores their rejection of Jesus' divine nature and the good He was doing.
What does this verse reveal about the Pharisees' attitude towards Jesus?
This verse shows that the Pharisees were skeptical and hostile towards Jesus, choosing to attribute His miraculous works to evil rather than recognizing His divine authority. Their accusation reflects their fear of losing influence and control over the people.
How does Matthew 9:34 relate to the theme of spiritual warfare?
Matthew 9:34 illustrates spiritual warfare by depicting the struggle between Jesus, who represents God's power, and the Pharisees, who accuse Him of using demonic forces. This conflict emphasizes the ongoing battle between good and evil.

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.
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