Luke 11:18

Luk 11:18. Καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς) even Satan: of whom however this is not at all to be supposed likely.

Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament — English translation (T&T Clark, Edinburgh, 1860) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

By the name and power of Beelzebub.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils,.... Which is what the Pharisees charged him with; in the Greek copies, and so in the Arabic and Ethiopic versions it is read, "by Beelzebul", and so in the preceding verses; See Gill on Mat 10:25.

By whom do your sons cast them out? by whose help? or in whose name? for the Jews pretended to cast out devils, and to heal those that were possessed with them; which they did sometimes, by making use of the names of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and sometimes of the name of Solomon: Josephus (q) speaks of many in his time, who had this power of healing; and he himself saw one Eleazar, in the presence of Vespasian, his children, officers, and soldiers, cure many that were possessed of devils: and his method was, by putting a ring to the nose of the possessed, under the seal of which, was a root directed to by Solomon, and thereby brought out the unclean spirit; and as soon as the man was healed, he adjured the devil never to return more; at which time he made mention of the name of Solomon, and rehearsed the enchantments written by him: the said Eleazar, to give a specimen of the efficacy of his art, set a cup full of water upon the ground, and commanded the devil when he went out of the man, to turn it over, as a sign that he had left the man, and the devil immediately obeyed his order: now if these sons of theirs cast out devils, which they would not say were done by the help of the devil, or in his name, why should they ascribe the ejection of devils by Christ, to a diabolical assistance?

therefore shall they be your judges; or "judges against you", as the Arabic version; or "shall reprove you", as the Ethiopic; convict and condemn you; See Gill on Mat 12:27.

(q) Antiqu. Jud. l. 8. c. 2.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.

Ver. 18. See Mat 12:38; Mat 16:1; Mar 3:24.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. Throughout this argument Jesus assumes the existence of a kingdom of evil, all armed and thoroughly organized to carry out its dread purposes. He concedes, too, in language which admits of no questioning, the existence of a chief of this evil confederacy. Throughout his reply, the Master, while carefully bearing in mind the ability and skill of his enemies who had suggested this questioning to the people, addresses himself to the common sense of the mixed multitude who were present on this occasion. The argument is perfectly simple. It is not thinkable that the prince of evil would fight against himself, which he would be doing if he put such mighty weapons into Jesus" hands.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

If Satan is divided against himself

"Satan" here is referring to the demons who follow Satan as well as to Satan himself. AT: "If Satan and members of his kingdom are fighting among themselves" (See: Metonymy)

If Satan ... how will his kingdom stand?

Jesus uses a question to teach the people. This can be translated as a statement. AT: "If Satan ... his kingdom will not last." or "If Satan ... his kingdom will fall apart." (See: Rhetorical Question)

For you say I cast out demons by Beelzebul

"For you say that it is by the power of Beelzebul that I make demons leave people." The next part of his argument can be stated explicitly: AT: "For you say that it is by the power of Beelzebul that I make demons leave people. That would mean that Satan is divided against himself" (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If I ... by whom do your followers drive them out?

"If I ... by whose power do your followers force demons to leave people?" Jesus uses a question to teach the people. The meaning of Jesus' question can be made explicit. AT: "If I ... then we must agree that your followers also drive out demons by Beelzebul's power. But you do not believe that it is true." (See: Rhetorical Question and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

they will be your judges

"your followers who cast out demons by God's power will judge you for saying that I cast out demons by Beelzebul's power"

by the finger of God

The "finger of God" refers to God's power. (See: Metonymy)

then the kingdom of God has come to you

"this shows that God's kingdom has come to you"

translationWords

Satan

kingdom

judge, judges

God

kingdom of God

unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.

18. εἰ δὲ καὶ … διεμερίσθη. ‘But if Satan too is divided against himself.’

ὅτι. (I ask this) because, &c. Comp. Mar 3:30.

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges (Cambridge University Press, 1896; 21 vols, various authors incl. Carr, Maclear, Plummer, Farrar, Lumby, Moule, M. R. James, Simcox) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

18. εἰ δὲ καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς. Satan also is under the dominion of the same law, that division leads to destruction. The fondness of Lk. for δὲ καί is again manifest: see on 3:9. Contrast εἰ καί in ver. 8. Here καί belongs to ὁ Σατ. and means “also.” Burton., § 282. Mt. and Mk. here have simply καὶ εἰ.

ὅτι λέγετε. Elliptical: “I use this language, because ye say,” etc. Comp. Mar 3:30, and see on 7:47.

International Critical Commentary — older volumes (1896–1929), various authors — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Satan. See on ch. Luk 10:18.

Be divided. See on Mt 12:26.

Marvin R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament (1887–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.