Luk 11:15-20 | RWP | e4.org | Dumb ( κωφον ). See on . By Beelzebub ( εν Βεεζεβουλ ). Blasphemous accusation here in Judea as in Galilee ( ; , ). See on Matthew for discussion of the form of this name and the various items in the sin against the Holy Spirit involved in the charge. It was useless to deny the fact of the miracles. So they were explained as wrought by Satan himself, a most absurd explanation.

‏ Luke 11:15-20

Dumb ( κωφον ). See on Mt 9:32.

By Beelzebub ( εν Βεεζεβουλ ). Blasphemous accusation here in Judea as in Galilee (Mr 3:22; Mt 12:24, 27). See on Matthew for discussion of the form of this name and the various items in the sin against the Holy Spirit involved in the charge. It was useless to deny the fact of the miracles. So they were explained as wrought by Satan himself, a most absurd explanation.

Tempting him ( πειραζοντες ). These "others" ( ετερο ) apparently realized the futility of the charge of being in league with Beelzebub. Hence they put up to Jesus the demand for "a sign from heaven" just as had been done in Galilee (Mt 12:38). By "sign" ( σημειον ) they meant a great spectacular display of heavenly power such as they expected the Messiah to give and such as the devil suggested to Jesus on the pinnacle of the temple.

Sought ( εζητουν ). Imperfect active, kept on seeking.

But he ( αυτος δε ). In contrast with them.

Knowing their thoughts ( ειδως αυτων τα διανοηματα ). From διανοεω, to think through or distinguish. This substantive is common in Plato, but occurs nowhere else in the N.T. It means intent, purpose. Jesus knew that they were trying to tempt him.

And a house divided against a house falleth ( κα οικος επ οικον πιπτε ). It is not certain that διαμερισθεισα (divided) is to be repeated here as in Mt 12:25; Mr 3:25. It may mean,

and house falls upon house, "one tumbling house knocking down its neighbour, a graphic picture of what happens when a kingdom is divided against itself" (Bruce).

Because ye say ( οτ λεγετε ). Jesus here repeats in indirect discourse (accusative and infinitive) the charge made against him in verse 15. The condition is of the first class, determined as fulfilled.

And if I by Beelzebub ( ε δε εγω εν Βεεζεβουλ ). Also a condition of the first class, determined as fulfilled. A Greek condition deals only with the statement, not with the actual facts. For sake of argument, Jesus here assumes that he casts out demons by Beelzebub. The conclusion is a reductio ad absurdum. The Jewish exorcists practiced incantations against demons (Ac 19:13).

By the finger of God ( εν δακτυλω θεου ). In distinction from the Jewish exorcists. Mt 12:28 has "by the Spirit of God."

Then is come ( αρα εφθασεν ). Φθανω in late Greek comes to mean simply to come, not to come before. The aorist indicative tense here is timeless. Note αρα (accordingly) in the conclusion ( αποδοσις ).