Definition
Matthew 12:25 is a verse in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, located in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 12, verse 25. In most modern English translations it records Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’ accusation that he cast out demons by the power of Beelzebul, stating that a kingdom or house divided against itself cannot stand.
Overview
The verse occurs within a narrative in which Jesus is confronting the Pharisees who criticize his exorcisms (Matthew 12:22‑28). After the Pharisees assert that Jesus drives out demons by “the prince of demons,” Jesus replies, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to ruin, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” This saying serves to illustrate the logical flaw in the Pharisees’ accusation and to emphasize the necessity of unity. The passage is frequently cited in theological discussions of internal discord and the nature of divine authority.
Etymology/Origin
The Gospel of Matthew was originally composed in Koine Greek, likely in the latter half of the first century CE. The verse’s numbering (12:25) derives from the chapter–verse system developed in the 13th‑14th centuries by Stephen Langton and later standardized in the modern Bible. The Greek text of Matthew 12:25 reads: Ἰδὼν δὲ τὰς ὑπονοίας αὐτῶν ἔλεγεν· Πᾶσα βασιλεία διχοῤῥήγμενη ἔσται εἰς ἀπώλεια· καὶ πόλις ἢ οἰκία χωρισμένη οὐ μὴ στήσῃ. The phrase “kingdom divided” (βασιλεία διχοῤῥήγμενη) employs the Greek participle διχοῤῥήγμενη, meaning “split” or “divided.”
Characteristics
- Literary Form: The verse is a proverbial aphorism, employing parallelism (“kingdom…city or house”) to reinforce the principle of internal cohesion.
- Theological Theme: It underscores the absurdity of attributing Jesus’ miraculous works to demonic power and highlights the broader biblical motif that unity is essential for stability.
- Textual Variants: Minor differences exist among ancient manuscripts concerning the exact wording of the second clause (e.g., “city” vs. “house”). These variations do not affect the central meaning.
- Interpretive History: Patristic writers such as Augustine and Chrysostom referenced the verse to argue against schism within the Church. In contemporary exegesis, it is often linked to sociopolitical readings of Jesus’ teachings on governance.
Related Topics
- Gospel of Matthew
- New Testament exegesis
- Pharisees (historical and biblical context)
- Biblical proverbs and aphorisms
- Themes of unity and division in Christian theology
- Historical-critical method of biblical studies
- Textual criticism of the New Testament manuscripts.