New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 9:34

The Doctor for the Sick

But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that He drives out demons.” Matthew 9:34 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 9:34, in plain English

But the Pharisees sneered, 'He's only able to cast out demons because He's working for the prince of demons.'

Why it's here

While the crowd was amazed, the religious leaders were looking for any explanation that didn't require them to accept Jesus.

Who's speaking

The Pharisees, in hostile opposition.

Where it sits in the story

This is the moment the battle lines are drawn: the same miracles that amazed the crowds hardened the hearts of the religious leaders.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The Pharisees offer a counter-interpretation: Jesus drives out demons by the archon ton daimonion (prince of demons), attributing His power to Beelzebul rather than God.

Language and setting

This accusation, expanded in chapter 12, represents the Pharisees' definitive hostile interpretation and their refusal to acknowledge Jesus' divine authority.

Voice

The Pharisees, attributing Jesus' power to Satan.

Significance

This accusation marks a critical turning point: the religious establishment has chosen to explain away Jesus' power rather than submit to it.

In context

Matthew 9:32–36

32As they were leaving, a demon-possessed man who was mute was brought to Jesus.

33And when the demon had been driven out, the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”

34But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that He drives out demons.”

35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness.

36When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Read all of Matthew 9 — Jesus eats with sinners, forgives the paralyzed, and raises the dead. The religious leaders are horrified; the broken are set free.

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