the Holy Ghost = the Spirit, the Holy [Spirit], emph. App-101 . world = age, age-time, or dispensation. Greek. aion. App-129 . It must refer to one age-time in contradistinction to another, called "the coming age". Compare Hebrews 1:2 and see note on Hebrews 11:3 . the world to come = [the age] about to be. App-129 . read more
his = its. is known = getteth known. Greek. ginosko. App-132 . by = from. Greek. ek. read more
generation = offspring or brood. Compare Matthew 3:7 ; Matthew 23:33 . evil. See App-128 . out of. Greek. ek . abundance: or overflow. read more
But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man doth not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub, the prince of the demons.Regarding the meaning of "Beelzebub," see under Matthew 10:25. Charges of the Pharisees were not honest. They would have denied the miracles if possible; but, unable to do that, they spoke maliciously about the source of his power. "Beelzebub" was a combination of two ancient words, "Baal," the name of the old god of the Canaanites, and [~zebul], meaning "dunghill." In the... read more
And knowing their thoughts he said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.The argument in this and the following verse is simple, but profound. If Satan was really casting out Satan, a ridiculous absurdity on the face of it, then Satan's kingdom was being destroyed. Note that Jesus knew their thoughts, a knowledge that only God could have. read more
And if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?Christ, in this argument, took full advantage of the fact that the Pharisees, in malice, had overreached themselves by making an argument that was fraudulent and illogical on the face of it. read more
And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.Christ here referred to the widespread practice of some of the disciples (sons) of the Pharisees of casting out demons, or pretending to do so, which practice the Pharisees openly accepted, and upon which they based claims of divine approval of both themselves and their doctrines. Josephus described such a case thus:I have seen a certain man of my own country, whose name was Eleazer,... read more
But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you.In this, Christ turned their own arguments against them. His works, accomplished by God's power, were proof enough that the kingdom of God was at hand. "Come upon you" does not mean that the kingdom had been set up at that point, but that the King had certainly appeared, and that its establishment was near. read more
Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.In some real sense, Satan was "bound," else the Lord could not have cast out demons. Satan is still "bound." All the evil on earth seems, at first, to negate this view; but, when it is considered that things might be infinitely worse than they are, and when certain passages of the word of God are taken into consideration, it appears certain that Satan... read more
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 12:31
Wherefore = On this account. Greek. dia touto, same as "therefore", Matthew 12:27 . blasphemy = impious or evil speaking. against the Holy Ghost = [concerning] the Spirit. Greek. pneuma with Art. See App-101 . read more