Mark 3:23 Meaning and Explanation
“And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus answers the charge with a question: how can Satan cast out Satan?
What Does Mark 3:23 Mean?
Rather than ignoring the slander, Jesus calls His accusers to Him and answers in parables, with pointed comparisons. He begins with a question that exposes the folly of their charge: how can Satan cast out Satan? If He drives out demons, He is clearly working against the powers of darkness, not for them.
Jesus does not meet the attack with anger but with reason and grace, inviting His critics to think. The very fact that evil is being undone proves that a greater power has come against it. Their accusation collapses under its own logic. The verse shows a Lord patient enough to argue with those who insult Him, still seeking to open their eyes. Truth has nothing to fear from honest examination.
Mark 3:23 in the Original Language
parabole (παραβολή), 'parable' -- a comparison or illustration placed alongside truth to reveal it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 3:23
What does Mark 3:23 mean?
Jesus answers the charge with a question: how can Satan cast out Satan?