A House Divided

¹⁴ Now^(A) he was driving out a demon^(B) that was mute.^(C) When the demon came out, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. ¹⁵ But some of them said, “He drives out demons by Beelzebul,^(D) the ruler^(E) of the demons.”^{(F) 16} And others, as a test,^(G) were demanding of him a sign^(H) from heaven.

¹⁷ Knowing their thoughts,^(I) he told them, “Every kingdom divided^(J) against itself is headed for destruction, and a house divided against itself falls. ¹⁸ If Satan^(K) also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom^(L) stand? For you say I drive out demons by Beelzebul. ¹⁹ And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons^(M) drive them out? For this reason they will be your judges. ²⁰ If I drive out demons by the finger of God,^(N) then the kingdom of God^(O) has come upon you. ²¹ When a strong man, fully armed, guards his estate, his possessions are secure. ²² But when one stronger than he attacks and overpowers^(P) him, he takes from him all his weapons^[a](Q) he trusted^(R) in, and divides up his plunder.^{(S) 23} Anyone who is not with me is against me,^(T) and anyone who does not gather with me scatters.