A House Divided

¹⁴ Now^(A) He was driving out a demon^(B) that was mute.^[a](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, who is it your sons^[b](M) drive them out by? 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 to you. ²¹ When a strong man, fully armed, guards his estate, his possessions are secure.^{[c] 22} But when one stronger than he attacks and overpowers^(P) him, he takes from him all his weapons^[d](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.