But the Pharisees said, He casts out devils through the prince of the devils.
Matthew 12:23,24 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? …
Mark 3:22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
Luke 11:15 But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
“It is by the prince of demons
The "prince of demons" refers to Beelzebul, a name used for Satan or a chief demon. This accusation implies that Jesus' power to cast out demons comes from a malevolent source rather than divine authority. This reflects the Pharisees' refusal to acknowledge Jesus' divine nature and the source of His power, which is a recurring theme in the Gospels. This accusation is a serious charge, as it attributes the work of the Holy Spirit to demonic influence, a concept further explored in the context of the unforgivable sin (Matthew 12:31-32).
that He drives out demons.”
Jesus' ability to drive out demons is a testament to His authority over the spiritual realm, a key aspect of His messianic mission. This act fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah bringing liberation and healing (Isaiah 61:1). The Pharisees' statement is an attempt to undermine Jesus' authority and discredit His miracles. In the broader biblical narrative, Jesus' exorcisms are signs of the in-breaking Kingdom of God, demonstrating His power over evil and His role as the Savior.
The little word “But” signals a sharp contrast in the narrative. Moments earlier “the crowds were amazed” at Jesus’ miracle (Matthew 9:33), recognizing something unprecedented and wonderful. Yet—
• a totally different reaction arises from those who should have led in spiritual discernment.
• Scripture often notes this split response: some celebrate Christ’s works, others resist (John 9:16; Acts 4:16–17).
• The contrast highlights that unbelief is a heart issue, not a lack of evidence (Luke 16:31).
These respected teachers speak, revealing what is in their hearts (Matthew 12:34).
• Their repeated role is clear: scrutinizing Jesus, looking for grounds to discredit Him (Mark 2:7; John 11:47–48).
• By stepping forward publicly, they aim to sway the amazed crowd’s interpretation.
• The scene reminds us that religious titles do not guarantee spiritual insight (Matthew 23:27).
Instead of denying the miracle, they twist its source, accusing Jesus of demonic partnership.
• Parallel accusations recur (Matthew 12:24; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15).
• Scripture identifies this “prince” as Satan, the chief of fallen angels (Revelation 12:9; Ephesians 2:2).
• Such a charge is serious: attributing the Holy Spirit’s work to Satan becomes “blasphemy against the Spirit” (Matthew 12:31-32).
• In calling good evil, they fulfill Isaiah 5:20 and expose hardened unbelief.
Ironically, their statement concedes the reality of Jesus’ power:
• They admit demons truly left and a mute man now speaks—undeniable evidence of divine authority (Luke 7:22; Acts 10:38).
• Jesus later answers that Satan would not undermine his own kingdom; a house divided cannot stand (Matthew 12:25-26).
• The deliverance proves the arrival of God’s kingdom (Matthew 12:28), validating Jesus as the promised Messiah (Isaiah 61:1).
Matthew 9:34 shows religious leaders deliberately rejecting clear, miraculous evidence by labeling it satanic. Their reaction contrasts with the crowd’s wonder, reveals hardened hearts, and foreshadows Jesus’ teaching on the unpardonable sin. The verse underscores both the undeniable reality of Christ’s power and the sobering truth that spiritual blindness stems from willful unbelief, not insufficient proof.
(34) Through the prince of the devils.--In Matthew 12:24-30 the charge reappears, with the addition of the name of "Beelzebub," as the prince of the devils; and, together with our Lord's answer to it, will be better discussed in the Notes on those verses. Here it will be enough to note the coincidence with Matthew 10:25, which shows that the accusation had been brought before the mission of the Twelve, related in the following chapter.Verse 34. - But the Pharisees said (vide supra). If the verse be genuine here, the thought, of course, is that the only effect of Christ's miracles upon the Pharisees was to drive them to open blasphemy and wanton opposition to the evidence of plain facts, as is brought out at length in Matthew 12:24-32. He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils; by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils (Revised Version); which indicates the true order of the words in the Greek. Through. The Revised Version margin, in, is more literal. The Pharisees assert not only that Jesus effected this cure by the instrumentality of Satan, but by means of union with him.