But the Pharisees saidThe Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judaism during the time of Jesus. They were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions. Their opposition to Jesus often stemmed from His challenges to their interpretations and practices. This phrase highlights their role as critics and skeptics of Jesus' ministry, often questioning His authority and methods.
“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.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusCentral figure in the Gospel of Matthew, performing miracles and teaching about the Kingdom of God.
2.
PhariseesA religious group in Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often opposed Jesus and His teachings.
3.
DemonsSpiritual beings opposed to God, often causing harm or possession in individuals.
4.
Prince of DemonsA reference to Beelzebul, a name used for Satan or a chief demon, indicating the Pharisees' accusation against Jesus.
5.
Miracle of ExorcismThe event where Jesus casts out demons, demonstrating His authority over evil spirits.
Teaching Points
Understanding OppositionRecognize that Jesus faced opposition from religious leaders, which can be expected by His followers today.
Discernment in AccusationsBe cautious of false accusations and discern the truth through prayer and Scripture.
Authority of JesusAcknowledge Jesus' authority over evil, which provides comfort and assurance to believers.
Spiritual WarfareBe aware of the reality of spiritual warfare and the power of Jesus to overcome evil.
Faithfulness in MinistryDespite opposition, continue to serve faithfully, trusting in God's power and purpose.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 9:34?
2.How does Matthew 9:34 reveal the Pharisees' misunderstanding of Jesus' authority?
3.What can we learn about spiritual blindness from the Pharisees' response in Matthew 9:34?
4.How does Matthew 9:34 connect with other instances of Pharisaic opposition in Scripture?
5.How should believers respond to accusations similar to those in Matthew 9:34 today?
6.What steps can we take to avoid the Pharisees' error in Matthew 9:34?
7.Why did the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the prince of demons in Matthew 9:34?
8.How does Matthew 9:34 challenge the authority of religious leaders?
9.What does Matthew 9:34 reveal about the nature of disbelief?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 9?
11.What did Jesus mean by bringing a sword, not peace?
12.What are the different names for Satan?
13.Matthew 9:32-34: How can demon possession be reconciled with modern psychological insights, and why does this account seem to conflict with known mental health principles?
14.If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, why does He say, 'I have not come to bring peace, but a sword' (Matthew 10:34)?What Does Matthew 9:34 Mean
ButThe 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).
the Pharisees saidThese 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).
It is by the prince of demonsInstead 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 fulfillIsaiah 5:20 and expose hardened unbelief.
that He drives out demonsIronically, 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).
summaryMatthew 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.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.theΟἱ(Hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.PhariseesΦαρισαῖοι(Pharisaioi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5330:Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.said,ἔλεγον(elegon)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.“[It is] byἘν(En)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.princeἄρχοντι(archonti)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 758:Present participle of archo; a first.ofτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.demonsδαιμονίων(daimoniōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1140:An evil-spirit, demon; a heathen deity. Neuter of a derivative of daimon; a d?Monic being; by extension a deity.[that] He drives outἐκβάλλει(ekballei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1544:To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.demons.”δαιμόνια(daimonia)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1140:An evil-spirit, demon; a heathen deity. Neuter of a derivative of daimon; a d?Monic being; by extension a deity.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 9:34 But the Pharisees said By the prince (Matt. Mat Mt) 
