Beelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
The Pharisees, unable to deny Jesus' miracles, attributed them to 'Beelzebub the prince of the devils' (Matthew 12:24). Jesus answered with unbreakable logic: a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. He then revealed the deeper truth — He had come to bind the strong man and spoil his house.
What Scripture Teaches
- 1A name for Satan as ruler over demons (Matthew 12:24)
- 2Originated from 'Baalzebub,' a Philistine deity (2 Kings 1:2)
- 3Jesus exposed the absurdity of Satan casting out Satan (Matthew 12:25-26)
- 4Christ casts out demons by the Spirit of God (Matthew 12:28)
- 5The strong man must first be bound (Matthew 12:29)
- 6Blasphemy against the Spirit is the unpardonable sin (Matthew 12:31-32)
Key KJV Scriptures
"But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils."
"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you."
"Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house."
Why It Matters
Jesus' deliverance ministry was not borrowed power — it was the kingdom of God invading the strong man's house. Every casting out of a demon was a public preview of His total victory over Satan.
Application for Today
Beware of attributing the Spirit's work to evil. Honor what God is plainly doing, even when it surprises you. And rejoice — the Stronger Man has come, and bound the strong one.
Continue Your Study
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beelzebub the same as Satan?
Yes. The Pharisees used it as a contemptuous title; Jesus' reply treats Beelzebub as another name for Satan (Matthew 12:26).
Who is the 'strong man'?
Satan. Jesus is the Stronger Man who has bound him to plunder his house — freeing those once held captive (Luke 11:21-22).
Related Studies
Satan, the Adversary
Satan is a created, fallen angel who accuses, tempts, and deceives — already defeated by Christ at the cross.
Legion and the Gadarene Demoniac
A man possessed by a 'legion' of demons is delivered by Jesus, showing Christ's total authority over the powers of darkness.
Jesus' Authority to Cast Out Demons
Jesus cast out demons with a word; He gave the same authority to His disciples and still delivers today through faith in His name.
The Temptation of Christ in the Wilderness
Jesus answered every temptation of Satan with 'It is written' — showing the believer how to wield the Word.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Jesus' Authority to Cast Out Demons
Jesus cast out demons with a word; He gave the same authority to His disciples a
The Temptation of Christ in the Wilderness
Jesus answered every temptation of Satan with 'It is written' — showing the beli
What Are Demons in the Bible?
Demons are fallen, evil spirits under Satan who oppose God and oppress people —
All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name
Edward Perronet • 1779
Casting Out the Legion
Jesus delivered a violent man in the country of the Gadarenes, sending a legion
The Stilling of the Demoniac
Mark 5:1-20 • Spiritual Deliverance
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.