Matthew 9:34

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Matthew 9
  4. Matthew 9:34

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Matthew 1 Matthew 2 Matthew 3 Matthew 4 Matthew 5 Matthew 6 Matthew 7 Matthew 8 Matthew 9 Matthew 10 Matthew 11 Matthew 12 Matthew 13 Matthew 14 Matthew 15 Matthew 16 Matthew 17 Matthew 18 Matthew 19 Matthew 20 Matthew 21 Matthew 22 Matthew 23 Matthew 24 Matthew 25 Matthew 26 Matthew 27 Matthew 28

Verse

Matthew 9:1 Matthew 9:2 Matthew 9:3 Matthew 9:4 Matthew 9:5 Matthew 9:6 Matthew 9:7 Matthew 9:8 Matthew 9:9 Matthew 9:10 Matthew 9:11 Matthew 9:12 Matthew 9:13 Matthew 9:14 Matthew 9:15 Matthew 9:16 Matthew 9:17 Matthew 9:18 Matthew 9:19 Matthew 9:20 Matthew 9:21 Matthew 9:22 Matthew 9:23 Matthew 9:24 Matthew 9:25 Matthew 9:26 Matthew 9:27 Matthew 9:28 Matthew 9:29 Matthew 9:30 Matthew 9:31 Matthew 9:32 Matthew 9:33 Matthew 9:34 Matthew 9:35 Matthew 9:36 Matthew 9:37 Matthew 9:38

Matthew 9:34 KJV

But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

Previous Verse
« Matthew 9:33
Next Verse
Matthew 9:35 »

Matthew 9:34 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 9:34

Verse Text: "But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils."

Introduction

This verse captures a critical moment in Jesus' ministry, illustrating the growing tension between Him and the religious leaders of His time. The context reveals the Pharisees' unyielding resistance to Jesus' authority and the miraculous works He performed.

Contextual Overview

In the preceding passages, we see Jesus healing the sick, raising the dead, and performing other miracles that demonstrate His divine power. The response from the Pharisees signifies a deep-rooted animosity toward Jesus, revealing their unwillingness to accept the truth of His ministry.

Insights from Notable Commentators

Matthew Henry

Henry emphasizes the absurdity of the Pharisees' accusation. He notes that attributing Jesus' miraculous works to Satan is not only illogical but also demonstrates their spiritual blindness. According to Henry, the works of Christ were clear manifestations of divine power and should have led the Pharisees to recognize Him as the Messiah.

  • Accusation of the Pharisees: Henry points out that the Pharisees were unwilling to acknowledge the truth, instead opting to discredit Jesus as a way to maintain their authority.
  • Spiritual Blindness: The commentary notes that the inability to recognize the goodness in Christ reflects a greater spiritual condition, highlighting the dangers of hardening one's heart against divine revelation.

Albert Barnes

Barnes offers a detailed analysis of the phrase "He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils." He explains that this accusation reveals a misunderstanding of both Jesus' mission and the nature of spiritual warfare. He emphasizes the critical role of discernment in understanding divine works.

  • Misunderstanding of Authority: Barnes suggests that the Pharisees misinterpreted the source of Jesus' authority, mistakenly attributing His power to the adversary.
  • Nature of Satan: He underlines that Satan would not work against himself, proposing that such reasoning contradicts the very essence of spiritual conflict.

Adam Clarke

Clarke’s commentary offers a historical perspective on the relationships between various sects during Jesus' ministry. He notes that the Pharisees, as defenders of the Mosaic Law, felt threatened by Jesus’ influence, leading them to react defensively.

  • Defense of Tradition: Clarke articulates that the Pharisees aimed to protect their traditions and interpretations of the Law, which they saw as incongruent with the radical teachings of Jesus.
  • Power Struggle: The accusation reflects deeper political dynamics, where the Pharisees feared losing influence over the people due to Jesus' growing popularity.

Theological Implications

This verse reflects important theological truths relevant to both historical and contemporary contexts:

  • Authenticity of Jesus' Ministry: The miracles performed by Jesus authenticate His claims as the Messiah, demonstrating divine authority over evil and illness.
  • Human Response to Divine Power: The varied responses to Jesus' ministry illustrate the complexities of faith, skepticism, and authority in human relationships with God.
  • Spiritual Warfare: The conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees alludes to the broader spiritual battle, emphasizing the necessity for discernment and clarity in spiritual practices.

Applications for Today

In light of Matthew 9:34, several key applications emerge for pastors, students, theologians, and biblical scholars:

  • Discernment in Ministry: The need for discernment when engaging with varying interpretations of faith remains crucial. Believers today can learn from the Pharisees' example to seek clarity rather than resort to accusations.
  • Understanding Authority: Leaders and faithful individuals must acknowledge the source of their authority and power. Such reflection can guide effective ministry and witness today.
  • The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: Recognizing ongoing spiritual battles encourages prayer, vigilance, and reliance on God’s power to overcome evil in every generation.

Conclusion

Matthew 9:34 serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in recognizing God’s work in our lives. The resistance faced by Jesus from the religious elite exposes the deeper questions of authority, belief, and spiritual vision that challenge every generation. Through the lens of historical and contemporary applications, this verse invites us to examine our own responses to the divine in our midst.

Matthew 9 (KJV) Verse Selection

Matthew 9:1 Matthew 9:2 Matthew 9:3 Matthew 9:4 Matthew 9:5 Matthew 9:6 Matthew 9:7 Matthew 9:8 Matthew 9:9 Matthew 9:10 Matthew 9:11 Matthew 9:12 Matthew 9:13 Matthew 9:14 Matthew 9:15 Matthew 9:16 Matthew 9:17 Matthew 9:18 Matthew 9:19 Matthew 9:20 Matthew 9:21 Matthew 9:22 Matthew 9:23 Matthew 9:24 Matthew 9:25 Matthew 9:26 Matthew 9:27 Matthew 9:28 Matthew 9:29 Matthew 9:30 Matthew 9:31 Matthew 9:32 Matthew 9:33 Matthew 9:34 Matthew 9:35 Matthew 9:36 Matthew 9:37 Matthew 9:38

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »