²³ So he summoned^(A) them and spoke to them in parables:^(B) “How can Satan^(C) drive out Satan?^{(D) 24} If a kingdom^(E) is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. ²⁵ If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. ²⁶ And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand but is finished. ²⁷ But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his possessions unless he first ties up^(F) the strong man. Then he can plunder his house.

¹⁷ Knowing their thoughts,^(A) he told them, “Every kingdom divided^(B) against itself is headed for destruction, and a house divided against itself falls. ¹⁸ If Satan^(C) also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom^(D) stand? For you say I drive out demons by Beelzebul. ¹⁹ And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons^(E) drive them out? For this reason they will be your judges. ²⁰ If I drive out demons by the finger of God,^(F) then the kingdom of God^(G) has come upon you. ²¹ When a strong man, fully armed, guards his estate, his possessions are secure. ²² But when one stronger than he attacks and overpowers^(H) him, he takes from him all his weapons^[a](I) he trusted^(J) in, and divides up his plunder.^(K)