As indicated in the UBS Greek text, there is a considerable degree of doubt regarding the inclusion of this verse. Since the accusation of the Pharisees plays no part in the continuation of the narrative, some scholars believe that the words have been brought in either from 12.24 or from Luke 11.15. On the other hand, the textual evidence itself is rather overwhelmingly in favor of the inclusion of this verse. It may be that Matthew places this statement here in order to prepare the reader for the controversy in 10.25.

Rather than attribute the source of Jesus’ power to God, the Pharisees claim that it comes from the prince (Good News Translation “chief”) of demons, that is, the Devil himself. Most scholars interpret by to mean “with the power of” (the chief of demons), though the Greek construction may also mean “he has the power to cast out demons because he himself is their chief.” Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch translates “He can drive out evil spirits because the chief of all the evil spirits gives him the power to do it.” For many readers it will be helpful to identify the Devil as the chief of all the demons: “… the Devil, who is the chief of all evil spirits, gives him the power….” If this identification is not made in the text, it should at least be done in a footnote.

It is important that prince is understood to mean “chief” or “leader,” not “son of a king.”

The translation of Pharisees was discussed at 3.7.

For demons and “Devil,” see comments on 4.1.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .