12:24a
But: There is a contrast here. The contrast is between what the people were starting to believe about Jesus (in 12:23b), and what the Pharisees believed about him. The Berean Standard Bible indicates this contrast with the conjunction But.
Here is another way to introduce this contrast in English:
However
when the Pharisees heard this: The word this refers to what the people were saying/asking about Jesus (12:23b).
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
when the Pharisees heard that
-or-
when the Pharisees heard those words
-or-
when the Pharisees heard what the people were saying
they said: The words that the Pharisees said in 12:24b were not said directly to Jesus, because 12:25a says that Jesus knew their thoughts. They probably spoke the following words to each other and to some of those who were wondering if Jesus might be the Messiah. If it is natural in your language to say who was spoken to, use a phrase that does not include Jesus. For example:
said to each other (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
they said ⌊among themselves⌋
12:24b
Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons: In this clause, the Pharisees accused Jesus of using the power of Beelzebul (Satan) to cast demons out of people. This was a charge of sorcery.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
He forces out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Jesus uses the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons, to force demons out of people (New Century Version)
-or-
Beelzebul, the prince of demons, gives him power. That is why he is able to cast out demons.
Beelzebul: This word refers to Satan. The Jews sometimes used this name instead of Satan to refer to the devil.
There is a spelling issue here. Some English versions spell this word “Beelzebul” (as in the Berean Standard Bible). Other English versions spell this word “Beelzebub” (as in the New International Version). You should follow the spelling of the major language version in your area.
If people in your area will not understand that Beelzebul refers to Satan, you may want to:
• Include a footnote explaining Beelzebul. Here is a sample footnote:
Beelzebul is a name that the Jews sometimes used for Satan.
• Use the name “Satan” rather than Beelzebul. For example:
No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons. (New Living Translation (2004))
prince: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as prince also has a general sense that means “ruler.” The English term “prince” often implies a “secondary ruler under a king.” But in this context the Greek word refers generally to any ruler.
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
ruler (Good News Translation)
-or-
chief
demons: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as demons refers to the same type of spirits as the Greek words that are often translated as “evil spirits” or “unclean spirits.” These evil spirits can control peoples’ actions and can make them sick.
Here are some other ways to translate demons:
• Use a word in your language that refers to a spirit that is evil and can control people. Do not use a word that refers to the spirit of a dead person.
• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:
evil/bad spirits
-or-
spirits that do evil
-or-
spirits that oppose God
See also demon in the Glossary for more information.
this man: The Greek text is literally “this (one).” It is likely the Pharisees said “this one” to show that they despised Jesus. You may want to translate this phrase with a term that shows that they disliked or despised Jesus. For example:
this fellow
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