Definition: And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very important passage from Mark. It's a really striking and unsettling statement! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: The scribes – people who read and copy scriptures – were incredibly worried that Jesus was being influenced by something other than God. They believed he was receiving help or power from a demonic figure, specifically a powerful spirit named Beelzebub (which is a Hebrew name for "evil"). Here’s the breakdown of what they said: “He hath Beelzebub…” This means “Jesus has Beelzebub.” Beelzebub was a very important and often feared figure in Jewish tradition, associated with death, malice, and trickery. “…and by the prince of the devils…” This is where it gets really significant. The scribes believed Jesus was being controlled by a demonic spirit – a powerful entity sent by Satan (the enemy of God). “Prince of the devils” means a very strong, malicious spirit. So, what did they mean ? They weren't necessarily accusing Jesus of being a demon. Instead, they were saying that someone was actively trying to influence him and undermine his authority by using demonic powers. It suggests a deliberate effort to discredit Jesus and potentially cause chaos. Important Context: This is a very early and dramatic moment in the Gospel of Mark. It’s important because it's the first time this idea of demonic influence is expressed, laying groundwork for later teachings about Jesus’s divine nature. In short, the scribes were warning that someone was trying to sabotage Jesus' ministry by using a demonic force. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage within the book of Mark? Talk about the significance of the word "Beelzebub"?