But if I drive out demons by the finger of God
This phrase highlights Jesus' authority over demonic forces, emphasizing His divine power. The "finger of God" is a metaphor for God's direct intervention and power, reminiscent of Exodus 8:19, where the magicians of Egypt recognized God's power in the plagues. This connection underscores Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and His role as the divine Messiah. The act of driving out demons signifies the breaking of Satan's hold and the inauguration of a new era of spiritual authority.

then the kingdom of God has come upon you
This statement declares the arrival of God's kingdom through Jesus' ministry. The kingdom of God is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing God's sovereign rule and the restoration of His creation. The phrase "has come upon you" indicates an immediate and present reality, not just a future hope. This aligns with prophecies like Isaiah 61:1-2, which speak of liberation and healing. Jesus' miracles, including exorcisms, are signs of this kingdom breaking into the world, challenging the existing religious and cultural expectations of a political or earthly kingdom.

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the crowd and responding to accusations that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebul.

2. Demons
Spiritual beings opposed to God, which Jesus is casting out, demonstrating His authority over the spiritual realm.

3. The Finger of God
A metaphorical expression indicating the power and authority of God at work through Jesus. This phrase echoes the Old Testament, where it signifies divine intervention.

4. The Kingdom of God
The reign and rule of God, which Jesus declares has come upon the people through His works and presence.

5. The Crowd
The audience witnessing Jesus' miracles and hearing His teachings, some of whom are skeptical and accuse Him of using demonic power.Divine Authority
Jesus' ability to cast out demons by the "finger of God" underscores His divine authority and identity as the Son of God. Believers can trust in His power over all spiritual forces.

Presence of the Kingdom
The coming of God's kingdom is not just a future hope but a present reality demonstrated through Jesus' ministry. Christians are called to live in the reality of God's kingdom now.

Spiritual Discernment
The crowd's skepticism serves as a warning to discern spiritual truths carefully. Believers should seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to recognize God's work in the world.

Faith in Action
Jesus' works call for a response of faith. Believers are encouraged to actively participate in God's kingdom by living out their faith and sharing the gospel.

Victory Over Evil
Jesus' triumph over demons assures believers of victory over evil. Christians can stand firm in spiritual battles, knowing they are empowered by the same Spirit.Top 10 Lessons from Luke 11

What does 'Finger of God' mean?

What is the concept of Realized Eschatology?

Exodus 31:18 – Does the description of God literally writing the tablets “with His finger” conflict with the idea of a non-physical deity, and how can this be explained logically?

What does "Finger of God" mean?(20) If I with the finger of God . . .--Note the substitution of this language for "by the Spirit of God," in Matthew 12:28, and its connection with the use by the older prophets of "the hand of the Lord," to indicate the state which issued in prophetic inspiration (Ezekiel 1:3; Ezekiel 37:1), and with "the finger of God" as writing the Commandments on the tables of stone (Exodus 31:18), and Pharaoh's confession that "the finger of God" was with Moses and Aaron in the wonders which they wrought (Exodus 8:19). The meaning of this boldly anthropomorphic language is sufficiently obvious. As the "hand" denotes power generally, so the "finger" symbolises power in its concentrated and specially-directed energy.

Verse 20. - But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. Here Jesus points to a fact well known and thoroughly established. There was no question here; the most obstinate cases of possession had yielded to that "finger" be spoke of here; the fiercest of the, alas! (then) great company of the insane, at the bidding of that quiet, humble Rabbi, for ever shook off the spirit of madness, in whatever form of terrible possession it had been dwelling in his body. There was no question here; the only point raised by his enemies how had that quiet Rabbi done these strange, mighty works - Jesus had answered; and now draws a picture of one of these acts of his. The "finger of God" in St. Matthew, where the same or a similar discourse is related, is called the "Spirit of God." The expression is strange, but is one not unusual in ancient Hebrew phraseology. So the Egyptian magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God" (Exodus 8:19). The ten commandments are described as written on the two tables of stone with the "finger of God." "You have seen by what power the devils obey me; yea, the kingdom of God, for which you are waiting and looking, lo, it is come upon you."

Parallel Commentaries ...


But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

if
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

drive out
ἐκβάλλω (ekballō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1544: To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.

demons
δαιμόνια (daimonia)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1140: An evil-spirit, demon; a heathen deity. Neuter of a derivative of daimon; a d?Monic being; by extension a deity.

by
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] finger
δακτύλῳ (daktylō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1147: A finger. Probably from deka; a finger.

of God,
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

then
ἄρα (ara)
Conjunction
Strong's 686: Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.

the
ἡ (hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kingdom
βασιλεία (basileia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

has come
ἔφθασεν (ephthasen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5348: Apparently a primary verb; to be beforehand, i.e. Anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at.

upon
ἐφ’ (eph’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

you.
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Gospels: Luke 11:20 But if I by the finger (Luke Lu Lk)