Phrase Finder

Meaning

A house divided against itself cannot stand

Categorised in: English phrases and sayings that derive from the Bible ·Proverbs from the Bible ·A list of phrases about buildings ·A list of phrases about anger or conflict ·Prepositional phrases ·A List Of 720 English Proverbs, With Their Meanings Explained

What's the meaning of the phrase 'A house divided against itself cannot stand'?

Literal meaning (house meaning household).

The powers that be
The powers that be - caption

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘A house divided against itself cannot stand’?

From the Bible, Matthew 12:25 (King James Version):

“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand”.

See also: the List of Proverbs.

Historical trend

“A house divided against itself” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1800–2020).

180018201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • A house divided against itself