PhraseFinder

Meaning

A house divided against itself cannot stand

The meaning of the phrase

Literal meaning (house meaning household).

Pronunciation
The powers that be
The powers that be

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”.

Examples of use

  • The Tory party can’t stop arguing over Europe. Don’t they know that a house divided cannot stand.

UsageWidespread but uncommon. Rather formal for everyday speech.

From the Phrase Finder idioms collection, written by Gary Martin.

Historical trend

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

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1800–2020).

180018201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • A house divided against itself

Sources

  1. King James Version, Matthew 12:25 · named as the origin of the phrase