a house divided against itself cannot stand

English

Alternative forms

• a house divided cannot stand

Etymology

With reference to Matthew 12:25, Mark 3:25.

Proverb

a house divided against itself cannot stand

1. A group or organisation weakened by internal dissent will not remain united.
   • 1655, William Lyford, The Plain Mans Senses:

     Thirdly, sometimes by setting and fomenting divisions among Christians, Preacher against Preacher, Church against Church, well knowing, that a house divided against it selfe cannot stand.

   • 1858, Abraham Lincoln, speech, 16 Jun 1858:

     ‘A house divided against itself cannot stand.’ I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free.

   • 2002, HA Williams, The True Wilderness:

     If good is done, then there is the spirit of God and not the spirit of evil, for a house divided against itself cannot stand.

See also

• house divided