divided against itself

divided against itself

In perpetual disagreement, as of the members of a group. The phrase is derived from "a house divided against itself cannot stand," a Bible verse (Mark 3:25) that was popularized in an 1858 speech by Abraham Lincoln. The candidate urged the members of his political party to unite because he understood that a house divided against itself cannot stand.
See also: divided, itself
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

divided against itself

(of a group which should be a unified whole) split by factional interests.
This expression originates in Jesus's words in Matthew 12:25: ‘every city or house divided against itself shall not stand’.
See also: divided, itself
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a house divided
  • a house divided against itself cannot stand
  • divided
  • divided on
  • divided on (someone or something)
  • no peace for the wicked
  • No rest for the wicked
  • there's no peace/rest for the wicked
  • there's no rest for the wicked
  • (there's) no peace/rest for the wicked
References in classic literature
Know then that though there may be peace between our own provinces and the French, yet within the marches of France there is always war, for the country is much divided against itself, and is furthermore harried by bands of flayers, skinners, Brabacons, tardvenus, and the rest of them.
But any just resolution is even further off when there is war within a war -- and historical experience demonstrates that, in the words of President Lincoln: "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
"Borrowing the words of a statesman from an era long past: 'A house divided against itself cannot stand..
The house is decidedly divided against itself and all manners are crippling in, including the mess which the gold-rich areas of Ijesaland have become.
'Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: 'Any kingdom divided against itself will fail.''
Senate, Lincoln gave his "A house divided against itself cannot stand" speech.
"A HOUSE divided against itself cannot stand" - Abraham Lincoln's words still ring eerily true today.
But what is more dangerous of all, is the state of internal stumbling and fragmentation that the Arab world is going through, and it is well known that "every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every house divided against itself will fall".
Strong faith should be a bulwark against such invective, for the faithful know "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation," as Jesus said, "and every city or house divided against itself will not stand" (Matthew 12:22-28).
Set in a society divided against itself, Milkman explores the insidious forms oppression can take in everyday life."
With Abraham Lincoln's echoing warning in mind- 'a house divided against itself will not stand'- the new government must make it a point to ensure the protection of our cultural heritage, anywhere and everywhere, whether its Hunza's Altit Fort or Thatta's Historical Monuments at Makli.
The Trump administration is divided against itself, a White House spokesperson only formally endorsing the State Department move a full two days after it had happened.
To what extent this is true is unknown, but it is clear that the GCC is a house divided against itself.
1858 - Accepting Illinois Republican Party's nomination for the Senate, Abraham Lincoln says: "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
A house or a kingdom would not be able to endure if it is divided against itself; it would collapse from within.