New International Version“Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.
New Living TranslationFor who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.
English Standard VersionOr how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.
Berean Standard BibleOr again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.
Berean Literal BibleOr how is anyone able to enter into the house of the strong man, and to plunder his goods, unless first he binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
King James BibleOr else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
New King James VersionOr how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
New American Standard BibleOr, how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first ties up the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
NASB 1995“Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
NASB 1977“Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
Legacy Standard BibleOr how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
Amplified BibleOr how can anyone go into a strong man’s house and steal his property unless he first overpowers and ties up the strong man? Then he will ransack and rob his house.
Christian Standard BibleHow can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.
Holman Christian Standard BibleHow can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.
American Standard VersionOr how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
Contemporary English VersionHow can anyone break into a strong man's house and steal his things, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can take everything.
English Revised VersionOr how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHow can anyone go into a strong man's house and steal his property? First he must tie up the strong man. Then he can go through his house and steal his property.
Good News Translation"No one can break into a strong man's house and take away his belongings unless he first ties up the strong man; then he can plunder his house.
International Standard VersionHow can someone go into a strong man's house and carry off his possessions without first tying up the strong man? Then he can ransack his house.
NET BibleHow else can someone enter a strong man's house and steal his property, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can thoroughly plunder the house.
New Heart English BibleOr how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and carry off his possessions, unless he first bind the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
Webster's Bible TranslationOr else, how can one enter into a strong man's house, and seize his goods, except he shall first bind the strong man? and then he will plunder his house.
Weymouth New TestamentAgain, how can any one enter the house of a strong man and carry off his goods, unless first of all he masters and secures the strong man: then he will ransack his house. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOr again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.
World English BibleOr how can one enter into the house of the strong man and plunder his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? Then he will plunder his house. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionOr how is one able to go into the house of the strong man, and to snatch his goods, if first he may not bind the strong man? And then his house he will plunder.
Berean Literal BibleOr how is anyone able to enter into the house of the strong man, and to plunder his goods, unless first he binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
Young's Literal Translation 'Or how is one able to go into the house of the strong man, and to plunder his goods, if first he may not bind the strong man? and then his house he will plunder.
Smith's Literal TranslationOr how can any one come into the house of the strong, and plunder his goods, except be first bind the strong? and then he will plunder his house. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleOr how can any one enter into the house of the strong, and rifle his goods, unless he first bind the strong? and then he will rifle his house.
Catholic Public Domain VersionOr how can anyone enter into the house of a strong man, and plunder his belongings, unless he first restrains the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
New American BibleHow can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his property, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.
New Revised Standard VersionOr how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOr, how can a man enter into a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, except he first bind the strong man, and then he plunders his house?
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor how can a man enter the house of the mighty man and plunder his goods unless first he bind the mighty man? Then he may plunder his house. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentOr, how can any one enter the house of the strong man and spoil his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? and then he will plunder his house.
Godbey New TestamentOr how is any one able to enter into the house of a strong man, and spoil his goods, unless he may first bind the strong man, and then he can spoil his house.
Haweis New Testament
Else how can one enter into a strong man?s house and plunder his goods, except he first bind the strong man, and then will he plunder his goods?
Mace New Testament
besides, how could any one enter into the house of a man of might to rob him of his goods, except he first master the strong man? and then indeed he might plunder his house.
Weymouth New Testament
Again, how can any one enter the house of a strong man and carry off his goods, unless first of all he masters and secures the strong man: then he will ransack his house.
Worrell New Testament
Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and seize upon his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
Worsley New Testament
Or, how can anyone enter into the house of a strongman, and take away his goods, unless he first overpower the strong man? and thenindeed he may strip his house.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context A House Divided… 28But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29Or again,howcananyoneentera strong man’shouseandstealhispossessions,unlesshe firstties upthestrong man?Thenhe can plunderhishouse.30He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.…
Cross References Mark 3:27Indeed, no one can enter a strong man’s house to steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house.
Luke 11:21-22When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are secure. / But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted, and then he divides up his plunder.
Isaiah 49:24-25Can the plunder be snatched from the mighty, or the captives of a tyrant be delivered? / Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away, and the plunder of the tyrant will be retrieved; I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.
Colossians 2:15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Revelation 20:2-3He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. / And he threw him into the Abyss, shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were complete. After that, he must be released for a brief period of time.
Hebrews 2:14Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil,
1 John 3:8The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.
Ephesians 4:8This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.”
John 12:31Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Genesis 3:15And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
Isaiah 53:12Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.
Psalm 68:18You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.
1 Peter 3:22who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.
Romans 16:20The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Treasury of Scripture Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. Isaiah 49:24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? Isaiah 53:12 Therefore will I divide hima portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Mark 3:27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. Jump to Previous AbleBindCarryCordsEnterExceptFirstGoodsHouseIndeedMastersPlunderPossessionsPropertyRobRoundSecuresSeizeSpoilStrongTiesUnlessJump to Next AbleBindCarryCordsEnterExceptFirstGoodsHouseIndeedMastersPlunderPossessionsPropertyRobRoundSecuresSeizeSpoilStrongTiesUnlessMatthew 12 1.Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,3.by scripture,9.by reason,13.and by a miracle.22.He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute;24.and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub,32.he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven.36.Account shall be made of idle words.38.He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign,46.and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother.Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions,This phrase introduces a rhetorical question that emphasizes the impossibility of overcoming a strong man without first subduing him. In the context of Matthew 12, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees' accusation that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebul. The "strong man" represents Satan, and the "house" symbolizes his domain or influence over people. The imagery of a house and possessions reflects the cultural understanding of a household as a place of authority and control. This metaphor is used to illustrate the necessity of overpowering Satan to liberate those under his influence. unless he first ties up the strong man?
The act of tying up the strong man signifies the need to incapacitate or render powerless the one who holds authority. In the broader biblical narrative, this can be seen as a reference to Jesus' mission to defeat Satan and his works. The binding of the strong man is symbolic of Jesus' authority over demonic forces, as demonstrated through His miracles and exorcisms. This concept is echoed in passages likeColossians 2:15, where Christ is described as having disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross. Then he can plunder his house.
Once the strong man is bound, his possessions can be taken. This represents the liberation of those who were under Satan's control. Jesus' ministry involved setting people free from demonic oppression, sickness, and sin, which can be seen as the "plundering" of Satan's house. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over evil, culminating in His death and resurrection. The imagery of plundering aligns with Old Testament themes of God delivering His people from bondage, such as the Exodus narrative, where God leads the Israelites out of Egypt, plundering the Egyptians as they go (Exodus 12:36). Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this parable, Jesus uses this illustration to explain His authority over demonic forces and to challenge the Pharisees' accusations against Him. 2. The Strong ManRepresents Satan or demonic forces, symbolizing the power and control they have over their domain. 3. The HouseSymbolizes the domain or realm under the control of the strong man, which can be interpreted as the world or a person's life under demonic influence. 4. The ThiefRepresents Jesus, who has the power to bind the strong man and liberate those under his control. 5. The PhariseesReligious leaders who accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, prompting this teaching. Teaching Points Authority of ChristJesus has ultimate authority over all spiritual forces. Believers can trust in His power to overcome evil. Spiritual WarfareThe Christian life involves spiritual battles. We must be vigilant and rely on Christ's strength to overcome the enemy. Liberation through ChristJesus came to set captives free. We can find freedom from sin and demonic influence through Him. Preparation and DefenseJust as the strong man must be bound, we must prepare ourselves spiritually to resist evil through prayer, scripture, and faith. Victory in ChristOur victory over sin and evil is assured through Jesus, who has already defeated the enemy. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12
Who was Nathan in the Bible?
What does "bind the strongman" mean?
How does the Bible define and value meekness?
What defines the concept of the Millennium?(29) How can one enter into a strong man's house.--The parable implied in the question appears in a fuller form in Luke 11:21-22. Here it will be enough to note that the "strong man" is Satan. The "house" is the region which is subject to him-- i.e., either the world at large, or the spirits of individual men; the "goods" or "instruments " (comp. the "armour" of Luke 11:22) are the demons or subordinate powers of evil by which he maintains his dominion; the "binding of the strong man" is the check given to the tyranny of Satan by emancipating the possessed sufferers from their thraldom; the "spoiling of the house" implies the final victory over him. Verse 29. - Parallel passages: Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21, 22. Mark is practically identical with Matthew. Luke ("the strong man armed," etc.) is more detailed and vivid, and is perhaps the original form of the saying. Orelse; or (Revised Version); i.e. if this be not the case, that the kingdom of God is come upon you, how else do you explain what has happened, the fact of Satan's instruments being taken from him? How can one enter into a strong man's house;the house of the strong man (Revised Version). (For the article, cf. Matthew 1:23, note.) And spoil ( ἁρπάσαι) his goods. Carry off his household tools and utensils ( τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ) .Except he first bindthe strong man? and then he will spoil his house. This is more than merely the conclusion. It is an emphatic statement that he will do this, yes, utterly plunder ( διαρπάσει) the whole house. The interpretation of the parable is self-evident: the strong man is Satan; his vessels are those afflicted by him; the one who binds, etc., is Christ. For Christ's appearance and work, even before the Crucifixion and Resurrection, bound Satan in this respect. Observe that there is probably a tacit reference to Isaiah 49:25, which at any rate now received a fulfilment.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Howπῶς(pōs)Adverb
Strong's 4459:Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!canδύναταί(dynatai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1410:(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.anyoneτις(tis)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.enterεἰσελθεῖν(eiselthein)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1525:To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.a strong [man’s]ἰσχυροῦ(ischyrou)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2478:Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.houseοἰκίαν(oikian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3614:From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.stealἁρπάσαι(harpasai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 726:To seize, snatch, obtain by robbery. From a derivative of haireomai; to seize.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.possessions,σκεύη(skeuē)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4632:A vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband).unlessἐὰν(ean)Conjunction
Strong's 1437:If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.{he} firstπρῶτον(prōton)Adverb - Superlative
Strong's 4412:First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.ties upδήσῃ(dēsē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1210:To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.strong [man]?ἰσχυρόν(ischyron)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2478:Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.Thenτότε(tote)Adverb
Strong's 5119:Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.he can plunderδιαρπάσει(diarpasei)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1283:To plunder, rob thoroughly. From dia and harpazo; to seize asunder, i.e. Plunder.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.house.οἰκίαν(oikian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3614:From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 12:29 Or how can one enter into (Matt. Mat Mt) |
