Luke 11:21

KJV

When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G3752} a strong man {G2478} armed {G2528} keepeth {G5442} his {G833} palace {G1438}, his {G846} goods {G5224} are {G2076} in {G1722} peace {G1515}:

Complete Jewish Bible

“When a strong man who is fully equipped for battle guards his own house, his possessions are secure.

Berean Standard Bible

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are secure.

American Standard Version

When the strong man fully armed guardeth his own court, his goods are in peace:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 11:21 is an integral part of Jesus's "Parable of the Strong Man," a powerful illustration of His divine authority over demonic forces. This verse vividly portrays the apparent security and dominion of a formidable adversary, symbolized as a "strong man armed," who guards his domain and possessions, maintaining a deceptive state of peace. It sets the crucial stage for understanding the profound spiritual conflict and the subsequent revelation of Christ's superior power to invade and plunder this seemingly impenetrable stronghold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a critical discourse where Jesus responds to accusations that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons ([Luke 11:15](/luke/11-15 "Luke 11:15 - Accusation of Casting Out Demons by Beelzebul")). Jesus masterfully refutes this illogical charge by asserting that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand ([Luke 11:17](/luke/11-17 "Luke 11:17 - A Divided Kingdom Cannot Stand")). He then introduces the Parable of the Strong Man to demonstrate that His ability to expel demons is not a sign of Satanic alliance but undeniable proof that the [kingdom of God has indeed come](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Kingdom of God Has Come Upon You"). Luke 11:21 establishes the initial condition of the "strong man's" domain, preparing the listener for the dramatic intervention of a "stronger man" in the subsequent verse ([Luke 11:22](/luke/11-22 "Luke 11:22 - The Stronger Man Overcomes")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a "strong man" or a powerful figure guarding his property was a familiar image. Feudal lords, wealthy landowners, or even bandits would often fortify their homes or hideouts to protect their accumulated wealth and maintain control over their territories and subjects. This imagery would have resonated with Jesus's audience, who understood the strategic importance of defense and the power dynamics of a well-guarded domain. Spiritually, the Jewish understanding of evil and demonic influence, though varied, acknowledged the existence of malevolent forces that held people in bondage. Jesus's ministry, characterized by unprecedented exorcisms, directly challenged these prevailing notions and demonstrated a new, superior power at work, fulfilling ancient prophecies about God's triumph over evil.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 11:21 contributes significantly to several major themes present in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, vividly portraying the reality of a cosmic conflict between the forces of good and evil. The "strong man" symbolizes Satan, who actively seeks to maintain his dominion over individuals and the world, holding them captive in spiritual darkness. Secondly, the phrase "his goods are in peace" introduces the theme of **Satan's Deceptive Peace**. This is not genuine peace but a false sense of security, a coerced tranquility maintained by force and ignorance, where those under the strong man's influence are held in quiet possession, unable to perceive their bondage or break free. Finally, this verse serves as a crucial **Preparation for Christ's Victory**. By establishing the formidable nature of the adversary, Jesus underscores the magnitude of His own power. It sets the stage for the dramatic revelation in [Luke 11:22](/luke/11-22 "Luke 11:22 - The Stronger Man Overcomes"), where Jesus presents Himself as the "stronger man" who can decisively overcome, bind, and plunder the strong man's domain, signifying His ultimate and decisive triumph over all evil. This parable is central to understanding Jesus's mission to inaugurate the [Kingdom of God](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Kingdom of God Has Come Upon You") by directly confronting and defeating the kingdom of darkness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **strong man (Greek, _ischyrós'_):** Derived from the root for "strength" or "might," this term denotes someone who is forcible, powerful, or mighty. In this context, it emphasizes the formidable and imposing nature of the spiritual adversary, Satan, who possesses significant power and authority within his domain.
* **armed (Greek, _kathoplízō'_):** This verb means "to equip fully with armor." It suggests a state of complete preparedness for battle, indicating that the strong man is not only powerful but also well-defended and ready to resist any intrusion or challenge to his authority. This highlights the adversary's strategic posture and the apparent invincibility of his stronghold.
* **palace (Greek, _aulḗ'_):** While literally meaning a "yard" or "court," this term can also imply a "mansion" or "hall." Here, it signifies the strong man's secure, fortified, and defended territory or sphere of influence, representing the realm over which he exercises dominion and control, including the lives and souls of those he holds captive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When a strong man armed keepeth his palace,"**: This clause introduces the scenario of a powerful, fully equipped individual diligently guarding his dwelling. The "strong man" is a symbolic representation of Satan, the spiritual adversary. His being "armed" signifies his preparedness and the formidable defenses he has in place to maintain his control. The "palace" represents his domain, his sphere of influence, which encompasses the lives, minds, and spiritual destinies of those under his sway. The verb "keepeth" (phylássō) implies a vigilant, protective watch, suggesting a seemingly impenetrable security.
* **"his goods are in peace:"**: This second clause describes the outcome of the strong man's vigilant guardianship. The "goods" (hypárchonta) refer to his possessions, which, in this spiritual parable, symbolize the souls, lives, and spiritual allegiances of people held captive by Satan. The phrase "in peace" (en eirḗnē) does not denote genuine, redemptive peace, but rather a deceptive, enforced tranquility. It is a peace maintained by force, where the captives are held in a state of quiet possession, unaware of their true bondage or unable to break free from the strong man's grip. This "peace" is a state of spiritual stagnation and captivity, devoid of true freedom or flourishing.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this verse. The primary device is **Symbolism**, where the "strong man" represents Satan, the "palace" symbolizes his kingdom or sphere of influence (the world and the lives he controls), and "his goods" represent the souls and lives of humanity held in spiritual bondage. The phrase "in peace" is an example of **Irony**, as the "peace" described is not one of liberation or well-being, but a false, enforced quietude that masks spiritual captivity and oppression. This sets up a powerful **Contrast** with the true peace and freedom that the "stronger man," Jesus, will bring. The entire passage is a **Parable**, a short, illustrative story that conveys a deeper spiritual truth about the nature of Jesus's ministry and the overthrow of Satan's kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:21 profoundly illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare and the formidable nature of the adversary, Satan, who holds humanity captive in a state of deceptive peace. This "peace" is merely the absence of resistance, a quiet possession of souls by a powerful, armed foe. Theologically, this verse establishes the baseline from which Jesus's ministry operates: He is invading an already-occupied territory, challenging a deeply entrenched power. His ability to cast out demons, therefore, is not a minor miracle but a direct assault on the strong man's domain, signifying the inbreaking of God's kingdom and the beginning of Satan's decisive defeat. It underscores that humanity's true state, apart from Christ, is one of spiritual captivity, necessitating a divine liberator.

* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Principalities and Powers")
* [Matthew 12:29](/matthew/12-29 "Matthew 12:29 - Binding the Strong Man")
* [Isaiah 49:24-25](/isaiah/49-24-25 "Isaiah 49:24-25 - Can the Prey Be Taken from the Mighty?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:21 serves as a sober reminder of the spiritual realities that govern our world. It reveals that humanity, apart from Christ, is under the influence of a "strong man" – Satan – who seeks to keep us in spiritual darkness and bondage. The "peace" he maintains is a false one, a deceptive tranquility that prevents us from recognizing our true condition and yearning for freedom. This verse challenges us to critically examine our own lives: are there areas where we experience a "peace" that is merely the absence of spiritual struggle, perhaps indicating a subtle captivity rather than true liberation? Do we recognize the spiritual battle for souls and the active work of the adversary? This understanding should not lead to fear, but to a profound appreciation for the power of Christ. It calls us to acknowledge the spiritual forces at play, to be vigilant, and to continually seek the true freedom and peace found only in Jesus, who has already overcome the strong man.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing a "false peace" that masks spiritual complacency or subtle bondage?**
* **How does understanding the "strong man's" apparent security deepen my appreciation for Jesus's power and ministry?**
* **What practical steps can I take to live more fully in the freedom and authority that Christ has won for me, rather than succumbing to spiritual apathy?**

### FAQ
**What does the "strong man" represent in this parable?**

Answer: In Jesus's Parable of the Strong Man, the "strong man" symbolically represents Satan, the spiritual adversary. He is depicted as a powerful, well-equipped entity who maintains control over his domain and possessions, which refer to the souls and lives of people held captive by spiritual darkness. This portrayal highlights Satan's formidable power and his efforts to maintain his dominion over humanity.

**What is the meaning of "his goods are in peace"?**

Answer: The phrase "his goods are in peace" does not signify genuine well-being or freedom, but rather a false, enforced tranquility. It describes a state where the "strong man" (Satan) has complete, unchallenged control over his "goods" (human souls). This "peace" is the absence of resistance or rebellion, a deceptive quietude that masks spiritual bondage and the inability of those held captive to break free. It underscores the spiritual stagnation and lack of true liberty experienced by those under Satan's influence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:21, though depicting the formidable power of the "strong man" (Satan), finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic incursion of the "stronger man" – Jesus Himself – into Satan's seemingly secure domain. Jesus's entire ministry, particularly His power to cast out demons, was a direct assault on the kingdom of darkness, demonstrating that the [kingdom of God had come upon them](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Kingdom of God Has Come Upon You"). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus decisively entered the strong man's "palace," bound him, and plundered his "goods." On the cross, Jesus disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Principalities and Powers")), and through His death, He destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Thus, Jesus is the ultimate Deliverer, who has come to undo the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")) and offer true freedom and peace to those formerly held captive by the strong man.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Matthew 12:29

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.