Luke 11:22

KJV

But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when {G1875} a stronger {G2478} than he {G846} shall come upon him {G1904}, and overcome {G3528} him {G846}, he taketh {G142} from him {G846} all his armour {G3833} wherein {G1909}{G3739} he trusted {G3982}, and {G2532} divideth {G1239} his {G846} spoils {G4661}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when someone stronger attacks and defeats him, he carries off all the armor and weaponry on which the man was depending, and divides up the spoils.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him his whole armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 11:22 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' defense against the blasphemous accusation that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub. It elaborates on the "strong man" parable, portraying a scenario where a superior force invades the domain of an entrenched power, defeats him, strips him of his defenses, and plunders his possessions. This vivid imagery serves to illustrate Jesus' absolute authority and undeniable victory over Satan and the demonic realm, demonstrating that His exorcisms are not a sign of demonic alliance but rather the irrefutable evidence of the Kingdom of God's forceful advance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' direct and powerful rebuttal to the charge that He is in league with Satan, specifically Beelzebub, the "prince of demons" ([Luke 11:15](/luke/11-15 "Luke 11:15 - Accusation of Beelzebub")). Following an exorcism that astonished the crowds, some accused Him of demonic collusion. Jesus responds with a series of logical arguments, including the "divided kingdom" principle ([Luke 11:17-18](/luke/11-17-18 "Luke 11:17-18 - A House Divided")), the challenge to His accusers to explain their own exorcists ([Luke 11:19](/luke/11-19 "Luke 11:19 - Sons of the Pharisees")), and the declaration that His power signifies the arrival of God's Kingdom ([Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Finger of God")). Luke 11:21 introduces the "strong man" guarding his palace, symbolizing Satan's dominion over humanity. Verse 22 then describes the decisive intervention of a "stronger one," which is Jesus Himself, who overcomes the strong man, disarms him, and takes his spoils, thereby explaining the source and nature of Jesus' power in casting out demons. This entire passage, [Luke 11:14-23](/luke/11-14-23 "Luke 11:14-23 - Jesus and Beelzebub"), serves as a foundational teaching on spiritual warfare and Christ's supreme authority.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, the belief in demonic activity and possession was widespread and deeply ingrained, as evidenced by numerous accounts in the Gospels. Exorcism was practiced by various individuals and groups, including some Jewish exorcists, but Jesus' authority and the immediate, undeniable nature of His exorcisms set Him apart. The accusation of Beelzebub was a grave charge, designed to discredit Jesus by associating His divine power with the forces of evil. This accusation reflects the ongoing spiritual and ideological conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities of His day, who struggled to comprehend or accept the source of His power and the radical nature of His ministry. The imagery of a "strong man" guarding his possessions and being overcome by a "stronger one" would have resonated with an audience familiar with ancient warfare and the concept of conquering armies plundering defeated foes. This parable taps into a common understanding of power dynamics and territorial conquest, making Jesus' point about spiritual dominion strikingly clear.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is **Christ's Supremacy Over Evil**, unequivocally declaring Jesus as the "stronger one" who possesses ultimate authority over Satan and all demonic forces. His ability to cast out demons is not merely a miracle but a direct assault on the kingdom of darkness, demonstrating His divine might and superior power in the ongoing spiritual battle. This leads to the theme of **The Defeat of Satan's Kingdom**, as the verse vividly illustrates the active dismantling of Satan's dominion. Jesus doesn't just contain evil; He invades its stronghold, strips Satan of his defenses, and reclaims what was unjustly held. This powerful imagery foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over "principalities and powers" through His death and resurrection, as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). Finally, the "spoils" taken from the defeated strong man represent those whom Satan had enslaved, highlighting the theme of **Deliverance and Freedom**. Jesus' work of casting out demons is a tangible sign of His mission to bring liberation to the oppressed, setting them free from spiritual bondage and the influence of evil, aligning with His inaugural declaration in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stronger (Greek, _ischyrós'_):** This adjective, appearing in its comparative form (ἰσχυρότερος, *ischyroteros*), denotes an overwhelming superiority in strength, might, or power. It emphasizes that the one who comes upon the "strong man" (Satan) is not merely strong, but *stronger* in an absolute sense, possessing a power that completely surpasses the enemy's. This highlights Jesus' unparalleled divine authority and irresistible force against the kingdom of darkness.
* **armour (Greek, _panoplía'_):** Derived from *pas* (all) and *hoplon* (weapon), this term refers to a full suit of armor or complete military equipment, a "panoply." In this context, it symbolizes Satan's entire defensive and offensive arsenal—his strategies, deceptions, and means of holding humanity captive. The fact that it is "taken from him" signifies the complete disarming and neutralization of Satan's power and defenses by the "stronger one."
* **spoils (Greek, _skŷlon'_):** This noun refers to the plunder, booty, or spoils of war taken from a defeated enemy. In the parable, the "spoils" represent those whom Satan has held captive and enslaved through sin and spiritual bondage. The act of "dividing his spoils" signifies Jesus' work of liberating these captives and bringing them into His own kingdom, demonstrating the tangible results of His decisive victory over the forces of evil.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him,"**: This clause introduces the decisive turning point in the spiritual conflict. The "stronger one" (Jesus) actively and aggressively "comes upon" the "strong man" (Satan), indicating an invasion of his territory. The verb "overcome" (G3528, *nikáō*) signifies a complete and decisive victory, not merely a skirmish or a temporary setback for the strong man, but a total subjugation. This emphasizes Jesus' proactive and triumphant assault on Satan's dominion.
* **"he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted,"**: Following the decisive victory, the "stronger one" disarms the defeated "strong man." The phrase "all his armour wherein he trusted" highlights the complete stripping of Satan's defenses and the futility of his reliance on his own power and strategies against Christ. This action signifies the breaking of Satan's power to hold captives and his inability to resist the advance of God's Kingdom.
* **"and divideth his spoils."**: The final act of the "stronger one" is to "divide his spoils." These "spoils" are the possessions that the "strong man" previously guarded, which, in the allegorical context, represent humanity held captive by sin and demonic influence. The act of "dividing" them implies a reclamation and redistribution, signifying Jesus' work of liberating those enslaved by Satan and bringing them into His own realm, demonstrating the tangible results of His victory.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:22 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological impact. The primary device is **Allegory**, as Jesus uses the narrative of a "strong man" and a "stronger one" to represent the spiritual reality of Satan's kingdom being overthrown by the Kingdom of God. This is a specific type of **Parable**, where the story's elements directly correspond to spiritual truths. **Symbolism** is pervasive, with the "strong man" symbolizing Satan, his "palace" representing the world under his dominion, his "armour" signifying his power and defenses, and the "spoils" representing those held captive by sin and evil. The verse also employs **Contrast** by juxtaposing the "strong man" with the "stronger one," emphatically highlighting Jesus' absolute superiority in power and authority over Satan. This stark contrast underscores the decisive nature of Christ's victory and the inevitable defeat of the forces of darkness. The vivid imagery of warfare and conquest serves to make an abstract spiritual truth concrete and comprehensible to the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:22 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christ's ministry and the ongoing spiritual conflict. It asserts that Jesus' power to cast out demons is not merely a display of supernatural ability but a direct and undeniable manifestation of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world, actively dismantling Satan's dominion. This verse establishes that Jesus has already won the decisive victory over the forces of darkness, disarming Satan and liberating those he held captive. It assures believers that they are no longer under the dominion of darkness but have been transferred into the kingdom of God's beloved Son. This victory is the foundation for all subsequent spiritual warfare, empowering believers to live in freedom and participate in Christ's ongoing work of liberation.

* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")
* [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ's Defeat of Death and the Devil")
* [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Purpose of Christ's Coming")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:22 offers immense encouragement and practical assurance for believers today. It grounds our understanding of spiritual warfare not in a struggle against an equally matched foe, but in the reality of a decisive victory already secured by Jesus Christ. We are not fighting *for* victory, but *from* victory. This profound truth means that while spiritual battles are real and the enemy still schemes, his ultimate defeat is sealed, and his power over those in Christ is broken. Therefore, we can live with confidence, knowing that the "stronger one" dwells within us and fights for us. This should inspire us to resist temptation, stand firm against the devil's schemes ([Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the Whole Armor of God")), and participate boldly in Christ's mission of liberation, bringing the light of the Gospel to those still held captive by darkness. Our freedom in Christ is a testament to His power, and our lives should reflect the spoils of His victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel the influence or bondage of the "strong man" (Satan)?**
* **How does the truth of Jesus being the "stronger one" change your perspective on spiritual battles and temptations?**
* **How can you, as one of the "spoils" of Christ's victory, participate in His ongoing work of setting others free from spiritual bondage?**
* **What does it mean for your daily walk to live "from victory" rather than "for victory" in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "strong man" and the "stronger one" in this parable?**

Answer: In this parable, the "strong man" unequivocally represents Satan, who has established a kingdom of darkness and holds humanity captive through sin and spiritual bondage. His "palace" symbolizes his dominion over the world, and his "armour" represents his power, strategies, and means of control. The "stronger one" is Jesus Christ. He is the one who invades Satan's territory, overcomes him with superior power, strips him of his defenses, and liberates those whom Satan held captive. This parable is Jesus' direct explanation of how His exorcisms are not from Satan, but are evidence of His divine authority and the forceful advance of the Kingdom of God against the kingdom of darkness, as He states in [Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Finger of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:22 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the prophesied "stronger one," whose advent marked the decisive invasion of Satan's dominion. The casting out of demons, as described throughout the Gospels, was a tangible demonstration of Jesus' power to disarm the "strong man" and take his "spoils." This was not merely a series of isolated acts, but a prelude to His ultimate victory at the cross and resurrection. On the cross, Jesus "spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), utterly disarming Satan of his power to condemn and enslave. His resurrection confirmed this decisive triumph, demonstrating that death, the devil's ultimate weapon, had been overcome ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ's Defeat of Death and the Devil")). The "spoils" of this victory are all those who are delivered from the power of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God's beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Thus, Luke 11:22 is a prophetic declaration of Christ's redemptive work, establishing Him as the sovereign Lord who has definitively conquered evil and offers true freedom to all who believe.

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

Isaiah 49:24

¶ Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?

Isaiah 49:25

But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

Isaiah 53:12

Therefore will I divide him [a 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.

Genesis 3:15

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Isaiah 27:1

¶ In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that [is] in the sea.

1 John 3:8

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

1 John 4:4

¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.