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.

Or {G2228} else how {G4459} can {G1410} one {G5100} enter {G1525} into {G1519} a strong man's {G2478} house {G3614}, and {G2532} spoil {G1283} his {G846} goods {G4632}, except {G3362} he first {G4412} bind {G1210} the strong man {G2478}? and {G2532} then {G5119} he will spoil {G1283} his {G846} house {G3614}.

"Or again, how can someone break into a strong man's house and make off with his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? After that he can ransack his house.

Or again, how can anyone enter a strong manโ€™s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.

Or 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.

Commentary

Matthew 12:29, often referred to as the "binding the strong man" analogy, is a powerful statement by Jesus concerning His authority over demonic forces. This verse is part of a larger discourse where Jesus refutes the Pharisees' accusation that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of devils (see Matthew 12:24).

Context of Matthew 12:29

In this passage, Jesus has just performed a miracle, healing a man who was blind and mute, and demon-possessed (Matthew 12:22). The crowd was amazed, but the Pharisees, in their hardened hearts, attributed His power to Satan. Jesus responds by logically demonstrating the absurdity of their claim: a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. He then presents this analogy to explain the source of His power in casting out demons, asserting that He must first "bind" the strong man (Satan) before He can "spoil his goods" (deliver those under demonic influence).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Superior Authority: The primary message is Jesus' absolute victory and power over Satan. He is not in league with Satan; rather, He directly confronts and overcomes him. The "strong man" (Greek: ischyros) represents Satan, whose "house" is his domain or kingdom, and whose "goods" are those held captive by his influence.
  • Spiritual Warfare: This verse vividly portrays the reality of spiritual warfare. Jesus' ministry was a direct assault on the kingdom of darkness. He did not merely coexist with evil; He actively invaded its territory to liberate those enslaved.
  • Deliverance and Liberation: The act of "spoiling his goods" signifies the deliverance of individuals from demonic oppression and the breaking of Satan's hold. Jesus' ability to cast out demons demonstrates that He has already "bound" or overcome the strong man, making it possible to free those under his sway. This points to the triumph of Christ over the powers of darkness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "bind" (dese) implies a decisive act of overpowering and restraining, not merely negotiating. It signifies a complete subjugation. Similarly, "spoil his goods" (diarpasai ta skeuฤ“ autou) means to plunder or seize possessions, indicating a forceful taking back of what was unjustly held. This highlights the decisive and authoritative nature of Jesus' victory over evil, emphasizing that He is the one with ultimate power.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 12:29 offers immense encouragement and insight into the nature of spiritual reality:

  • Confidence in Christ's Victory: We can face spiritual opposition with confidence, knowing that Satan has already been defeated and "bound" by Christ. His power is superior to any evil force, and we are on the winning side.
  • Authority for Believers: While only Christ ultimately binds the strong man, His victory enables believers, through faith and reliance on His name, to participate in the ongoing work of spiritual liberation and to resist the devil (James 4:7).
  • The Kingdom of God is Present: Jesus' ability to cast out demons was a sign that the Kingdom of God had come upon them, bringing light and freedom into a world dominated by darkness. This continues today as God's kingdom expands through the work of believers.

This verse assures us that Jesus has the ultimate power to confront and overcome evil, bringing freedom and demonstrating the reality of God's sovereign rule.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 49:24

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

  • Luke 11:21

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

  • Luke 11:22

    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.

  • 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.

  • 1 John 4:4

    ยถ 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.

  • Revelation 20:7

    And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

  • Revelation 20:9

    And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
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