Matthew 12:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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.

Berean Standard Bible

Or 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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:29 presents Jesus' profound analogy of "binding the strong man" as a direct response to the Pharisees' blasphemous accusation that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebul. This verse encapsulates the core truth of Jesus' ministry: His divine authority over Satan and the kingdom of darkness. It reveals that His ability to liberate those oppressed by evil spirits is not a cooperative effort with Satan, but rather a forceful invasion and plundering of Satan's domain, demonstrating that He has already decisively overcome the "strong man" to rescue those held captive.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 12:29 is situated within a critical discourse where Jesus confronts the escalating opposition from the religious leaders. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus heals a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute (Matthew 12:22). This undeniable miracle prompts the crowds to wonder if Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah. However, the Pharisees, blinded by their envy and unbelief, attribute Jesus' power to Beelzebul, the ruler of demons (Matthew 12:24). Jesus systematically refutes their illogical accusation by first arguing that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:25-26), then challenging their own exorcists (Matthew 12:27), and finally, asserting that His power to cast out demons is irrefutable evidence that the [Kingdom of God has come upon them](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - The Kingdom of God has Come"). The analogy of "binding the strong man" in Matthew 12:29 serves as the climactic explanation for *how* He is able to invade Satan's domain and liberate his captives, directly countering the Pharisees' slander.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly among the common people, held a strong belief in the reality of demonic possession and the need for exorcism. While some Jewish groups practiced exorcism, the scale and authority with which Jesus performed these acts were unprecedented, often leading to widespread astonishment. The Pharisees, as religious elite, were guardians of the Law and tradition, but their rigid interpretations and self-righteousness often led them to reject anything that did not conform to their preconceived notions of the Messiah or divine activity. Their accusation of Beelzebul was a grave charge, linking Jesus directly to the chief of demons, a desperate attempt to discredit His ministry and undermine His authority in the eyes of the people. This cultural backdrop highlights the high stakes of Jesus' confrontation, as He was challenging the very spiritual and religious framework of His time.
* **Key Themes:** This passage profoundly contributes to several key themes in Matthew's Gospel. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus' Authority and Identity**. His power over demons unequivocally demonstrates His divine nature and messianic claims, proving He is not merely a prophet but the Son of God with ultimate dominion over spiritual forces. Secondly, it underscores the reality of **Spiritual Warfare**, presenting Jesus' ministry as a direct, aggressive assault on the kingdom of darkness, not a mere moral teaching. The "strong man" represents Satan, and Jesus' actions illustrate a cosmic battle in which He is the victor. Thirdly, the theme of **Deliverance and Liberation** is central, as Jesus' "spoiling of goods" signifies the freeing of individuals from demonic oppression and the breaking of Satan's tyrannical hold. This act is a tangible manifestation of the [Kingdom of God breaking into human history](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - The Kingdom of God's Arrival"), bringing freedom and restoration. It also foreshadows the ultimate victory over evil that culminates in Christ's death and resurrection, as seen in passages like [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **strong man (Greek, _ischyrós'_):** This term (G2478) denotes someone who is "forcible," "mighty," or "powerful." In this context, it is a clear metaphorical reference to Satan, who is indeed a powerful spiritual adversary. The use of "strong man" emphasizes the formidable nature of the enemy Jesus confronts, highlighting that His victory is not over a weak foe, but over a significant, entrenched power.
* **bind (Greek, _déō'_):** The verb (G1210) means "to bind," "to tie," or "to restrain." It implies a decisive act of overpowering and rendering immobile. In the spiritual sense, it signifies a complete subjugation or neutralization of power, making it impossible for the "strong man" to continue his work unhindered. This is not merely a temporary restraint but a fundamental act of overcoming.
* **spoil (Greek, _diarpázō'_):** This verb (G1283) means "to seize asunder" or "to plunder." It conveys the forceful taking of possessions from an enemy after a successful conquest. In the analogy, "spoiling his goods" refers to the act of liberating those whom Satan has held captive, whether through demonic possession, spiritual blindness, or sin. It emphasizes that these individuals are not merely escaping but are being forcibly reclaimed by a superior power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house,"**: This opening rhetorical question immediately sets up the logical premise. Jesus challenges His accusers to consider the impossibility of His actions if His power were not superior to Satan's. The "strong man's house" metaphorically represents Satan's domain or kingdom, the sphere of his influence and control over humanity.
* **"and spoil his goods,"**: This clause describes the objective of entering the strong man's house—to "spoil" or plunder his possessions. The "goods" (Greek: _skeuē_) are those individuals whom Satan has enslaved or held captive through sin, spiritual blindness, and demonic oppression. Jesus' ministry, particularly His exorcisms, is presented as the act of reclaiming these "goods" from Satan's grasp.
* **"except he first bind the strong man?"**: This crucial condition reveals the prerequisite for plundering Satan's house. The "strong man" must first be "bound" or overpowered. This signifies Jesus' initial and decisive victory over Satan, which enables Him to perform acts of deliverance. It asserts His superior authority and power, establishing that He is not an agent of Satan but his conqueror.
* **"and then he will spoil his house."**: This final clause reiterates the consequence of binding the strong man. Once Satan's power is neutralized, the "spoiling" or liberation of his captives becomes possible. This confirms that Jesus' acts of healing and exorcism are direct evidence of His prior triumph over Satan, demonstrating the active invasion and dismantling of the kingdom of darkness by the Kingdom of God.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 12:29 is rich in **Analogy** and **Metaphor**, serving as a powerful illustration of Jesus' spiritual authority. The entire verse functions as an **Analogy**, comparing Jesus' work of casting out demons to a human scenario of overpowering a strong man to plunder his house. Within this analogy, "the strong man" is a **Metaphor** for Satan, representing the formidable spiritual adversary. His "house" is a **Metaphor** for his domain or kingdom, the sphere of his influence and control over humanity. The "goods" are a **Metaphor** for those held captive by Satan through sin or demonic oppression. Furthermore, the verse employs a **Rhetorical Question** ("Or else how can one enter...?") which is designed not to elicit an answer but to make a point, forcing the audience to acknowledge the logical necessity of Jesus' superior power. This rhetorical device underscores the absurdity of the Pharisees' accusation and the undeniable truth of Jesus' divine authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:29 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of spiritual warfare and the supremacy of Christ. It reveals that Jesus' ministry was not merely about teaching or healing, but a direct, confrontational assault on the kingdom of darkness. His ability to cast out demons was irrefutable proof that He had already engaged and decisively defeated Satan, the "strong man," thus making it possible to liberate those held captive. This verse establishes the foundational truth that the Kingdom of God, embodied in Jesus, is actively invading and dismantling the kingdom of darkness, bringing freedom and light where there was bondage and spiritual blindness. It assures believers that Christ's victory over evil is complete and foundational to all subsequent acts of redemption and deliverance.

* [Luke 10:18](/luke/10-18 "Luke 10:18 - Jesus' Authority Over Satan")
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")
* [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:29 offers profound reassurance and practical implications for believers today. It grounds our understanding of spiritual reality in the absolute victory of Jesus Christ. We are not engaged in a battle with an undefeated foe; rather, we participate in the ongoing effects of a victory already secured by our Lord. This means that when we face spiritual opposition, temptation, or the oppressive schemes of the enemy, we do so from a position of Christ's triumph. We are called to stand firm in the authority that is ours in Christ, knowing that the "strong man" has been bound. Our role is not to bind him again, but to exercise the authority given to us by the One who has already bound him, reclaiming territory for the Kingdom of God and ministering freedom to those still held captive. This verse empowers us to live confidently, knowing that no demonic force can ultimately thwart God's purposes or permanently hold His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' analogy of "binding the strong man" deepen your understanding of His authority over evil?**
* **In what ways might you be experiencing the effects of the "strong man's" influence, and how does this verse encourage you to seek liberation in Christ?**
* **How does the truth that Jesus has already "bound the strong man" impact your approach to spiritual warfare and intercession?**
* **What "goods" (people, areas of life) do you believe God wants to "spoil" or reclaim from the enemy's influence through your prayers and actions?**

### FAQ
**What does "binding the strong man" mean in a practical sense for Christians today?**

Answer: "Binding the strong man" primarily refers to Jesus' decisive victory over Satan through His life, death, and resurrection. For Christians today, it means that Satan's power is no longer absolute; he is a defeated foe. Practically, this empowers believers to resist the devil (as seen in [James 4:7](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil")) and to stand firm against his schemes, knowing that the authority of Christ is superior. It does not mean Christians literally "bind" Satan in every situation, but rather that we operate under the authority of the One who has already bound him, enabling us to pray for deliverance, overcome temptation, and advance the Kingdom of God.

**Does this verse imply that Satan is completely powerless?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply that Satan is completely powerless or inactive. While Jesus has decisively "bound" the strong man, signifying His ultimate victory and authority, Satan still retains a measure of power to deceive, tempt, and oppress. The "binding" means his power is restrained and broken, particularly in his ability to hold people captive against the will of God. He is no longer sovereign, but is limited by God's purposes. The ongoing spiritual battle in the world and in believers' lives (as described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")) confirms that he is still active, though his ultimate defeat is assured.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:29 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the triumphant King and Redeemer. He is the one who, by His very incarnation, entered the "strong man's house"—the world under Satan's dominion—not as a guest, but as an invading sovereign. His life, marked by perfect obedience and miraculous power, was a continuous act of "binding" the strong man, culminating in His death and resurrection. On the cross, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them (as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), decisively breaking Satan's hold over humanity and sin. His resurrection was the ultimate "spoiling of goods," demonstrating His power to liberate those enslaved to sin and death, bringing them into His glorious freedom. Through His ascension, Christ now reigns at the right hand of God, having been given all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), continuing to "spoil" Satan's house by drawing people out of darkness and into His marvelous light ([Acts 26:18](/acts/26-18 "Acts 26:18 - Paul's Commission to Turn People from Darkness to Light")). Thus, Matthew 12:29 is not just an analogy but a prophetic declaration of the cosmic victory accomplished by Christ, making Him the ultimate deliverer and the foundation of our hope.

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?

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

¶ 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.