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.

No man {G3762} can {G3756}{G1410} enter {G1525} into {G1519} a strong man's {G2478} house {G3614}, and spoil {G1283} his {G846} goods {G4632}, except {G3362} he will {G1210} first {G4412} bind {G1210} the strong man {G2478}; and {G2532} then {G5119} he will spoil {G1283} his {G846} house {G3614}.

Furthermore, no one can 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.

Indeed, 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.

But no one can 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

Mark 3:27 is a pivotal part of Jesus' defense against accusations that He was casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of devils. This verse uses a powerful parable to illustrate Jesus' true authority and mission.

Context

In the verses immediately preceding, Jesus' family attempts to restrain Him, believing He is "beside himself" (Mark 3:21). Simultaneously, scribes from Jerusalem accuse Him of being possessed by Beelzebub and casting out demons by the ruler of demons (Mark 3:22). Jesus refutes this illogical charge by explaining that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, nor can Satan cast out Satan (Mark 3:23-26). Mark 3:27 serves as the conclusive argument: if He is indeed casting out demons, it is not because He is allied with Satan, but because He is stronger than Satan, having first "bound" him.

Key Themes

  • Christ's Authority Over Satan: The "strong man" in this parable unequivocally represents Satan, who holds humanity captive in his "house" (his domain). Jesus, by casting out demons and delivering people, demonstrates that He is the one who has the power to "bind" this strong man. This highlights Jesus' divine authority and His ultimate supremacy over all forces of evil and the spiritual realm.
  • Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance: The verse powerfully illustrates the nature of spiritual warfare. Jesus' ministry was not merely about teaching, but about direct confrontation with evil. The "spoiling of his goods" signifies the liberation of those enslaved by sin, sickness, and demonic oppression, demonstrating the restorative power of God's kingdom.
  • The Inbreaking of God's Kingdom: Jesus' ability to bind Satan and plunder his domain is evidence that the kingdom of God has arrived and is actively breaking into the world, challenging and overcoming the dominion of darkness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "strong man" is ischyros (ἰσχυρός), emphasizing powerful might. To "bind" him is desai (δῆσαι), indicating a decisive act of tying up or restraining, signifying complete subjugation. The phrase "spoil his goods" is diarpasai ta skeuē autou (διαρπάσαι τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ), meaning to plunder or carry off his possessions. This vivid imagery underlines the forceful and legitimate reclaiming of what was previously under Satan's control, referring to those who are set free from his influence.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound assurance to believers:

  • Victory Over Evil: We are reminded that Jesus has already achieved decisive victory over Satan and his forces. The "strong man" has been bound, and his power is limited. Believers can stand firm in this truth, knowing that the one who is in them is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
  • Empowerment for Ministry: Just as Jesus spoiled Satan's house, His followers are called to participate in this ongoing work of liberation. Through the power of Christ, believers can witness to the truth, bring light into darkness, and see lives transformed, effectively "spoiling" the enemy's hold on individuals and communities. This encourages engagement in evangelism and discipleship, which are acts of spiritual deliverance.
  • Hope for the Oppressed: For those struggling with spiritual oppression or the effects of sin, this verse offers immense hope. Jesus has the power to set the captives free, and His work continues today through the Holy Spirit.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 49:24 (17 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 49:26 (17 votes)

    And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

  • Matthew 12:29 (15 votes)

    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.

  • Luke 11:21 (13 votes)

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

  • Luke 11:23 (13 votes)

    He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

  • Ephesians 6:10 (12 votes)

    ¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

  • Ephesians 6:13 (12 votes)

    Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.