Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just a general saying about strength; Jesus is pointing to Satan as "the strong man" and the people he possesses as his "goods" or "household items." When Jesus casts out demons, he's not dividing Satan's kingdom, he's demonstrating his power over Satan himself, showing that he's already bound the enemy to claim what's rightfully God's.
Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus uses this vivid illustration right after casting out a demon from a man who was blind and mute. The Pharisees, instead of recognizing God's power, accused Jesus of working through Satan, so Jesus asks them how this makes sense: how can he possibly be stealing people from Satan's grip if he's in league with him?
When Jesus healed the demon-possessed, the religious leaders accused Him of working with Satan. Jesus' response reveals a deeper truth: this wasn't a collaboration, but a conquest.
Jesus uses this powerful analogy to show that His miracles weren't a pact with the devil, but proof that He had overcome Satan's power.
The Strong Man and His House
Satan is depicted as a 'strong man' who rules over his domain – the world, and specifically, those held captive by evil.
Binding the Conqueror
To enter this 'house' and 'plunder his goods' (freeing people from demonic possession), you first need to overpower the strong man himself. Jesus is establishing His authority and power over Satan, proving He is 'stronger' than the devil.
The Evidence of Freedom
Every person Jesus delivered from demonic possession was tangible proof that Satan had been bound and his power over that individual broken. It was a declaration of war and a victory rolled into one.
When Jesus 'plunders' the strong man's house, what exactly is He taking? It's more than just freeing people from immediate torment.
The 'goods' Jesus takes from Satan's 'house' represent the people who were enslaved by demonic powers and their associated afflictions.
Satan's Domain
Satan held dominion through sin, ignorance, fear, and demonic influence. His 'house' was the realm of darkness where he exerted control.
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Spoils of Victory
When Jesus casts out demons, He is reclaiming individuals for God's kingdom. He takes back those whom Satan had claimed, breaking the chains of spiritual oppression.
Restoring What Was Lost
These 'goods' are not inanimate objects, but people whose lives, minds, and spirits were held captive. Jesus' action restores them to freedom and to God.
Understand the original words
ischyros · Greek Adjective
One who possesses superior authority or power; in this context, it refers to Satan’s domain over the fallen world, which must be overcome by the greater power of Christ.
deō · Greek Verb
To restrain, incapacitate, or deprive someone of their ability to act; used here to describe Christ’s authoritative victory over Satan.
This teaching arose during Jesus' earthly ministry when His power to cast out demons was being questioned. The parable highlights that Jesus' miracles weren't a sign of cooperation with evil, but of His victory over it, foreshadowing His ultimate triumph.
c. 30 BC
Satan's Stronghold Established
Satan is seen as the 'strong man' who has established dominion over the world and its people, particularly through demonic influence and affliction.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus Casts Out a Demon
Jesus performs a dramatic exorcism, healing a man who was possessed, blind, and mute, demonstrating power over demonic forces.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Explains His Authority
Jesus uses the parable of the strong man to explain that His ability to cast out demons proves He has overcome Satan, not allied with him.
c. 31 AD
Jesus Binds Satan's Power
Through His ministry, miracles, and teachings, Jesus begins to dismantle Satan's hold on individuals and the world.
c. 33 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion
Christ's death is understood as the ultimate act of binding Satan and defeating the powers of sin and death.
c. 33 AD
Jesus' Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus signifies His complete victory over Satan, sin, and death, validating His authority and power.
This verse speaks of God rescuing captives from mighty oppressors, a concept echoed in Jesus' act of 'binding the strong man' to free those held in bondage.
Luke 11:21-22This parallel passage offers a more detailed version of the same illustration, explicitly calling Satan the 'strong man armed' whose 'goods' (or 'armour') are taken when he is overcome.
Colossians 2:15Paul describes Christ disarming the spiritual rulers and authorities, a direct fulfillment of the idea of 'binding the strong man' and plundering his house by overcoming these powers.
1 John 3:8This verse directly states that the Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil, which aligns with Jesus' illustration of entering the 'strong man's house' to spoil his goods.
barnesMatthew 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 else ... - The Saviour makes use of a new illustration to confute the Pharisees, drawn from breaking into a house. A man could not break into the house of a strong man and take his property unless he had rendered the man himself helpless. If he had taken his goods, it would therefore be sufficient proof that he had bound the man. So…
vincentMatthew 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."
Of a strong man (τοῦ ἰσχυροῦ)Rev. rightly gives the force of the article, the strong man. Christ is not citing a general illustration, but is pointing to a specific enemy - Satan. How can I despoil Satan without first having conquered him?Goods (σκεύη)The word originally means a vessel, and so mostly in the New Testament. See Mark…
This isn't just a general saying about strength; Jesus is pointing to Satan as "the strong man" and the people he possesses as his "goods" or "household items." When Jesus casts out demons, he's not dividing Satan's kingdom, he's demonstrating his power over Satan himself, showing that he's already bound the enemy to claim what's rightfully God's.
Jesus uses this vivid illustration right after casting out a demon from a man who was blind and mute. The Pharisees, instead of recognizing God's power, accused Jesus of working through Satan, so Jesus asks them how this makes sense: how can he possibly be stealing people from Satan's grip if he's in league with him?
Jesus uses this vivid illustration right after casting out a demon from a man who was blind and mute. The Pharisees, instead of recognizing God's power, accused Jesus of working through Satan, so Jesus asks them how this makes sense: how can he possibly be stealing people from Satan's grip if he's in league with him?
"Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house." — This isn't just a general saying about strength; Jesus is pointing to Satan as "the strong man" and the people he possesses as his "goods" or "household items." When Jesus casts out demons, he's not…
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Last reviewed October 2026