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Matthew 12:29 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.
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Then he can plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Or how is anyone able to enter into the house of the strong <i>man</i>, and to plunder his goods, unless first he binds the strong <i>man</i>? And then he will plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Or, how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first ties up the strong <i>man?</i> And then he will plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong <i>man?</i> And then he will plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Or how can anyone go into a strong man’s house and steal his property unless he first overpowers <i>and</i> ties up the strong man? Then he will ransack <i>and</i> rob his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />How can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />How can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />How can anyone break into a strong man's house and steal his things, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can take everything. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />How can anyone go into a strong man's house and steal his property? First he must tie up the strong man. Then he can go through his house and steal his property.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"No one can break into a strong man's house and take away his belongings unless he first ties up the strong man; then he can plunder his house. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />How can someone go into a strong man's house and carry off his possessions without first tying up the strong man? Then he can ransack his house. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />How else can someone enter a strong man's house and steal his property, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can thoroughly plunder the house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and carry off his possessions, unless he first bind the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Or else, how can one enter into a strong man's house, and seize his goods, except he shall first bind the strong man? and then he will plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Again, how can any one enter the house of a strong man and carry off his goods, unless first of all he masters and secures the strong man: then he will ransack his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man and plunder his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? Then he will plunder his house. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Or how is one able to go into the house of the strong man, and to snatch his goods, if first he may not bind the strong man? And then his house he will plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Or how is anyone able to enter into the house of the strong <i>man</i>, and to plunder his goods, unless first he binds the strong <i>man</i>? And then he will plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Or how is one able to go into the house of the strong man, and to plunder his goods, if first he may not bind the strong man? and then his house he will plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Or how can any one come into the house of the strong, and plunder his goods, except be first bind the strong? and then he will plunder his house.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Or how can any one enter into the house of the strong, and rifle his goods, unless he first bind the strong? and then he will rifle his house. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Or how can anyone enter into the house of a strong man, and plunder his belongings, unless he first restrains the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />How can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his property, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Or, how can a man enter into a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, except he first bind the strong man, and then he plunders his house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For how can a man enter the house of the mighty man and plunder his goods unless first he bind the mighty man? Then he may plunder his house.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Or, how can any one enter the house of the strong man and spoil his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? and then he will plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Or how is any one able to enter into the house of a strong man, and spoil his goods, unless he may first bind the strong man, and then he can spoil his house.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Else how can one enter into a strong man?s house and plunder his goods, except he first bind the strong man, and then will he plunder his goods?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />besides, how could any one enter into the house of a man of might to rob him of his goods, except he first master the strong man? and then indeed he might plunder his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Again, how can any one enter the house of a strong man and carry off his goods, unless first of all he masters and secures the strong man: then he will ransack his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and seize upon his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Or, how can any <Fr><i>one</i><FR> enter into the house of a strong <Fr><i>man,</i><FR> and take away his goods, unless he first overpower the strong man? and then <Fr><i>indeed</i><FR> he may strip his house.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/12-29.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3226" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">A House Divided</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">28</span>But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <span class="reftext">29</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: Ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">Or again,</a> <a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: pōs (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">how</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynatai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">can</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">anyone</a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eiselthein (V-ANA) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">enter</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2478.htm" title="2478: ischyrou (Adj-GMS) -- Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.">a strong man’s</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3614.htm" title="3614: oikian (N-AFS) -- From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.">house</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/726.htm" title="726: harpasai (V-ANA) -- To seize, snatch, obtain by robbery. From a derivative of haireomai; to seize.">steal</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4632.htm" title="4632: skeuē (N-ANP) -- A vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband).">possessions,</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">unless</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/4412.htm" title="4412: prōton (Adv-S) -- First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.">he first</a> <a href="/greek/1210.htm" title="1210: dēsē (V-ASA-3S) -- To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind.">ties up</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2478.htm" title="2478: ischyron (Adj-AMS) -- Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.">strong man?</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/1283.htm" title="1283: diarpasei (V-FIA-3S) -- To plunder, rob thoroughly. From dia and harpazo; to seize asunder, i.e. Plunder.">he can plunder</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3614.htm" title="3614: oikian (N-AFS) -- From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.">house.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">30</span>He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/3-27.htm">Mark 3:27</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-21.htm">Luke 11:21-22</a></span><br />When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are secure. / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-24.htm">Isaiah 49:24-25</a></span><br />Can the plunder be snatched from the mighty, or the captives of a tyrant be delivered? / Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away, and the plunder of the tyrant will be retrieved; I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-15.htm">Colossians 2:15</a></span><br />And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2-3</a></span><br />He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. / And he threw him into the Abyss, shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were complete. After that, he must be released for a brief period of time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/2-14.htm">Hebrews 2:14</a></span><br />Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">1 John 3:8</a></span><br />The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-8.htm">Ephesians 4:8</a></span><br />This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-31.htm">John 12:31</a></span><br />Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4-5</a></span><br />The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-15.htm">Genesis 3:15</a></span><br />And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-12.htm">Isaiah 53:12</a></span><br />Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18</a></span><br />You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-22.htm">1 Peter 3:22</a></span><br />who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-20.htm">Romans 16:20</a></span><br />The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/49-24.htm">Isaiah 49:24</a></b></br> Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/53-12.htm">Isaiah 53:12</a></b></br> Therefore will I divide him <i>a portion</i> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/3-27.htm">Mark 3:27</a></b></br> 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.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/11-14.htm">Able</a> <a href="/micah/1-13.htm">Bind</a> <a href="/matthew/10-9.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/hosea/11-4.htm">Cords</a> <a href="/matthew/10-12.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">Except</a> <a href="/matthew/10-2.htm">First</a> <a href="/matthew/5-41.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">House</a> <a href="/matthew/12-28.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-1.htm">Plunder</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-4.htm">Possessions</a> <a href="/matthew/5-42.htm">Property</a> <a href="/malachi/3-9.htm">Rob</a> <a href="/matthew/10-23.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/140-12.htm">Secures</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-13.htm">Seize</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-1.htm">Spoil</a> <a href="/matthew/10-22.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/hosea/11-4.htm">Ties</a> <a href="/matthew/5-20.htm">Unless</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Able</a> <a href="/matthew/13-30.htm">Bind</a> <a href="/matthew/26-50.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/matthew/22-13.htm">Cords</a> <a href="/matthew/12-45.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Except</a> <a href="/matthew/12-45.htm">First</a> <a href="/matthew/24-47.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/matthew/12-44.htm">House</a> <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/matthew/15-27.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/mark/3-27.htm">Plunder</a> <a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Possessions</a> <a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">Property</a> <a href="/mark/3-27.htm">Rob</a> <a href="/matthew/13-2.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/140-12.htm">Secures</a> <a href="/matthew/21-38.htm">Seize</a> <a href="/mark/3-27.htm">Spoil</a> <a href="/matthew/14-30.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/mark/3-27.htm">Ties</a> <a href="/matthew/13-57.htm">Unless</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">by scripture,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-9.htm">by reason,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-13.htm">and by a miracle.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Account shall be made of idle words.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">46. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-46.htm">and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the context of <a href="/matthew/12.htm">Matthew 12</a>, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees' accusation that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebul. The "strong man" represents Satan, and the "house" symbolizes his domain or influence over people. The imagery of a house and possessions reflects the cultural understanding of a household as a place of authority and control. This metaphor is used to illustrate the necessity of overpowering Satan to liberate those under his influence.<p><b>unless he first ties up the strong man?</b><br>The act of tying up the strong man signifies the need to incapacitate or render powerless the one who holds authority. In the broader biblical narrative, this can be seen as a reference to Jesus' mission to defeat Satan and his works. The binding of the strong man is symbolic of Jesus' authority over demonic forces, as demonstrated through His miracles and exorcisms. This concept is echoed in passages like <a href="/colossians/2-15.htm">Colossians 2:15</a>, where Christ is described as having disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross.<p><b>Then he can plunder his house.</b><br>Once the strong man is bound, his possessions can be taken. This represents the liberation of those who were under Satan's control. Jesus' ministry involved setting people free from demonic oppression, sickness, and sin, which can be seen as the "plundering" of Satan's house. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over evil, culminating in His death and resurrection. The imagery of plundering aligns with Old Testament themes of God delivering His people from bondage, such as the Exodus narrative, where God leads the Israelites out of Egypt, plundering the Egyptians as they go (<a href="/exodus/12-36.htm">Exodus 12:36</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this parable, Jesus uses this illustration to explain His authority over demonic forces and to challenge the Pharisees' accusations against Him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_strong_man.htm">The Strong Man</a></b><br>Represents Satan or demonic forces, symbolizing the power and control they have over their domain.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_house.htm">The House</a></b><br>Symbolizes the domain or realm under the control of the strong man, which can be interpreted as the world or a person's life under demonic influence.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_thief.htm">The Thief</a></b><br>Represents Jesus, who has the power to bind the strong man and liberate those under his control.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_pharisees.htm">The Pharisees</a></b><br>Religious leaders who accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, prompting this teaching.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/authority_of_christ.htm">Authority of Christ</a></b><br>Jesus has ultimate authority over all spiritual forces. Believers can trust in His power to overcome evil.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>The Christian life involves spiritual battles. We must be vigilant and rely on Christ's strength to overcome the enemy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/liberation_through_christ.htm">Liberation through Christ</a></b><br>Jesus came to set captives free. We can find freedom from sin and demonic influence through Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_defense.htm">Preparation and Defense</a></b><br>Just as the strong man must be bound, we must prepare ourselves spiritually to resist evil through prayer, scripture, and faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/victory_in_christ.htm">Victory in Christ</a></b><br>Our victory over sin and evil is assured through Jesus, who has already defeated the enemy.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_nathan_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Nathan in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'bind_the_strongman'_mean.htm">What does "bind the strongman" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_true_religion_require_of_us.htm">How does the Bible define and value meekness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_the_millennium.htm">What defines the concept of the Millennium?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(29) <span class= "bld">How can one enter into a strong man's house.</span>--The parable implied in the question appears in a fuller form in <a href="/context/luke/11-21.htm" title="When a strong man armed keeps his palace, his goods are in peace:">Luke 11:21-22</a>. Here it will be enough to note that the "strong man" is Satan. The "house" is the region which is subject to him--<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> either the world at large, or the spirits of individual men; the "goods" or "instruments<span class= "ital">"</span> (comp. the "armour" of <a href="/luke/11-22.htm" title="But when a stronger than he shall come on him, and overcome him, he takes from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divides his spoils.">Luke 11:22</a>) are the demons or subordinate powers of evil by which he maintains his dominion; the "binding of the strong man" is the check given to the tyranny of Satan by emancipating the possessed sufferers from their thraldom; the "spoiling of the house" implies the final victory over him.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 29.</span> - Parallel passages: <a href="/mark/3-27.htm">Mark 3:27</a>; <a href="/luke/11-21.htm">Luke 11:21, 22</a>. Mark is practically identical with Matthew. Luke ("the strong man armed," etc.) is more detailed and vivid, and is perhaps the original form of the saying. <span class="cmt_word">Or</span> <span class="cmt_word">else</span>; <span class="accented">or</span> (Revised Version); <span class="accented">i.e.</span> if this be not the case, that the kingdom of God is come upon you, how else do you explain what has happened, the fact of Satan's instruments being taken from him? <span class="cmt_word">How can one enter into a strong man's house;</span> <span class="accented">the house of the strong man</span> (Revised Version). (For the article, cf. <a href="/matthew/1-23.htm">Matthew 1:23</a>, note.) <span class="cmt_word">And spoil</span> (<span class="greek">ἁρπάσαι</span>) <span class="cmt_word">his goods.</span> Carry off his household tools and utensils (<span class="greek">τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ</span>)<span class="accented">. <span class="cmt_word"></span>Except he first bind</span> <span class="cmt_word">the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.</span> This is more than merely the conclusion. It is an emphatic statement that he will do this, yes, utterly plunder (<span class="greek">διαρπάσει</span>) the whole house. The interpretation of the parable is self-evident: the strong man is Satan; his vessels are those afflicted by him; the one who binds, etc., is Christ. For Christ's appearance and work, even before the Crucifixion and Resurrection, bound Satan in this respect. Observe that there is probably a tacit reference to <a href="/isaiah/49-25.htm">Isaiah 49:25</a>, which at any rate now received a fulfilment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/12-29.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">How</span><br /><span class="grk">πῶς</span> <span class="translit">(pōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> </span><span class="str2">Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can</span><br /><span class="grk">δύναταί</span> <span class="translit">(dynatai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">anyone</span><br /><span class="grk">τις</span> <span class="translit">(tis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">enter</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰσελθεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(eiselthein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a strong [man’s]</span><br /><span class="grk">ἰσχυροῦ</span> <span class="translit">(ischyrou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2478.htm">Strong's 2478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">house</span><br /><span class="grk">οἰκίαν</span> <span class="translit">(oikian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3614.htm">Strong's 3614: </a> </span><span class="str2">From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">steal</span><br /><span class="grk">ἁρπάσαι</span> <span class="translit">(harpasai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_726.htm">Strong's 726: </a> </span><span class="str2">To seize, snatch, obtain by robbery. From a derivative of haireomai; to seize.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">possessions,</span><br /><span class="grk">σκεύη</span> <span class="translit">(skeuē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4632.htm">Strong's 4632: </a> </span><span class="str2">A vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">unless</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐὰν</span> <span class="translit">(ean)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">{he} first</span><br /><span class="grk">πρῶτον</span> <span class="translit">(prōton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Superlative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4412.htm">Strong's 4412: </a> </span><span class="str2">First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ties up</span><br /><span class="grk">δήσῃ</span> <span class="translit">(dēsē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1210.htm">Strong's 1210: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸν</span> <span class="translit">(ton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">strong [man]?</span><br /><span class="grk">ἰσχυρόν</span> <span class="translit">(ischyron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2478.htm">Strong's 2478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Then</span><br /><span class="grk">τότε</span> <span class="translit">(tote)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he can plunder</span><br /><span class="grk">διαρπάσει</span> <span class="translit">(diarpasei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1283.htm">Strong's 1283: </a> </span><span class="str2">To plunder, rob thoroughly. From dia and harpazo; to seize asunder, i.e. Plunder.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">house.</span><br /><span class="grk">οἰκίαν</span> <span class="translit">(oikian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3614.htm">Strong's 3614: </a> </span><span class="str2">From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/12-29.htm">Matthew 12:29 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/12-29.htm">Matthew 12:29 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/12-29.htm">Matthew 12:29 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/12-29.htm">Matthew 12:29 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/12-29.htm">Matthew 12:29 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/12-29.htm">Matthew 12:29 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/12-29.htm">Matthew 12:29 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/12-29.htm">Matthew 12:29 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/12-29.htm">Matthew 12:29 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/12-29.htm">Matthew 12:29 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/12-29.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 12:29 Or how can one enter into (Matt. 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