King James Version

What Does Luke 11:21 Mean?

Luke 11:21 in the King James Version says “When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 11:21 · KJV

Peace

Context

19

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.

20

But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

21

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

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.

23

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace. Jesus shifts to parabolic imagery, introducing "a strong man armed" (ὁ ἰσχυρὸς καθωπλισμένος, ho ischyros kathōplismenos)—fully equipped with weapons and armor. This figure represents Satan, whose "palace" (αὐλή, aulē—courtyard, domain) is the world system under his temporary control (2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 John 5:19). His "goods" (ὑπάρχοντα, huparchonta—possessions) are demon-oppressed and unregenerate humanity held captive to his will.

The phrase "are in peace" (ἐν εἰρήνῃ ἐστίν, en eirēnē estin) contains grim irony—Satan's 'peace' is the false security of undisturbed tyranny. His captives remain 'peaceful' only because no stronger power has challenged his dominion. This describes humanity's pre-gospel state: enslaved to sin, blinded by the god of this world, yet unaware of bondage. The strong man maintains his plunder unopposed until a superior power invades his domain—which is precisely what Jesus' exorcisms accomplish.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The imagery of a fortified stronghold resonated with audiences familiar with military occupation and defended estates. Palestinian society knew both Roman military power and local strongmen who controlled territories. The metaphor portrays Satan's kingdom as an armed fortress requiring violent overthrow, not mere persuasion. This aligns with Jesus' statement that 'the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force' (Matthew 11:12)—the gospel advances through spiritual warfare, not passive coexistence with evil.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Satan's description as an 'armed strong man' teach about the reality and danger of spiritual opposition?
  2. How does the false 'peace' of Satan's undisturbed kingdom parallel contemporary spiritual complacency among the unregenerate?
  3. In what ways does this imagery challenge pietistic Christianity that underestimates the active, violent nature of spiritual warfare?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ὅταν1 of 14

“When”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ὁ2 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἰσχυρὸς3 of 14

“a strong man”

G2478

forcible (literally or figuratively)

καθωπλισμένος4 of 14

“armed”

G2528

and g3695; to equip fully with armor

φυλάσσῃ5 of 14

“keepeth”

G5442

to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid

τὴν6 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑαυτοῦ7 of 14

“palace”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

αὐλήν8 of 14

“his”

G833

a yard (as open to the wind); by implication, a mansion

ἐν9 of 14

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

εἰρήνῃ10 of 14

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

ἐστὶν11 of 14

“are”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὰ12 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπάρχοντα13 of 14

“goods”

G5224

things extant or in hand, i.e., property or possessions

αὐτοῦ·14 of 14

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 11:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 11:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 3:27Matthew 12:29

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