King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:29 Mean?

Matthew 12:29 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Matthew 12:29 · King James Version

Context

27

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

28

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

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.

30

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

31

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
'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.' Jesus's third argument uses parable: to plunder strong man's house, you must first bind him. The 'strong man' (ἰσχυρὸς/ischyros) represents Satan; his 'house' is his kingdom; his 'goods' (σκεύη/skeuē) are demon-possessed people. Jesus's exorcisms are 'spoiling' (διαρπάσει/diarpásei, plundering) Satan's house. This requires having bound the strong man—demonstrating superior power. Reformed theology sees this as describing Christ's victory over Satan. The binding occurred through incarnation, temptation victory (Matthew 4:1-11), entire ministry, and culminating at cross/resurrection (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14). Satan is bound in sense that his power is broken; believers can be freed from his dominion. Full binding awaits final judgment (Revelation 20:2). But Christ's authority over demons proved Satan's defeat was underway. Every exorcism was military victory plundering enemy territory. The gospel advances by liberating Satan's captives.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient warfare included plundering conquered cities—taking spoils after defeating defenders. Jesus uses this imagery: Satan is strong man defending his domain; Christ is stronger, binding him and freeing his captives. This explains Jesus's exorcistic ministry: not random acts but systematic campaign against Satan's kingdom. Isaiah 49:24-25 prophesied Messiah would take captives from the mighty—Jesus fulfills this. Paul develops the imagery: Christ triumphed over principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15), led captivity captive (Ephesians 4:8). Early church understood conversion as transfer from Satan's kingdom to God's (Acts 26:18, Colossians 1:13). Medieval theology pictured atonement as ransom from Satan—partially correct but missing penal substitution emphasis. Reformation clarified: atonement is primarily Godward (satisfying divine justice) but includes Satanward victory (breaking devil's power). Modern application: evangelism is plundering operation, freeing Satan's captives through gospel proclamation. Every conversion is spoiling the strong man's house. Yet Satan remains dangerous until final binding (1 Peter 5:8)—defeated but not yet eliminated.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding evangelism and ministry as 'spoiling' Satan's house affect your sense of spiritual warfare and mission urgency?
  2. In what ways has Christ 'bound the strong man' through His life, death, and resurrection?
  3. How do you balance recognizing Satan's defeat (already) with acknowledging his continuing danger (not yet)?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ἢ1 of 27

“Or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

πῶς2 of 27

“else how”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

δύναταί3 of 27

“can”

G1410

to be able or possible

τις4 of 27

“one”

G5100

some or any person or object

εἰσελθεῖν5 of 27

“enter”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς6 of 27

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν7 of 27
G3588

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

οἰκίαν8 of 27

“house”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

τοῦ9 of 27
G3588

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

ἰσχυρόν,10 of 27

“a strong man's”

G2478

forcible (literally or figuratively)

καὶ11 of 27

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰ12 of 27
G3588

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

σκεύη13 of 27

“goods”

G4632

a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))

αὐτοῦ14 of 27

“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

διαρπάσει15 of 27

“he will spoil”

G1283

to seize asunder, i.e., plunder

ἐὰν16 of 27
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

μὴ17 of 27
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πρῶτον18 of 27

“he first”

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

δήσῃ19 of 27

“bind”

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

τὸν20 of 27
G3588

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

ἰσχυρόν,21 of 27

“a strong man's”

G2478

forcible (literally or figuratively)

καὶ22 of 27

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τότε23 of 27

“then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

τὴν24 of 27
G3588

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

οἰκίαν25 of 27

“house”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

αὐτοῦ26 of 27

“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

διαρπάσει27 of 27

“he will spoil”

G1283

to seize asunder, i.e., plunder

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 12:29 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 Matthew 12:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 49:24Luke 11:21-22Mark 3:271 John 4:4Revelation 20:7-91 John 3:8

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