New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 12:29

Lord of the Sabbath

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. Matthew 12:29 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Matthew 12:29, in plain English

Jesus gives a picture: you cannot rob a strong man's house until you have tied him up first. Jesus is saying He has already overpowered Satan and is now setting captives free.

Why it's here

Jesus is not working with Satan -- He has defeated him. Every deliverance is proof that the enemy's power has been broken.

Who's speaking

Jesus explains through an analogy.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus is not Satan's partner -- He is Satan's conqueror. He has bound the strong man and is raiding his house, setting prisoners free one by one.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus uses the analogy of binding a 'strong man' (ischyrou) before plundering his house, implying that His exorcisms demonstrate He has already bound Satan and is now liberating those under his control.

Language and setting

The 'strong man' represents Satan; the 'house' his domain; the 'possessions' the people he oppresses. Jesus' ability to free the demonized proves He has overpowered the devil, not allied with him.

Voice

Jesus offers a parable to explain His exorcism ministry.

Significance

Jesus reframes the entire situation with a vivid image: He is the one who has broken into Satan's house, bound him, and is now setting his captives free -- the exact opposite of what the Pharisees claimed.

In context

Matthew 12:27–31

27And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.

28But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

29Or 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.

30He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

31Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.

Read all of Matthew 12 — Grain fields on a Saturday spark a furious confrontation. Jesus claims an authority that makes the Pharisees begin plotting his death.

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