Luke 11:21
When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
Original Language Analysis
ὅταν
When
G3752
ὅταν
When
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
1 of 14
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φυλάσσῃ
keepeth
G5442
φυλάσσῃ
keepeth
Strong's:
G5442
Word #:
5 of 14
to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτοῦ
palace
G1438
ἑαυτοῦ
palace
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
7 of 14
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
εἰρήνῃ
peace
G1515
εἰρήνῃ
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
10 of 14
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 3:27No 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.Matthew 12:29Or 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.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Satan's description as an 'armed strong man' teach about the reality and danger of spiritual opposition?
- How does the false 'peace' of Satan's undisturbed kingdom parallel contemporary spiritual complacency among the unregenerate?
- In what ways does this imagery challenge pietistic Christianity that underestimates the active, violent nature of spiritual warfare?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.