Mark 3:27
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.
Original Language Analysis
οὐδεὶς
No man
G3762
οὐδεὶς
No man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
3 of 25
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκεύη
goods
G4632
σκεύη
goods
Strong's:
G4632
Word #:
5 of 25
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκίαν
house
G3614
οἰκίαν
house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
11 of 25
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 25
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
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
14 of 25
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
15 of 25
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δήσῃ
bind
G1210
δήσῃ
bind
Strong's:
G1210
Word #:
19 of 25
to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
21 of 25
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκίαν
house
G3614
οἰκίαν
house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
23 of 25
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
Cross References
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.1 John 4:4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.Isaiah 27:1In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.Isaiah 53:12Therefore will I divide him a portion 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.Colossians 2:15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.1 John 3:8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;John 12:31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.Hebrews 2:14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;Romans 16:20And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Historical Context
Military imagery of binding enemy and plundering his possessions was familiar in ancient warfare. Victorious armies sacked defeated cities, taking inhabitants as slaves and seizing property. Jesus applies this to spiritual realm—His ministry is invasion of Satan's territory, liberating prisoners and demonstrating God's kingdom overthrowing evil's reign. This connects to Isaiah's prophecy of Messiah setting captives free (Isaiah 49:24-25; 61:1). Early church understood evangelism as rescuing people from 'dominion of darkness' into 'kingdom of beloved Son' (Colossians 1:13).
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding evangelism as plundering Satan's kingdom affect your gospel urgency?
- In what ways are you still bound that need Christ's liberating power?
- What does Jesus' victory over the 'strong man' teach about confidence in witnessing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus shifts from defense to offense: '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.' The 'strong man' represents Satan; his 'house' is his kingdom; his 'goods' are demon-possessed people. Jesus is the stronger one who binds Satan and plunders his kingdom by liberating captives. The verb 'bind' (δήσῃ) indicates overpowering, restraining. 'Spoil' (διαρπάσῃ) means plunder, seize as victor's spoils. Jesus' exorcisms are acts of conquest, demonstrating kingdom warfare.