Matthew 12:29
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
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.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house--or rather, "the strong man's house." and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
Open source ↗In this chapter, we have, I. Christ's clearing of the law of the fourth commandment concerning the sabbath-day, and vindicating it from some superstitious notions advanced by the Jewish teachers; showing that works of necessity and mercy are to be done on that day (Mat 12:1-13). II. The prudence, humility, and self-denial of our Lord Jesus in working his miracles (Mat 12:14-21). III. Christ's answer to the blasphemous cavils and calumnies of the scribes and Pharisees, who imputed his casting out devils to a compact with the devil (v. 22-37). IV. Christ's reply to a tempting demand of the scribes and Pharisees, challenging him to show them a sign from heaven (Mat 12:38-45). V. Christ's judgment about his kindred and relations (Mat 12:46-50).
Open source ↗12:29 This parable forced the Pharisees to answer a simple question: Can anyone cast out demons without first binding Satan’s powers and thus opposing him (see Isa 49:24-26; 53:12)? • tie him up: Jesus overcame Satan first at his temptation (Matt 4:1-11), then throughout his ministry (see Luke 10:17-20), and ultimately on the cross (see Col 2:14-15).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Can the plunder be snatched from the mighty, or the captives of a tyrant be delivered?
Indeed, no one can enter a strong man’s house to steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house.
You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.
Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.