Luke 11 22

Luke 11:22 kjv

But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

Luke 11:22 nkjv

But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils.

Luke 11:22 niv

But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.

Luke 11:22 esv

but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.

Luke 11:22 nlt

until someone even stronger attacks and overpowers him, strips him of his weapons, and carries off his belongings.

Luke 11 verses

Luke 11 22 Meaning

Luke 11:22 reveals the cosmic conflict between Jesus Christ and Satan. It depicts Jesus as the "stronger one" who decisively invades the domain of Satan, here referred to as the "strong man," and triumphs over him. This victory results in Satan being stripped of his protective "armor" and the "spoil"—those whom he held captive—being released and distributed by the victorious Christ. This verse profoundly asserts Jesus' authority and power over demonic forces, signifying the breaking of Satan's dominion through the advent of God's Kingdom.

Luke 11 22 Context

Luke 11:22 is part of Jesus’ response to the accusation that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebul (Luke 11:15). After a deaf and mute man is healed, some observers attribute Jesus' power to Satan. Jesus counters this absurd claim by first arguing that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand (Luke 11:17-18); Satan would not cast out Satan's demons, as this would mean his kingdom is fractured. He then challenges his accusers: if He casts out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do their own sons cast them out (Luke 11:19)? This parable of the strong man (Luke 11:21-22) serves as the climactic logical illustration. It clarifies that only a superior power can defeat and despoil an established strongman. Jesus is this "stronger one," and His expulsion of demons is definitive proof that He is not an agent of Satan but the agent of God, bringing forth the Kingdom of God (Luke 11:20) and decisively challenging Satan's dominion. The parable serves as a direct polemic against the erroneous belief that Jesus’ divine power derived from evil sources, affirming that His acts signify God’s sovereign reign breaking into the world.

Luke 11 22 Word analysis

• But: A conjunction marking a contrast to the previous verse (Lk 11:21), introducing the triumph over the previously secure strong man.
• when a stronger: The Greek term for "stronger" is ischyroteros (ἰσχυρότερος), a comparative adjective meaning "more powerful" or "mightier." This directly refers to Jesus, establishing His supremacy over Satan. It implies a fundamental qualitative difference in power.
• than he: Refers to the "strong man" of the previous verse (Satan).
• attacks him: The Greek is epelthōn (ἐπελθὼν), meaning "having come upon" or "assailing." It suggests a deliberate, decisive engagement or invasion.
• and overcomes him: The Greek is nikēsei (νικήσει), meaning "will conquer," "will defeat," or "will be victorious over." This verb implies a decisive and conclusive victory, ensuring the defeat of the strong man.
• he takes away: The Greek is airē (αἴρῃ), meaning "to lift up," "to carry off," or "to take away." In this context, it signifies the forcible seizure and removal of what belongs to the conquered.
• his whole armor: The Greek is panoplian autou (πανοπλίαν αὐτοῦ), meaning a "full suit of armor" or "complete weaponry." This signifies the strong man's means of defense, control, and authority, through which he maintained his dominion and kept captives. Its removal means he is disarmed and helpless. This "armor" is not physical but represents Satan's power, strategies, and claims of ownership over those held captive by sin and spiritual darkness.
• in which he trusted: The Greek is epepoithei (ἐπεποίθει), from peitho, meaning "to trust," "to rely on," or "to be confident in." The imperfect tense suggests a past continuous state—the strong man’s constant reliance on his defenses. This highlights Satan's perceived security prior to Christ's advent.
• and divides: The Greek is diamerizei (διαμερίζει), meaning "to divide," "to distribute," or "to parcel out." This act signifies the complete possession and disposition of the conquered enemy's assets.
• his spoil: The Greek is ta skylla autou (τὰ σκύλα αὐτοῦ), which refers to "spoils," "booty," or "plunder" taken from a defeated foe. In this spiritual allegory, the "spoil" represents the captives previously held in Satan's house – humanity, enslaved by sin, darkness, and demonic influence – now liberated and claimed by Christ.

• "when a stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him": This phrase directly establishes the qualitative difference in power between Jesus (the "stronger one") and Satan (the "strong man"). It describes a definitive, invasive action followed by complete conquest, implying a real spiritual battle where victory is secured by Jesus.
• "he takes away his whole armor...and divides his spoil": This grouping emphasizes the dual consequences of Jesus' victory: first, the stripping of Satan's power and means of control (his armor), and second, the liberation of those he held captive (the spoil). This illustrates the direct and immediate effects of Christ's triumph over spiritual forces of darkness. The "spoils" being "divided" can imply believers being brought into the Kingdom of God and given various gifts or being reclaimed by God's purposes.

Luke 11 22 Bonus section

The imagery of a conquering warrior disarming his foe and plundering his goods was readily understandable in ancient times. Jesus uses this common metaphor to illustrate the uncommon, cosmic reality of His ministry. The "strong man" represents not just an individual demon, but the collective dominion of evil that holds humanity in spiritual captivity. Jesus' coming directly challenges this established power. The victory described here is not partial but total, resulting in Satan being rendered defenseless (panoplia taken) and his former captives (humanity) being delivered from his grasp and incorporated into Christ’s redemptive work. This verse speaks to the decisive defeat of Satan at the outset of Jesus' public ministry, foreshadowing His ultimate triumph at the cross and resurrection, which fully secured the liberation and redistribution of the "spoils" (believers) to God's eternal Kingdom.

Luke 11 22 Commentary

Luke 11:22 is Jesus' powerful self-vindication against the slanderous charge of being allied with Beelzebul. Far from cooperating with evil, Jesus identifies Himself as the "stronger one" who confronts and overpowers the reigning "strong man," Satan. This concise allegory reveals the core truth of His ministry: Jesus' exorcisms were not displays of shared demonic power, but rather the clear manifestation of God's Kingdom invading and conquering Satan's established domain. The removal of Satan's "whole armor" signifies the nullification of his authority, defensive capabilities, and ability to hold humanity captive. The "spoils" are humanity itself, previously enslaved by sin and death under Satan's dominion, now liberated by Christ's decisive victory. This verse, therefore, proclaims the inauguration of a new spiritual era where Satan’s stronghold is breached, and liberation is offered to all. It assures us that Jesus has the supreme power to free individuals from spiritual bondage, fundamentally altering the spiritual landscape and demonstrating that the reign of God is actively breaking in.