Luke 11:21
What does Luke 11:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 11:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 11:21 means
Jesus illustrates the power dynamics of spiritual warfare using the parable of the "strong man." This strong man, fully armed and guarding his own metaphorical "court" or domain, represents Satan. As long as he remains undisturbed, his possessions—those under his sway—are kept secure and in peace, illustrating his deceptive control over those held captive by sin and spiritual darkness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000When the strong man fully armed guardeth his own court, his goods are in peace:
KJV
King James Version · 1611When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901When the strong man fully armed guardeth his own court, his goods are in peace:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949When the strong man armed keeps watch over his house, then his goods are safe:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`When the strong man armed may keep his hall, in peace are his goods;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752When a strong man armed keepeth his court, those things are in peace which he possesseth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890When the strong [man] armed keeps his own house, his goods are in peace;
Context
This verse introduces the parable of the strong man, immediately following Jesus' declaration that the kingdom of God has come. It illustrates the prior state of spiritual bondage under Satan's dominion. This sets up the dramatic shift in the subsequent verse, where a stronger power enters, demonstrating how Jesus' ministry directly challenges and overcomes Satan's established control.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 12:29
Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
- Mark 3:27
But no one can enter into the house of the strong man, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
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