Luke 11:22
What does Luke 11:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 11:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 11:22 means
This verse presents the critical turning point in the parable of the strong man. A "stronger than he"—clearly representing Jesus Himself—comes upon the strong man, overcomes him, and strips him of his "whole armor." This indicates a decisive victory, where Satan's power is neutralized, and his captives ("spoils") are liberated. Jesus' exorcisms are proof of this greater power, demonstrating His authority over the devil.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him his whole armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him his whole armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But when one who is stronger makes an attack on him and overcomes him, he takes away his instruments of war, in which he had put his faith, and makes division of his goods.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but when the stronger than he, having come upon <FI>him<Fi> , may overcome him, his whole-armour he doth take away in which he had trusted, and his spoils he distributeth;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But if a stronger than he come upon him and overcome him, he will take away all his armour wherein he trusted and will distribute his spoils.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but when the stronger than he coming upon [him] overcomes him, he takes away his panoply in which he trusted, and he will divide the spoil [he has taken] from him.
Context
This verse continues the parable of the strong man, delivering its core message of victory. It follows the description of the strong man's secure reign and directly reveals the coming of a superior power. This illustrates Jesus' work in casting out demons, showing that His actions are a direct assault on Satan's kingdom, leading to the clear call for allegiance in the next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 3:15
and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
- Isaiah 63:1
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
- Isaiah 53:12
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
- 1 John 3:8
he that doeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
- Isaiah 27:1
In that day Jehovah with his hard and great and strong sword will punish leviathan the swift serpent, and leviathan the crooked serpent; and he will slay the monster that is in the sea.
- Isaiah 49:24
Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captives be delivered?
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