Devine Scripture

Mark 3:27

What does Mark 3:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 3:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 3:27 means

Jesus uses the parable of the "strong man" to explain his power over demons. He asserts that no one can successfully raid a powerful man's house and steal his possessions unless they first overpower and bind the strong man. This illustrates that Jesus, by casting out demons, is not in league with Satan but is actively demonstrating his superior strength and authority over Satan, the "strong man," thereby plundering his spiritual domain and releasing those held captive.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But no one is able to go into the house of the strong man and take his goods, without first putting cords round the strong man, and then he will take his goods.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`No one is able the vessels of the strong man--having entered into his house--to spoil, if first he may not bind the strong man, and then his house he will spoil.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

No man can enter into the house of a strong man and rob him of his goods, unless he first bind the strong man, and then shall he plunder his house.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But no one can, having entered into his house, plunder the goods of the strong [man] unless he first bind the strong [man], and then he will plunder his house.

Context

Following the refutation of the concept of a divided Satanic kingdom, Jesus provides a clarifying parable. This verse introduces the powerful image of the 'strong man,' explicitly showing that Jesus' ability to cast out demons is not a sign of alliance with Satan but rather a demonstration of his greater power. This sets the stage for the solemn warning about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

v.26And if Satan hath risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.

v.27This passage

v.28Verily I say unto you, All their sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and their blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 12:7

    And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angelsgoing forthto war with the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels;

  • Isaiah 49:24

    Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captives be delivered?

  • 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.

  • Hebrews 2:14

    Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

  • 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.

  • John 12:31

    Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 3

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 3.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Mark 3:27.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary