Lexical Summary diarpazó: To plunder, to seize thoroughly, to snatch away Original Word: διαρπάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to plunderFrom dia and harpazo; to seize asunder, i.e. Plunder -- spoil. see GREEK dia see GREEK harpazo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and harpazó Definition to plunder NASB Translation plunder (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1283: διαρπάζωδιαρπάζω: future διαρπάσω; 1 aorist (subjunctive 3 person singular διαρπάσῃ), infinitive διαρπάσαι; to plunder: Matthew 12:29{a} (where L T Tr WH ἁρπάσαι), 29^b (R T Tr WH); Mark 3:27. (From Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Occurrences in the New Testament The verb appears three times, all within the parallel accounts of the strong-man saying (Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27, Mark 3:27). Each occurrence portrays the forcible removal of goods once the owner has been subdued. Matthew 12:29: “Or 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.” Mark 3:27: “No one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.” First-Century Imagery Contemporary hearers would recognize a familiar wartime picture—entering a conquered city, binding its defender, and carrying off spoils. The verb evokes total, unhindered plundering, not a casual theft. In the ancient world such language signified both victory and public demonstration of the defeated foe’s helplessness. Christological Significance 1. Demonstration of Messianic Power. By applying this verb to His own mission, Jesus reveals Himself as the One strong enough to overpower “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31). His miracles of deliverance, which prompt the accusation of alliance with Beelzebul, are proof that the strong man has been bound and his goods—people held in bondage—are being liberated. Old Testament Resonance Scripture frequently uses plunder imagery for Yahweh’s victories (Exodus 15:9; Isaiah 53:12; Zechariah 14:1). The Gospel pericopes echo this heritage: as Israel once witnessed the spoiling of Egypt, so the New Covenant displays the spoiling of Satan’s realm. Implications for Spiritual Warfare 1. Objective Victory. The strong man is already bound. Believers engage the enemy from a position of Christ’s accomplished conquest (Ephesians 1:20–23). Ecclesiological Application The early church read these sayings as assurance that Gentile mission would succeed. Satan’s “goods” include nations once deceived; their conversion is evidence that the house is being emptied. Acts records this progressive plundering as the gospel advances from Jerusalem to Rome. Pastoral Encouragement Believers facing temptation or oppression are reminded that the greater One has already overcome. 1 Peter 5:8–9 calls Christians to resist a defeated adversary, firm in faith. The verb’s intensive force assures them that Christ’s grasp on the redeemed is stronger than Satan’s former grip. Homiletical Insights • Contrast the futility of self-reform (Matthew 12:43–45) with the decisive rescue implied by the verb. Doctrinal Connections Atonement: Christ’s victory motif complements substitution, presenting the cross as both sacrifice and conquest. Kingdom Theology: The present yet future nature of God’s reign is illustrated; the decisive blow has landed, but final removal of evil awaits consummation. Assurance of Salvation: Because the plundering is thorough, none whom Christ liberates will be reclaimed by the enemy (John 10:28). Practical Ministry Considerations • Evangelists may find confidence to preach in hostile contexts, knowing the strong man is restrained. Forms and Transliterations διαπαρατριβαί διαρπαγήσονται διαρπαζόμενος διαρπάζοντες διαρπαζόντων διαρπάζουσι διαρπασαι διαρπάσαι διαρπασάτωσαν διαρπασει διαρπάσει διαρπάσωμεν διαρπώνται διέρραγκα διήρπαζον διήρπασαν διηρπασμένη διηρπασμένοι διηρπασμένον διηρπασμένος diarpasai diarpásai diarpasei diarpáseiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 12:29 V-FIA-3SGRK: οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ διαρπάσει NAS: [man]? And then he will plunder his house. KJV: house, and spoil his goods, INT: house of him he will plunder Mark 3:27 V-ANA Mark 3:27 V-FIA-3S Strong's Greek 1283 |
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