When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:

LUKE 11:21KJV
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Luke 11:21 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:21 mean?

Luke 11:21 describes a situation where a strong, well-armed man guards his own home, and as a result, all his possessions remain safe and undisturbed. The verse uses this image to illustrate a principle about security and strength.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd after casting out a demon, responding to accusations that He does so by the power of evil. He uses the picture of a powerful man protecting his palace to set up a point about what happens when someone even stronger arrives. The verse highlights the idea that as long as the strong man is in control, everything he owns is secure, setting the stage for a lesson about true spiritual power.

The Greek behind Luke 11:21

  • The word for "armed" is κατέχω (katecho), which means equipped or fully prepared for defense. This emphasizes the strong man's readiness and ability to protect what is his.
  • The word for "palace" is αὑτοῦ (heautou), which literally means "his own" and refers to the man's personal residence or domain. This stresses the personal nature of what is being guarded.
  • The word for "goods" is ὑπάρχοντα (hyparchonta), meaning possessions or belongings. This shows that the focus is not just on the place, but everything valuable within it.
  • The word for "peace" is εἰρήνη (eirēnē), meaning a state of rest, safety, or undisturbed calm. This highlights that the security provided by the strong man brings about a settled, undisturbed situation.

Why Luke 11:21 matters

  • Luke 11:21 helps clarify that Jesus is not simply talking about physical strength, but is preparing to contrast human power with a greater spiritual authority.
  • The verse sets up the next statement, where Jesus explains what happens when someone stronger overcomes the strong man, pointing to His own power over evil.
  • Understanding the image of undisturbed peace in the strong man's house helps readers see the seriousness of the spiritual conflict Jesus is addressing, not just a simple story about guarding possessions.

Where else these words appear

“his” Greek G833 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 26:3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
  • Mark 14:54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
  • John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

“goods” Greek G5224 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
  • Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
  • Luke 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

“man” Greek G2478 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • 1 Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
  • 1 John 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

“keepeth” Greek G5442 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
  • Acts 7:53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.