But 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.

LUKE 11:22KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 11:22 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:22 mean?

Luke 11:22 describes how, when someone stronger comes and defeats a previously powerful figure, the stronger one strips away all the defeated person’s defenses and divides up what belonged to him. This verse uses the image of a stronger person overpowering another to show how strength and authority can be overcome by someone greater.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd after being accused of casting out demons by the power of an evil spirit. He uses this example to explain that if a “strong man” (often understood as a symbol for evil or Satan) is guarding his possessions, only someone even stronger can overpower him and take away his protection. The verse highlights the idea of true authority and power, setting up Jesus as the one who is able to defeat and disarm evil.

The Greek behind Luke 11:22

  • “Stronger” (ἰσχυρότερος, ischuroteros) emphasizes not just physical might but greater power or authority, pointing to someone who is clearly superior.
  • “Armour” (πανοπλία, panoplia) refers to full protective gear, suggesting that the defeated figure felt secure and well-defended until someone greater arrived.
  • “Spoils” (σκῦλα, skyla) means the goods or possessions taken after a victory, reinforcing the idea of total defeat and loss for the weaker party.

Why Luke 11:22 matters

  • Luke 11:22 clarifies that Jesus is not working with evil forces but is actually stronger than them, able to defeat and strip them of their power.
  • The verse helps the reader understand the broader argument Jesus is making about authority and the reality of spiritual conflict.
  • This image connects to the whole passage, where Jesus is explaining the nature of his mission and the reality of overcoming evil, not just coexisting with it.

Where else these words appear

“when” Greek G1875 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 11:34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.

“armour” Greek G3833 · used in 3 verses

  • Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
  • Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

“divideth” Greek G1239 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
  • John 6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
  • Acts 4:35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

“him” Greek G1904 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
  • Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
  • Acts 14:19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.