What does it mean to bind the strong man?

The phrase “bind the strong man” is a striking and memorable image from the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. It appears in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—where Jesus uses it in response to accusations from the religious leaders of his day. While the expression may seem mysterious at first, its meaning and implications are profound for understanding the nature of Jesus’ ministry, spiritual warfare, and the authority given to believers. In this article, we will explore the biblical context of “binding the strong man,” its theological significance, and what it means for Christians today.

The Biblical Context

The concept of binding the strong man is found most clearly in Mark 3:22-27 (also Matthew 12:25-29 and Luke 11:14-22). In this passage, Jesus has just cast out a demon from a man, prompting the Pharisees and teachers of the law to accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus responds by pointing out the illogic of their accusation—why would Satan cast out Satan? He then uses a parable to illustrate his point: “No one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house” (Mark 3:27, ESV).

Understanding the Parable

In this brief parable, the “strong man” is generally understood to represent Satan or the powers of evil that hold people in bondage. The “house” symbolizes the domain or sphere of influence under the control of the strong man, and the “goods” or “possessions” are the people or things held captive by these powers. The one who enters the house and binds the strong man is Jesus Himself, who has come to confront the forces of evil and set people free.

Jesus’ point is clear: in order to free those under the power of darkness, it is first necessary to overpower and restrain the one who holds them captive. Just as a thief could not rob a well-guarded house without neutralizing the guard, so too must the power of Satan be broken before those under his influence can be delivered. This parable serves as a defense of Jesus’ authority over demons, showing that His miracles are not in alliance with evil, but are a direct assault on it.

Theological Significance

The imagery of binding the strong man highlights the central mission of Jesus: to defeat the powers of sin, evil, and death. Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated authority over demons, sickness, and even nature, signaling the arrival of God’s kingdom and the overthrow of the enemy’s reign. His death and resurrection are seen in Christian theology as the ultimate act of binding the strong man, disarming the rulers and authorities (Colossians 2:15), and liberating humanity from spiritual bondage.

This theme also underscores the reality of spiritual warfare. The New Testament portrays the Christian life as a struggle not just against flesh and blood, but “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness” (Ephesians 6:12). Binding the strong man is both an accomplished fact in Christ and an ongoing spiritual task for believers who are called to resist the devil and stand firm in faith.

Practical Implications for Believers

For Christians today, the idea of binding the strong man carries several important applications. First, it is a reminder of Jesus’ complete authority over evil and the security believers have in His victory. When facing temptation, addiction, oppression, or spiritual attack, Christians can stand on the truth that the strong man has already been bound by Christ.

Second, it calls believers to participate actively in spiritual warfare—not in fear, but with confidence. Through prayer, proclamation of God’s word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians can resist the enemy’s schemes and see people set free from bondage. Some Christian traditions employ the language of “binding and loosing” in prayer, seeking God’s power to restrain evil and release blessing.

Finally, this teaching challenges believers to recognize the deeper spiritual realities at work in the world. It invites a posture of vigilance, discernment, and hope, knowing that the struggle is real but the outcome is secure in Christ.