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Book of Luke - Chapter 11 - Verse 22

11:22
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.

Meaning

With the verse "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," Jesus uses a parable to explain the concept of spiritual warfare. In this metaphor, the strong man represents Satan, who holds power over individuals through sin and deception. However, when a stronger force, namely Jesus Christ, confronts Satan and defeats him, all the spiritual armor that Satan relied on to keep people in bondage is stripped away. This imagery highlights the victory of Jesus over the forces of darkness and the removal of their power. The spoils represent the freedom and blessings that Jesus brings to those who are delivered from the enemy's grasp. This verse serves as a reminder of the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the power of Jesus to bring liberation and restoration to those who trust in Him.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of this verse from the Gospel of Luke is that it can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual battle between good and evil. In this context, the "stronger" figure is often interpreted as referring to Jesus Christ, who has the power to overcome the forces of darkness. By taking away the armor of the enemy and dividing the spoils, Jesus is portrayed as victorious in the struggle against evil, ultimately triumphing over sin and death.

From a word study perspective, the use of terms like "stronger," "armor," and "spoils" can offer additional insight into the meaning of the verse. The term "armor" may symbolize the false sense of security and protection that the enemy relies on, which is ultimately proven inadequate in the face of a greater power. The word "spoils" suggests that not only is the enemy defeated, but their possessions and treasures are also seized as a sign of victory. Overall, this verse can be understood as a demonstration of the transformative power of God's strength and the ultimate victory of light over darkness.

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