Paragraph 11:21–22
In the following example, Jesus compared Satan to a strong man. Jesus then compared himself to someone who was even stronger. This example figuratively describes what Jesus did to Satan. He fought against Satan and won. After conquering Satan, he had the authority to cause Satan’s unclean spirits to leave people. This was like the stronger man who took the possessions of the weaker man.
11:21a
When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house: Here Jesus used an example to teach a principle. The example was of a strong man carrying weapons who guards his house against enemies. But Jesus was not actually talking about a strong man and a house. He was using this illustration to refer to Satan guarding the people over whom he had power.
In some languages it may be helpful to make explicit that this verse is an illustration. You may want to state that Satan is compared to the strong man. For example:
⌊Jesus continued by using a parable/illustration.⌋
-or-
⌊Satan can be compared to⌋ a strong man.
When a strong man: If your language does not normally introduce a new person into a story in a clause that begins with When, you may need to introduce the strong man in the way suggested above. For example:
⌊Satan can be compared to⌋ a strong man who has many weapons. When this strong man guards his house…
a strong man: In this context a strong man refers to a “soldier” or “warrior.” He is a man who is able to fight well. This phrase figuratively refers to Satan.
fully armed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as fully armed means “well equipped with weapons and armor.” The strong man is pictured as wearing armor like a soldier and carrying a sword and other military weapons. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:
with many weapons (New Century Version)
-or-
with all his weapons ready (Good News Translation)
his house: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as house has a range of meanings, including “hall,” “courtyard,” “palace,” and “house.” If you have a word that refers to a large house, you may use it here. For example:
his own palace (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
his own mansion (God’s Word)
But you may also use a general word such as “house.” The focus here is not on the size of the building.
11:21b
his possessions are secure: The Greek expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates as secure is literally “at peace.” In this context it means “protected.” The things that the strong man owns are safe or secure because no one can come in and steal them. Some other ways to translate this clause are:
a thief will not be able to steal/take his belongings
-or-
nothing will happen to the things that he owns
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