διαρπάζω (diarpazō)
diarpazō
to rob
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diarpazō means to strip someone of their possessions through force, carrying a sense of thorough plundering rather than simple theft. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both within the Synoptic Gospels, where it describes the violent seizure of property or person.
Its strength comes from its components: dia ("through" or "thoroughly") and harpazō ("to seize"). This combination suggests a complete stripping away. In Matthew 12:29 and Mark 3:27, Jesus uses it metaphorically to describe Satan’s hold over people. He argues that one cannot plunder a strong man’s house unless he first binds him, illustrating that spiritual liberation requires overpowering the enemy.
Translators typically render this word as "plunder" or "rob," emphasizing the aggressive nature of the act. The imagery is stark: it is not a subtle taking but a forceful raid. By using this term, the Gospels highlight the intensity of spiritual conflict and the necessity of divine power to overcome evil’s grip.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diarpazō paints a vivid picture of forceful robbery, where an intruder strips a home bare. Jesus uses this intense imagery in Matthew and Mark to describe spiritual warfare. He explains that Satan holds people captive like a strong man guarding his house. To free those held by evil, one must first overpower the captor.
This passage offers deep comfort for your faith. It shows that liberation from sin and darkness is possible only through superior power. Jesus claims this authority, binding the enemy to rescue His people. You can trust that no spiritual stronghold is too secure against Him. His victory ensures that those who belong to Him are safe.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to plunder,1×
- he will rob.1×
- he will plunder.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διαρπάσει.¶2×
- διαρπάσαι,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 12:29
Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man and plunder his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? Then he will plunder his house.
This verse establishes the necessity of binding the strong man before any plundering can occur, highlighting Jesus' authority over Satan.
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Mark 3:27
But no one can enter into the house of the strong man to plunder unless he first binds the strong man; then he will plunder his house.
Mark reinforces the same metaphor, emphasizing that no one can successfully rob Satan's domain without first restraining him.