The strong man of this parable is evidently Satan, who guards the palace of man's nature, to which he has no right. It is the palace of the King, which has been captured by His direst foe. The demon-possession of the body is a parable and illustration of the terrible results of the possession of the soul by the demons of jealousy, passion, etc. Satan is strong-stronger than Adam in his innocence or David in his palace. He is armed with the lie; is always on the watch to lull us into false security; but the peace which He gives is of death.
Thank God, Christ is stronger! In the wilderness and on the Cross He proved Himself so. He took away His foe's armor and bruised his head. When Christ takes up His residence in the heart Satan may rage outside and fling in horrid suggestions, but the door is kept closed against his return. They are to be pitied who make a reform in their own strength-Satan will return. Only Christ can work permanent deliverance. [source]
Chapter Summary: Luke 11
1Jesus teaches us to pray, and that instantly; 11assuring us that God will give all good things to those who ask him 14He, casting out a demon, rebukes the blasphemous Pharisees; 27and shows who are blessed; 29preaches to the people; 37and reprimands the outward show of holiness
Greek Commentary for Luke 11:16
Tempting him [πειραζοντες] These “others” By “sign” (σημειον sēmeion) they meant a great spectacular display of heavenly power such as they expected the Messiah to give and such as the devil suggested to Jesus on the pinnacle of the temple. [source]
Sought [εζητουν] Imperfect active, kept on seeking. [source]
John 8:6Tempting him [πειραζοντες αυτον] Evil sense of this present active participle of πειραζω peirazō as so often (Mark 8:11; Mark 10:2, etc.). That they might have whereof to accuse him Purpose clause with ινα hina and present active subjunctive of εχω echō This laying of traps for Jesus was a common practice of his enemies (Luke 11:16, etc.). Note present active infinitive of κατηγορεω katēgoreō (see Matthew 12:10 for the verb) to go on accusing (with genitive αυτου autou). It was now a habit with these rabbis. Stooped down First aorist active participle of κυπτω kuptō old verb to bow the head, to bend forward, in N.T. only here and John 8:8; Mark 1:7. The use of κατω katō (down) gives a vivid touch to the picture. With his finger Instrumental case of δακτυλος daktulos for which see Matthew 23:4. Wrote on the ground Imperfect active of καταγραπω katagraphō old compound, here only in N.T., to draw, to delineate, to write down, apparently inchoative, began to write on the sand as every one has done sometimes. The only mention of writing by Jesus and the use of καταγραπω katagraphō leaves it uncertain whether he was writing words or drawing pictures or making signs. If we only knew what he wrote! Certainly Jesus knew how to write. And yet more books have been written about this one who wrote nothing that is preserved than any other person or subject in human history. There is a tradition that Jesus wrote down the names and sins of these accusers. That is not likely. They were written on their hearts. Jesus alone on this occasion showed embarrassment over this woman‘s sin. [source]
Greek Commentary for Luke 11:16
These “others” By “sign” (σημειον sēmeion) they meant a great spectacular display of heavenly power such as they expected the Messiah to give and such as the devil suggested to Jesus on the pinnacle of the temple. [source]
Imperfect active, kept on seeking. [source]
See on temptation, Matthew 6:13. [source]
See on Matthew 11:20. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 11:16
Evil sense of this present active participle of πειραζω peirazō as so often (Mark 8:11; Mark 10:2, etc.). That they might have whereof to accuse him Purpose clause with ινα hina and present active subjunctive of εχω echō This laying of traps for Jesus was a common practice of his enemies (Luke 11:16, etc.). Note present active infinitive of κατηγορεω katēgoreō (see Matthew 12:10 for the verb) to go on accusing (with genitive αυτου autou). It was now a habit with these rabbis. Stooped down First aorist active participle of κυπτω kuptō old verb to bow the head, to bend forward, in N.T. only here and John 8:8; Mark 1:7. The use of κατω katō (down) gives a vivid touch to the picture. With his finger Instrumental case of δακτυλος daktulos for which see Matthew 23:4. Wrote on the ground Imperfect active of καταγραπω katagraphō old compound, here only in N.T., to draw, to delineate, to write down, apparently inchoative, began to write on the sand as every one has done sometimes. The only mention of writing by Jesus and the use of καταγραπω katagraphō leaves it uncertain whether he was writing words or drawing pictures or making signs. If we only knew what he wrote! Certainly Jesus knew how to write. And yet more books have been written about this one who wrote nothing that is preserved than any other person or subject in human history. There is a tradition that Jesus wrote down the names and sins of these accusers. That is not likely. They were written on their hearts. Jesus alone on this occasion showed embarrassment over this woman‘s sin. [source]