Spoil
A STUDY ON THE WORD “SPOIL” AS USED IN MATTHEW 12:29
In this verse, our Lord gives us considerable information in regard to the sequence of events, here at the end of the Age. Being so brief, it is necessary that we carefully consider the meaning of each word, in order to get the correct meaning. In this verse, the word “spoil” needs careful attention, since its meaning is often misunderstood. Unfortunately Bro. Russell, in some cases, uses the word in a sense somewhat different from the Scriptural usage.
Matthew 12:29: “Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.”
Strong’s Concordance: Spoil, Diarpazo: to seize asunder; plunder. Young’s Concordance: Spoil: to snatch away thoroughly.
In checking other translations, we found none that used the word “spoil,” but instead such words as ransack, plunder, loot and steal.
We will quote two:
Weymouth: “Again, how can anyone enter the house of a strong man and carry off his goods, unless first of all he masters and secures the strong man? Then will he ransack his house.”
Interlinear Greek-English N.T.: “Or how can anyone to enter into the house of the strong man and the vessels of his to seize, if not first he binds the strong man and then the house of him he will plunder.”
The word “spoil” appears about 118 times in the Bible. In 14 cases in the Old Testament it is translated from a Hebrew word meaning to injure or destroy. In the other places, it is translated from an original word meaning to take after a victory. That evidently is the meaning in Matthew 12:29.
A69 top: “Thus we are taught that Satan must first be bound, restrained and deposed before Christ’s reign of peace and righteousness can be established.”
R575 p I: “The strong prince of this world has obtained much spoil from mankind, leaving him destitute; but this great Deliverer shall not only bind the strong man, but then shall he spoil his house (Matthew 12:29), and during his reign he shall divide or distribute the spoil to mankind, until at its close they shall be very rich in glory, honor and dominion of earth as at first.”
These two quotations relate to our topic. The first gives a general picture. The second uses the word “spoil” exactly as it is used in the Scripture. Satan has been the god of this world, but our Lord is going to complete his binding, and then take over. The binding of Satan, which includes the breaking down or destroying of the present systems, will be completed by the time, or before, the Mediatorial reign begins, then the spoiling, or taking over, can proceed.
The word “spoil” does not mean destroy; but in the reality the “spoiling” will follow closely after the destruction of this order of things and thus could be said to be closely associated.
We are told in Vine’s Commentary that in some Greek texts the word translated “spoil” in the first instance in Matthew 12:29 is harpazo. The meaning of this word is essentially the same as diarpazo, though less intensive.
Two other words in this Scripture might be mentioned: “house” and “goods.” These seem to be good translations of the original, and need no elaboration. From the way these are used, we get the thought that although the Lord returned in 1874 and entered the strong man’s house, he did not immediately exercise dominion, or take full control of earth and the affairs on earth among mankind. He will first bind Satan by breaking down his influence, and then destroying the evil systems which were established under Satan’s influence. Then “the still small voice” will speak peace. Conditions on earth now indicate that Christ is not yet exercising full dominion, full control. When he does, nothing will be allowed to hurt nor destroy.