διαρπάζω

I plunder, rob thoroughly

Definition

The verb διαρπάζω means to plunder, rob, or seize thoroughly and completely. It carries the sense of violently stripping something away, often with force or aggression. In its two New Testament occurrences, it describes the act of plundering a strong man's house after first binding him (Matthew 12:29, Mark 3:27). The prefix διά intensifies the action, implying a thorough ransacking or total despoiling.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in parallel passages in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 12:29 and Mark 3:27). In both contexts, Jesus uses it metaphorically in a parable about binding a strong man to plunder (διαρπάσαι) his goods. The usage is identical, describing a complete and decisive act of seizure that follows a prior act of overcoming (binding).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning 'through' or 'thoroughly,' combined with the root ἁρπάζω (harpazō, G726), which means 'to seize, snatch away, or carry off.' The compound form intensifies the base verb, emphasizing a thorough, penetrating, or complete act of plunder. Cognates include ἁρπαγμός (G725, 'something to be seized') and ἁρπαξ (G727, 'rapacious, robber').

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it appears in Jesus's explanation of his exorcistic ministry and his conflict with Satan. By stating that one must first bind the strong man (Satan) to 'plunder his house,' Jesus portrays his mission as a decisive invasion and dismantling of the devil's dominion to liberate his captives. Understanding the force of διαρπάζω enriches the reading by highlighting the total victory and thorough spoiling of the enemy's goods accomplished through Christ's power.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the act of διαρπάζω would evoke images of military conquest or banditry, where a fortified house or possession is violently and completely stripped of its valuables. The metaphor of 'binding a strong man' before plundering his house draws on a common understanding of overcoming a powerful guardian to take what he protects. This imagery of total conquest and seizure would have been immediately vivid to Jesus's original audience.

ἁρπάζω (harpazō, G726) — the root verb meaning to seize or snatch away, but without the intensive 'thoroughness' implied by the prefix. συλαγωγέω (sulagōgeō, G4812) — to carry off as booty or spoil, often in a military context. ἀφαιρέω (aphaireō, G851) — to take away or remove, but not necessarily with the same violent or plundering connotation.

Word Details

Scripture References