Saying 35: Binding the Strong Man
You cannot get into a strong man's house and take it by force without tying his hands first; then you can loot the place.
Commentary
Mark uses this to explain exorcism. Stripped of that setting, Thomas leaves a bare tactical image — whatever holds you has to be bound before anything can be taken back.
Parallels
Mark 3:27; Matthew 12:29; Luke 11:21–22
Sayings on the same themes
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