One of the most damning statements taught by some within
Christianity is that "Satan has never been bound"
My intro "stresses" that this is only taught by
"some" of those within Christianity, because for many, Satan is
currently bound, awaiting his release for a "little season" -
Revelation 20:3
This "Satan has never been bound" phrase is
demonstrably disproved in the same pages of scripture we’re all reading.
Hebrews 2:14 For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Though an interesting word-study on its own, the "he might destroy" is from the Greek word "Katargeo". If we simply took this verse at face value; even in westernized English, it's clear that it says Jesus destroyed the devil, through his own death, but such plain reading is rejected by the greater majority of those in Christendom. Such plain reading is rejected by the greater majority of those in Christendom, for good reason, but for the wrong reason. If this verse spoke to complete ruination of this Devil/Satan, later verses which speak of this same thing as somehow still present would be confusing, and completely contradictory. This is where studying the languages our scriptures were translated from, opens up understandings most didn't have prior to doing such study. Again, the "he might destroy" is from the Greek word "Katargeo". Katargeo is defined as 2673 καταργέω katargeo kat-arg-eh’-o 1) to render idle, unemployed, inactivate, inoperative1a) to cause a person or thing to have no further efficiency1b) to deprive of force, influence, power2) to cause to cease, put an end to, do away with, annul, abolish2a) to cease, to pass away, be done away2b) to be severed from, separated from, discharged from, loosed from any one2c) to terminate all intercourse with one Though not destroyed as we Westerners think, this "Devil/Satan" was somehow rendered idle, unemployed, inactivated, inoperative, stripped of power, etc... Though not a complete destruction, this Devil/Satan was somehow diminished in power, status, strength, etc... Again, all should agree that Hebrews 2:14 is not suggesting this Devil/Satan was vanquished from existence; and since it does not indicate this, we should seek what it does mean. Christ spoke about this "binding" as well: In Matthew 12, Mark 3, and Luke 11, Christ mentions a "binding of the strongman" parabolic analogy. Matthew 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first binds the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. And as the present conversation was about Satan, this isn't a hard line of reasoning to follow. Christ uses an example of a robber/burglar, who "binds" the owner "strongman" and then robs his house. Unless we believe Jesus is giving good burglary advice, this analogy must point to something else that he was demonstrating. Again, the present conversation was about Satan, so this isn't a hard line of reasoning to follow. Matthew 12:22 Then was brought to him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, so that the blind and dumb both spoke and saw. Christ was accused of using the power of Satan, to cast out a Devil. Christ also demonstrated power over the "devil" this man was possessed by. Where did Christ go during those 3 nights and days before his resurrection?1st Peter 3:18-19 For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached to the spirits in prison; He went to the Devil/Satan - Strongman's House; he then bound Satan/the Devil and spoiled his house. Remember the subject verse Hebrews 2:14 For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; As to "how" this Satan/Devil was "destroyed", this verse points out that Christ took this "power of death" out of Satan's power/control. Revelation proves Jesus has the keys (Power) of “hell” and of “death”. - Revelation 1:18 We see this also referenced in 1st John 3:8 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Paul later mentions that Satan would be “Bruised” under their feet “shortly”. Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. The “Bruised” here, is from a Greek word - 4937 συντρίβω suntribo soon-tree’-bo The given definition is 1) break, to break in pieces, shiver2) to tread downTo “crush” is also included in the definition, as when “crushing” grapes. Why do so many within Christianity speak as if Christ failed to accomplish this? Satan may not have been destroyed at/through the events of the cross, but other than the explanation given in this short article, I've yet to hear a coherent and exegetical argument that defeats it. © 2020 Jerry Wm Bowers Jr. Addendum: These are all the New Testament KJV verses that use "Katargeo" Luke 13:7, Romans 3:3, 31, 4:14, 6:6, 7:2, 6, 1st Corinthians 1:28, 2:6, 6:13, 13:8, 10, 11, 15:24, 26, 2nd Corinthians 3:7, 11, 13, 14, Galatians 3:17, 5:5, 11, Ephesians 2:15, 2nd Thessalonians 2:8, 2nd Timothy 1:10 and Hebrews 2:14 A word-study on all these verses is very interesting when using the intended definition and meaning of “Katargeo” as it applies in context.