Bible Strands
Matthew 12:45
Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to the crowds while His mother and brothers stand outside waiting, continuing the parable immediately after the unclean spirit finds its former house swept and empty.
The words — The Greek πορεύεται (poreuetai) means "it goes," and ἑπτὰ (hepta) translates to "seven," marking the spirit's departure and the precise number of companions it recruits.
The thread — The passage repeats the spirit's return in Luke 11:26, mirrors the numerical demonic identity in Mark 5:9, and stands in contrast to the irreversible spiritual condition described in Hebrews 6:4.
Why it lands — The text states that the man's final plight becomes worse after seven wicked spirits take up residence, concluding that this outcome will define the wicked generation. It requires a reader to acknowledge that removing impurity without filling the space leaves the soul exposed to greater judgment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Cross-references
- Luke 11:26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first.”
- Mark 5:9 “What is your name?” Jesus asked. “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.”
- Hebrews 6:4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,
- Hebrews 10:26 If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains,
- 2 Peter 2:14 Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed.
- Mark 16:9 Early on the first day of the week, after Jesus had risen, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had driven out seven demons.
- John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.
- Jude 1:10 These men, however, slander what they do not understand, and like irrational animals, they will be destroyed by the things they do instinctively.
- Romans 11:8 as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.”
- Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.