Matthew 12:45 Study Bible: Then he goes, and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than he is, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that person becomes worse than the first. Even so will it be also to this evil generation."

◄ 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."

Study Bible

Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself,

This phrase illustrates the concept of spiritual warfare and the reality of demonic activity. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or fullness in biblical literature, suggesting a complete or intensified state of evil. The idea of spirits being more wicked indicates a hierarchy or varying degrees of malevolence among demonic forces. This reflects the Jewish understanding of the spiritual realm during the time of Jesus, where exorcism and spiritual purity were significant concerns. The act of bringing more spirits suggests a deliberate strategy to reinforce the hold on the individual, highlighting the persistent and escalating nature of evil when not countered by the presence of God.

Luk 11:26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits…
Luk 8:2 as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits…
Mrk 5:9 “What is your name?” Jesus asked. “My name is Legion,”…

and they go in and dwell there.

The use of "dwell" implies a sense of permanence or long-term habitation, indicating that the spirits intend to establish a stronghold within the person. This reflects the biblical theme of the body as a temple, which can be inhabited by either the Holy Spirit or unclean spirits. The concept of dwelling also connects to the Old Testament, where God’s presence dwelled in the tabernacle or temple, contrasting with the unclean spirits' desire to inhabit and corrupt. This phrase underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance and the need for a life filled with the Holy Spirit to prevent such occupation.

Mrk 5:12-13 So the demons begged Jesus, “Send us to the pigs,”…
Luk 8:33 Then the demons came out of the man and went into the pigs,…
Luk 22:3 Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve…

And the final plight of that man is worse than the first.

This statement serves as a warning about the dangers of spiritual complacency and the consequences of failing to fill one's life with righteousness after experiencing deliverance. The worsening condition signifies the increased vulnerability and bondage that can occur when one does not maintain spiritual discipline and protection. It echoes the biblical principle found in 2 Peter 2:20-22, where returning to sin after knowing the truth results in a more severe state. This highlights the necessity of ongoing spiritual growth and the transformative power of a relationship with Christ to prevent regression into a worse condition.

2Pe 2:20-22 If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world…
Jhn 5:14 Afterward, Jesus found the man at the temple and said to him…
Pro 26:11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.

So will it be with this wicked generation.”

Here, Jesus applies the parable to His contemporary audience, the generation that witnessed His miracles and teachings yet remained unrepentant. This reflects the broader biblical theme of accountability and judgment for those who reject divine revelation. The term "wicked generation" recalls the language used by the prophets in the Old Testament to describe Israel's unfaithfulness and rebellion against God. It serves as a prophetic warning that the spiritual state of the people will deteriorate if they continue to reject Jesus as the Messiah. This phrase emphasizes the urgency of repentance and the acceptance of Christ's message to avoid spiritual decline and judgment.

Luk 11:29-32 As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said,…
Deu 32:5-6 His people have acted corruptly toward Him;…
Psa 78:8 Then they will not be like their fathers,…

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this passage, providing a warning and teaching about spiritual realities and the state of the generation He was addressing.

2. The Unclean Spirit
Represents evil influences or demonic forces that can inhabit a person or generation, leaving and returning with greater force if not replaced with righteousness.

3. The Man
Symbolizes individuals or groups who experience temporary relief from evil but fail to fill their lives with Godly presence, leading to a worse state.

4. The Wicked Generation
Refers to the people of Jesus' time who were rejecting His message and thus were vulnerable to greater spiritual peril.

5. Seven Other Spirits
Indicates the completeness and severity of the evil that can return if a person or generation does not turn to God.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Vigilance
Believers must remain vigilant and not become complacent after experiencing deliverance or spiritual victories. The absence of evil is not enough; it must be replaced with God's presence.

The Danger of Emptiness
An empty spiritual life is vulnerable to greater evil. It is crucial to fill one's life with the Holy Spirit and God's Word to prevent a return to a worse state.

Generational Warnings
Just as Jesus warned His generation, we must heed the warning for our own time. Societal rejection of God can lead to greater spiritual peril.

The Importance of Discipleship
Continuous growth in faith and discipleship is necessary to maintain spiritual health and prevent regression.

The Power of Community
Engaging in a community of believers provides support and accountability, helping to fill our lives with righteousness and resist evil influences.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the return of the unclean spirit with seven others teach us about the nature of spiritual warfare?

2. How can we ensure that our spiritual "house" is filled with God's presence rather than left empty?

3. In what ways can the warning to the "wicked generation" be applied to our current cultural context?

4. How does Ephesians 6:10-18 inform our understanding of the spiritual armor needed to resist evil influences?

5. What practical steps can we take to avoid the danger of spiritual complacency and ensure continuous growth in our faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Luke 11:24-26
This parallel passage provides additional context to Jesus' teaching about the return of the unclean spirit.

2 Peter 2:20-22
Discusses the danger of returning to sinful ways after having known the way of righteousness, similar to the worsening state described in Matthew 12:45.

Ephesians 6:10-18
Encourages believers to put on the full armor of God to stand against spiritual forces, highlighting the need for spiritual vigilance.

James 4:7
Advises believers to submit to God and resist the devil, emphasizing the importance of filling one's life with God's presence.

Sermons

Last State Worse than First	Marcus Dods	Matthew 12:38-45
One Inevitable Law of Judgment	P.C. Barker	Matthew 12:38-45
The Sign-Seekers	J.A. Macdonald	Matthew 12:38-45
A Natural Improvement, not a Saving Operation	B. Keach.	Matthew 12:43-45
Furnished, But Vacant	T. C. Finlayson	Matthew 12:43-45
Partial Sweeping	B. Keach.	Matthew 12:43-45
Reaction	T. C. Finlayson.	Matthew 12:43-45
Satanic Disquietude When Cast Out of Man		Matthew 12:43-45
Satanic Relaxation not Expulsion	T. Adams.	Matthew 12:43-45
The Apostate, or Black Saint	T. Adams.	Matthew 12:43-45
The Concealed Occupant	T. Adams.	Matthew 12:43-45
The Dangers of Relapse	T. T. Munger.	Matthew 12:43-45
The Empty House	W.F. Adeney	Matthew 12:43-45
The Empty Life	Bishop H. C. Potter.	Matthew 12:43-45
The Entrance of Evil	Bishop Cosin.	Matthew 12:43-45
The Genius of Moral Evil	Dr. Thomas.	Matthew 12:43-45
The Heart a House	T. Adams.	Matthew 12:43-45
The House Swept and Garnished	Expository Outlines	Matthew 12:43-45
The Return of the Dispossessed Spirit	H. Melvill, B. D.	Matthew 12:43-45
To Let, Furnished	T. C. Finlayson.	Matthew 12:43-45
Transient Religious Impressions	H. Bromley.	Matthew 12:43-45

People

Beelzebub, David, Isaiah, Jesus, Jonah, Jonas, Ninevites, Solomon

Places

Galilee, Nineveh

Topics

Along, Becomes, Becometh, Brings, Condition, Dwell, Enter, Entering, Evil, Final, Generation, Goes, Itself, Living-place, Man's, Present, Seven, Spirits, State, Takes, Taketh, Thus, Wicked, Worse

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Matthew 12:45

8735 evil, origins of

Matthew 12:39-45

2009 Christ, anger of
5694 generation

Matthew 12:43-45

4131 demons, kinds of
7342 cleanliness

Library

An Attempt to Account for Jesus
'But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man doth not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub, the prince of the demons.'--MATT. xii. 24. Mark's Gospel tells us that this astonishing explanation of Christ and His work was due to the ingenious malice of an ecclesiastical deputation, sent down from Jerusalem to prevent the simple folk in Galilee from being led away by this new Teacher. They must have been very hard put to it to explain undeniable but unwelcome facts, when they hazarded such a preposterous …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Make the Tree Good'
'... Make the tree good, and his fruit good....' --MATT. xii. 33. In this Gospel we find that our Lord twice uses this image of a tree and its fruit. In the Sermon on the Mount He applies it as a test to false teachers, who hide, beneath the wool of the sheep's clothing, the fangs and paws of ravening wolves. He says, 'By their deeds ye shall know them; for as is the tree so is its fruit.' That is a rough and ready test, which applies rather to the teacher than to his doctrine, but it applies, to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'A Greater than Jonas'
'A greater than Jonas is here.'--MATT. xii. 41. There never was any man in his right mind, still more of influence on his fellows, who made such claims as to himself in such unmistakable language as Jesus Christ does. To say such things of oneself as come from His lips is a sign of a weak, foolish nature. It is fatal to all influence, to all beauty of character. It is not only that He claims official attributes as a fanatical or dishonest pretender to inspiration may do. He does that, but He does …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'A Greater than Solomon'
'A greater than Solomon is here.'--MATT. xii. 42. It is condescension in Him to compare Himself with any; yet if any might have been selected, it is that great name. To the Jews Solomon is an ideal figure, who appealed so strongly to popular imagination as to become the centre of endless legends; whose dominion was the very apex of national glory, in recounting whose splendours the historical books seem to be scarce able to restrain their triumph and pride. I. The Man. The story gives us a richly …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Pharisees' Sabbath and Christ's
'At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn; and His disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. 2. But when the Pharisees saw it they said unto Him, Behold, Thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day. 3. But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; 4. How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 32, "Whosoever Shall Speak a Word against the Holy Spirit, it Shall not be Forgiven Him, Neither In
1. There has been a great question raised touching the late lesson of the Gospel, to the solution of which I am unequal by any power of mine own; but "our sufficiency is of God," [2335] to whatever degree we are capable of receiving His aid. First then consider the magnitude of the question; that when ye see the weight of it laid upon my shoulders, ye may pray in aid of my labours, and in the assistance which is vouchsafed to me, may find edification for your own souls. When "one possessed with a …
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 33, "Either Make the Tree Good, and Its Fruit Good," Etc.
1. The Lord Jesus hath admonished us, that we be good trees, and that so we may be able to bear good fruits. For He saith, "Either make the tree good, and his fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt, for the tree is known by his fruit." [2484] When He says, "Make the tree good, and his fruit good;" this of course is not an admonition, but a wholesome precept, to which obedience is necessary. But when He saith, "Make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt;" this is not a …
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints
I. First, we have before us a view of MORTAL FRAILTY And first, the encouragement offered in our text applies to weak ones. What in the world is weaker than the bruised reed, or the smoking flax? A reed that groweth in the fen or marsh, let but the wild duck light upon it, and it snaps; let but the foot of man brush against it and it is bruised and broken; every wind that comes howling across the river makes it shake to and fro, and well nigh tears it up by the roots. You can conceive of nothing …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

How to Read the Bible
I. That is the subject of our present discourse, or, at least the first point of it, that IN ORDER TO THE TRUE READING OF THE SCRIPTURES THERE MUST BE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THEM. I scarcely need to preface these remarks by saying that we must read the Scriptures. You know how necessary it is that we should be fed upon the truth of Holy Scripture. Need I suggest the question as to whether you do read your Bibles or not? I am afraid that this is a magazine reading age a newspaper reading age a periodical …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 25: 1879

Strength in the Weak.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench."--MATT. xii. 20. Strength in the Weak. Will Jesus accept such a heart as mine?--this erring, treacherous, traitor heart? The past! how many forgotten vows--broken covenants--prayerless days! How often have I made new resolutions, and as often has the reed succumbed to the first blast of temptation, and the burning flax been well-nigh quenched by guilty omissions and guiltier commissions! Oh! …
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

Identity of Christ's Character.
THE argument expressed by this title I apply principally to the comparison of the first three Gospels with that of Saint John. It is known to every reader of Scripture that the passages of Christ's history preserved by Saint John are, except his passion and resurrection, for the most part different from those which are delivered by the other evangelists. And I think the ancient account of this difference to be the true one, viz., that Saint John wrote after the rest, and to supply what he thought …
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart.
1. Manifest formality in religious exercises. A stereotyped, formal way of saying and doing things, that is clearly the result of habit, rather than the outgushing of the religious life. This formality will be emotionless and cold as an iceberg, and will evince a total want of earnestness in the performance of religious duty. In prayer and in religious exercises the backslider in heart will pray or praise, or confess, or give thanks with his lips, so that all can hear him, perhaps, but in such a …
Charles G. Finney—The Backslider in Heart

Lesser and Fuller Forms.
Moreover, we have endeavoured to use the fullest form, including the words of those Gospels which have the lesser forms of sentences, except where the sentence ends in a period, in which case have given the least form, so that the larger form of the other Gospels might be made apparent; as, for instance, this sentence, taken from Matt. xii. 47; Mark iii. 32; Luke viii. 20: ^c 20 And it was told him, ^a Behold, thy mother and thy brethren bseek for thee. ^c stand without desiring to see thee. ^a seeking …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
^A Matt. XII. 15-21; ^B Mark III. 7-12. ^a 15 And Jesus perceiving it withdrew ^b with his disciples ^a from thence: ^b to the sea [This was the first withdrawal of Jesus for the avowed purpose of self-preservation. After this we find Jesus constantly retiring to avoid the plots of his enemies. The Sea of Galilee, with its boats and its shores touching different jurisdictions, formed a convenient and fairly safe retreat]: ^a and many followed him; ^b and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 22-37; ^B Mark III. 19-30; ^C Luke XI. 14-23. ^b 19 And he cometh into a house. [Whose house is not stated.] 20 And the multitude cometh together again [as on a previous occasion--Mark ii. 1], so that they could not so much as eat bread. [They could not sit down to a regular meal. A wonderful picture of the intense importunity of people and the corresponding eagerness of Jesus, who was as willing to do as they were to have done.] 21 And when his friends heard it, they went …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Christ's Teaching as to his Mother and Brethren.
(Galilee, Same Day as the Last Lesson.) ^A Matt. XII. 46-50; ^B Mark III. 31-35; ^C Luke VIII. 19-21. ^a 46 While he yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without seeking to speak to him. [Jesus was in a house, probably at Capernaum--Mark iii. 19; Matt. xiii. 1.] ^c 19 and there came { ^b come} ^c to him his mother and ^b his brethren; ^c and they could not come at him for the crowd. ^a and, standing without, they sent unto him, calling him. 32 And the multitude …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Defends Healing a Withered Hand on the Sabbath.
(Probably Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 9-14; ^B Mark III. 1-6; ^C Luke VI. 6-11. ^a 9 And he departed thence. [The word here points to a journey as in Matt. xi. 1 and xv. 29, which are the only places where Matthew uses this expression. Greswell may be right in thinking that it indicates the return back to Galilee from the Passover, since a cognate expression used by John expresses such a journey from Galilee to Judæa. See John vii. 3 ], ^c 6 And it came to pass on another sabbath [another sabbath …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Acceptance of the Christian Conception of Life Will Emancipate Men from the Miseries of Our Pagan Life.
The External Life of Christian Peoples Remains Pagan Though they are Penetrated by Christian Consciousness--The Way Out of this Contradiction is by the Acceptance of the Christian Theory of Life--Only Through Christianity is Every Man Free, and Emancipated of All Human Authority--This Emancipation can be Effected by no Change in External Conditions of Life, but Only by a Change in the Conception of Life--The Christian Ideal of Life Requires Renunciation of all Violence, and in Emancipating the Man …
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you

The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn by the Disciples, and the Healing of the Man with the Withered Hand
IN grouping together the three miracles of healing described in the last chapter, we do not wish to convey that it is certain they had taken place in precisely that order. Nor do we feel sure, that they preceded what is about to be related. In the absence of exact data, the succession of events and their location must be matter of combination. From their position in the Evangelic narratives, and the manner in which all concerned speak and act, we inferred, that they took place at that particular …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The First Peræan Discourses - to the Pharisees Concerning the Two Kingdoms - their Contest - what Qualifies a Disciple for the Kingdom of God, And
It was well that Jesus should, for the present, have parted from Jerusalem with words like these. They would cling about His hearers like the odour of incense that had ascended. Even the schism' that had come among them [4194] concerning His Person made it possible not only to continue His Teaching, but to return to the City once more ere His final entrance. For, His Peræan Ministry, which extended from after the Feast of Tabernacles to the week preceding the last Passover, was, so to speak, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Opposition to Jesus.
During the first period of his career, it does not appear that Jesus met with any serious opposition. His preaching, thanks to the extreme liberty which was enjoyed in Galilee, and to the number of teachers who arose on all hands, made no noise beyond a restricted circle. But when Jesus entered upon a path brilliant with wonders and public successes, the storm began to gather. More than once he was obliged to conceal himself and fly.[1] Antipas, however, did not interfere with him, although Jesus …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Cardinal was Seated, -- He Rose as Moretti Appeared. ...
The Cardinal was seated,--he rose as Moretti appeared. "I beg your Eminence to spare yourself!" said Moretti suavely, with a deep salutation, "And to pardon me for thus coming unannounced into the presence of one so highly esteemed by the Holy Father as Cardinal Bonpre!" The Cardinal gave a gesture of courteous deprecation; and Monsignor Moretti, lifting his, till then, partially lowered eyelids, flashed an angry regard upon the Abbe Vergniaud, who resting his back against the book-case behind him, …
Marie Corelli—The Master-Christian

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