Luke 11:24

KJV

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G3752} the unclean {G169} spirit {G4151} is gone {G1831} out of {G575} a man {G444}, he walketh {G1330} through {G1223} dry {G504} places {G5117}, seeking {G2212} rest {G372}; and {G2532} finding {G2147} none {G3361}, he saith {G3004}, I will return {G5290} unto {G1519} my {G3450} house {G3624} whence {G3606} I came out {G1831}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“When an unclean spirit comes out of a person, it travels through dry country seeking rest. On finding none, it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’

Berean Standard Bible

When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’

American Standard Version

The unclean spirit when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and finding none, he saith, I will turn back unto my house whence I came out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 11:24 presents a vivid parable from Jesus, illustrating the precarious spiritual state of an individual from whom an unclean spirit has been expelled, but whose life remains spiritually uncultivated and empty. The spirit, finding no suitable "rest" in the desolate spiritual landscape outside a human host, resolves to return to its former dwelling. This teaching serves as a profound warning that mere deliverance from evil is insufficient; the vacated spiritual space must be actively filled with the presence and truth of God to prevent a more severe spiritual relapse.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a larger discourse by Jesus following a powerful exorcism where He cast out a demon from a mute man ([Luke 11:14](/luke/11-14 "Luke 11:14 - Jesus Casts Out a Demon")). His critics, particularly the Pharisees, accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons ([Luke 11:15](/luke/11-15 "Luke 11:15 - Accusation of Beelzebub")). Jesus refutes this accusation by demonstrating the logical inconsistency of Satan casting out Satan ([Luke 11:17-18](/luke/11-17-18 "Luke 11:17-18 - A Kingdom Divided Cannot Stand")) and by highlighting that His power signifies the arrival of the Kingdom of God ([Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Finger of God")). The parable of the strong man guarding his house ([Luke 11:21-22](/luke/11-21-22 "Luke 11:21-22 - The Strong Man Parable")) further illustrates His superior power over Satan. Verse 23 then establishes the critical principle of allegiance: "He that is not with me is against me." Luke 11:24-26, the parable of the returning unclean spirit, serves as a crucial follow-up, emphasizing that deliverance from evil must be accompanied by a positive commitment to God and His kingdom, lest the last state of the person be worse than the first.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, and particularly within Jewish thought, the existence and activity of malevolent spirits (demons) were widely accepted. Exorcism was a recognized practice, and there were various beliefs about where these spirits resided when not possessing a human. "Dry places" or deserts were often associated with demonic activity or as places of desolation and emptiness, unsuitable for human habitation and thus, perhaps, fitting for disembodied spirits seeking a temporary "rest." This cultural understanding would have made Jesus's illustration immediately comprehensible to His audience. The concept of a "house" being swept clean but left empty would also resonate, as a clean but unoccupied dwelling invited further infestation or decay. The parable implicitly critiques a superficial approach to spiritual cleansing that does not culminate in a positive spiritual filling.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It underscores the reality and persistence of **spiritual warfare**, highlighting that evil spirits are not passive but actively seek habitation and influence ([Luke 11:21-22](/luke/11-21-22 "Luke 11:21-22 - The Strong Man Parable")). It emphasizes the danger of a **spiritual vacuum**: merely being freed from evil is insufficient; the void must be filled with the presence of God and His righteousness. This points to the necessity of **active spiritual transformation** and not just negative abstinence. The parable also implicitly contrasts the temporary "rest" sought by the spirit with the true and lasting rest found in Christ, and reinforces the theme of **discipleship and allegiance** to God's kingdom, as opposed to spiritual neutrality, which Jesus warns against in [Luke 11:23](/luke/11-23 "Luke 11:23 - He Who Is Not With Me Is Against Me").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unclean (Greek, _akáthartos'_):** From G169, meaning "impure ( ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))." This term highlights the defiling nature of the spirit, emphasizing its inherent opposition to God's holiness and its capacity to corrupt and pollute any human host or environment it inhabits. It's not just "not clean," but actively "defiling."
* **walketh through (Greek, _diérchomai'_):** From G1330, meaning "to traverse (literally):--come, depart, go (about, abroad, everywhere, over, through, throughout), pass (by, over, through, throughout), pierce through, travel, walk through." This verb signifies active movement and exploration, depicting the spirit's persistent and restless search for a suitable dwelling place, underscoring its relentless nature and determination.
* **rest (Greek, _anápausis'_):** From G372, meaning "intermission; by implication, recreation:--rest." For the unclean spirit, "rest" implies a place of settled habitation where it can cease its wandering and resume its malevolent activity. The inability to find this rest in "dry places" highlights the spirit's fundamental need for a host, and the desolation of these places from the spirit's perspective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man,"**: This opening clause establishes the initial premise: a person has been delivered from demonic influence. It implies an act of exorcism or a departure of the spirit for some other reason, setting the stage for the subsequent spiritual vulnerability.
* **"he walketh through dry places, seeking rest;"**: Once expelled, the spirit does not simply cease to exist or remain dormant. It actively roams through "dry places"—desolate, waterless regions often associated with spiritual emptiness or the abode of demons in ancient thought. The spirit's motivation is to find "rest," a stable environment or host where it can settle and operate, highlighting its inherent need for a dwelling.
* **"and finding none,"**: This phrase indicates the spirit's failure to achieve its objective in the desolate regions. The "dry places" offer no true solace or suitable environment for its purposes, reinforcing the idea that these spirits are inherently restless and seek to inhabit living beings.
* **"he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out."**: Unable to find an alternative, the spirit resolves to return to its original "house"—the man from whom it was expelled. This decision reveals the spirit's proprietary view of its former host and its persistent desire to re-establish control, setting up the dire warning of the subsequent verses about the dangers of an empty spiritual life.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this short parable. **Personification** is evident as the unclean spirit is given human-like qualities: it "walketh," "seeketh," "findeth," and "saith." This makes the abstract concept of a spirit's activity more tangible and relatable. **Symbolism** is central, with "dry places" symbolizing spiritual desolation, emptiness, or regions devoid of life and God's refreshing presence, which offer no true "rest" to these entities. The "house" symbolizes the human person, particularly their inner spiritual life or being. The narrative itself functions as an **allegory** or **parable**, using a concrete, relatable scenario (a spirit seeking a home) to convey a profound spiritual truth about the dangers of an empty spiritual life after initial cleansing. The implied **irony** is that the "dry places," though desolate, are not suitable for the spirit's true "rest," which it paradoxically finds in a human host.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This parable serves as a critical warning against spiritual neutrality or a superficial understanding of salvation. It teaches that deliverance from evil is not the end of the spiritual journey, but rather the beginning of a call to active discipleship and filling one's life with God's presence. A vacuum, whether physical or spiritual, tends to be filled. If not filled with the Holy Spirit and the fruit of righteousness, it risks being re-occupied by former evils, often with increased intensity. This highlights the ongoing nature of spiritual warfare and the necessity of cultivating an internal life that is actively surrendered to Christ and continually nourished by His truth. True spiritual security comes from the indwelling of God's Spirit, not merely the absence of evil.

* [Matthew 12:43-45](/matthew/12-43-45 "Matthew 12:43-45 - Parallel Account of the Unclean Spirit's Return")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare Against Principalities and Powers")
* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Adversary, the Devil, Prowls Like a Roaring Lion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:24-26 (which includes the conclusion of this parable) delivers a sobering message that resonates deeply with the human experience of change and transformation. It's not enough to merely stop a bad habit, break free from an addiction, or even be delivered from a demonic influence. If the space left by the departure of that negative influence is not actively and intentionally filled with something good, purposeful, and God-centered, it creates a dangerous void. This spiritual vacuum becomes an invitation for the old patterns, or even worse ones, to return and take deeper root. For believers, this means that repentance and deliverance must be followed by active pursuit of Christ, diligent study of His Word, consistent prayer, and a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Our "house"—our inner being—must be swept clean, but then it must be furnished with God's presence and purpose, becoming a dwelling place for His Spirit, not an empty vessel awaiting re-infestation. This calls for intentional spiritual disciplines and a continuous surrender to God's will, ensuring that our last state is not worse than our first.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dry places" or spiritual vacuums might exist in my life, even after experiencing some form of spiritual cleansing or deliverance?**
* **How am I actively filling my "house" (my inner being, my time, my thoughts) with the presence of God and His truth, rather than leaving it vulnerable?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to settle for mere abstinence from sin, rather than pursuing a positive, active filling with righteousness?**
* **What specific spiritual disciplines can I implement or strengthen to ensure my spiritual "house" is continually occupied by the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ

**Does this parable mean that deliverance from evil spirits is only temporary or futile?**

Answer: No, the parable does not suggest that deliverance is futile, but rather that it is incomplete if not followed by a positive spiritual filling. Jesus's power to cast out demons is real and effective. The warning in this parable is about the *person's subsequent spiritual state*. If the "house" (the person's life) is merely "swept and garnished" but left empty and unoccupied by God's Spirit, it creates a dangerous vacuum. The problem isn't the deliverance itself, but the failure to cultivate a relationship with God and allow His Spirit to indwell and govern one's life. True and lasting freedom comes from being "in Christ," not just from being "out of the demon."

**What are "dry places" in this context?**

Answer: "Dry places" (Greek: _anydros topos_) typically refer to deserts or desolate, waterless regions. In this context, they are symbolic. They represent places devoid of life, refreshment, or spiritual sustenance. For an unclean spirit, these are places where they cannot find true "rest" or a suitable environment to operate and exert their influence, as they inherently seek to inhabit living beings. Metaphorically, they could represent spiritual emptiness or a state of desolation where the spirit finds no satisfaction or opportunity for its malicious purposes, driving it back to a human host.

**How does one "fill" the house to prevent the spirit's return?**

Answer: The "house" is filled by inviting and cultivating the presence of God through the Holy Spirit. This involves a conscious decision to follow Christ and allow Him to be Lord of one's life. Practically, it means actively engaging in spiritual disciplines such as consistent prayer ([Luke 11:9-13](/luke/11-9-13 "Luke 11:9-13 - Ask, Seek, Knock")), diligent study and application of God's Word ([Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - Blessed Are Those Who Hear and Keep the Word")), fellowship with other believers ([Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "Acts 2:42 - The Early Church's Devotion")), and living a life of obedience to God's commands. It's about replacing the emptiness with the fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")) and allowing Christ to truly indwell and transform one's being ([Ephesians 3:17](/ephesians/3-17 "Ephesians 3:17 - Christ Dwelling in Our Hearts")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
This parable, while a stark warning, finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "unclean spirit" seeking rest highlights the pervasive reality of spiritual evil and its relentless pursuit of human habitation. However, Christ is the "stronger man" who has overcome the "strong man" (Satan), plundering his house and demonstrating His absolute authority over all demonic powers ([Luke 11:21-22](/luke/11-21-22 "Luke 11:21-22 - The Strong Man Parable")). He doesn't just cast out demons; He offers a permanent solution to the spiritual vacuum. When a person is truly united with Christ through faith, their "house" is no longer left empty or vulnerable. Instead, it is filled with the Holy Spirit, who is given as a down payment of our inheritance ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). The presence of the Holy Spirit provides true spiritual rest and empowers believers to live a new life, walking in the Spirit and producing the fruit of righteousness, thereby making the "house" an unsuitable and unwelcoming dwelling for evil spirits ([Galatians 5:16-17](/galatians/5-16-17 "Galatians 5:16-17 - Walk by the Spirit")). Thus, the danger of the returning spirit is overcome not by human effort alone, but by the indwelling Christ, who establishes His unshakeable kingdom within the believer, ensuring that the last state is indeed better than the first ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 12:43

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

Matthew 12:45

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.

1 Peter 5:8

¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Psalms 63:1

¶ A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou [art] my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

Job 2:2

And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

Job 1:7

And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

Isaiah 48:22

[There is] no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.