Luke 11:26

KJV

Then goeth he, and taketh [to him] 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} goeth he {G4198}, and {G2532} taketh {G3880} to him seven {G2033} other {G2087} spirits {G4151} more wicked {G4191} than himself {G1438}; and {G2532} they enter in {G1525}, and dwell {G2730} there {G1563}: and {G2532} the last {G2078} state of that {G1565} man {G444} is {G1096} worse {G5501} than the first {G4413}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they come and live there — so that in the end the person is worse off than he was before.”

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more evil than himself; and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 11:26 concludes a profound parable delivered by Jesus, illustrating the perilous spiritual condition of an individual from whom an unclean spirit has been expelled but whose life remains spiritually vacant. This verse warns that without actively filling the cleansed space with God's presence and righteousness, the individual is susceptible to a far more severe spiritual re-infestation, leading to a state of greater moral and spiritual degradation than before.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Jesus' discourse on spiritual warfare, immediately following a contentious exchange with those who accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul (the ruler of demons), as recorded in [Luke 11:15-19](/luke/11-15-19 "Luke 11:15-19 - Jesus Refutes Accusations"). Jesus first refutes their accusation by demonstrating the illogical nature of Satan casting out Satan. He then asserts that His exorcisms are evidence of the arrival of the "finger of God" and 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 palace ([Luke 11:21-22](/luke/11-21-22 "Luke 11:21-22 - The Strong Man")) illustrates His superior power over Satan. The subsequent verses, [Luke 11:24-25](/luke/11-24-25 "Luke 11:24-25 - The Return of the Unclean Spirit"), set the stage for our verse, describing an unclean spirit's return to a "swept and garnished" but empty house, highlighting the danger of spiritual vacuum.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, and particularly within Jewish thought, the concept of spirits and demons was pervasive. Exorcism was practiced, but Jesus' authority and method were unique and challenged existing paradigms. The idea of a "house" often served as a metaphor for a person's inner life or soul. The "desolate places" mentioned in [Luke 11:24](/luke/11-24 "Luke 11:24 - Wandering Spirits") were believed to be areas where evil spirits dwelled, seeking rest or a new host. The warning in this verse would resonate deeply with a society familiar with spiritual realities, emphasizing that spiritual freedom required more than just the removal of evil; it demanded a positive spiritual occupation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It underscores the **reality and power of spiritual warfare**, emphasizing that deliverance from evil requires ongoing vigilance and commitment. It highlights the **danger of a spiritual vacuum**, illustrating that a mere absence of evil is insufficient for true spiritual health; the void must be filled with good. Furthermore, it speaks to the **progressive nature of spiritual decline**, warning that a failure to embrace God's kingdom after initial cleansing can lead to a condition far worse than the original, a theme echoed in [Matthew 12:45](/matthew/12-45 "Matthew 12:45 - The Return of the Spirit"). This parable serves as a stark reminder that spiritual neutrality is impossible; one is either for Christ or against Him, as stated in [Luke 11:23](/luke/11-23 "Luke 11:23 - He Who Is Not With Me").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spirits (Greek, _pneûma'_):** (G4151) This term refers to a current of air, breath, or by analogy, a spirit. In this context, it denotes a superhuman entity, specifically a demon or evil angel. The plural "spirits" indicates a multiplication of these malevolent beings, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the re-infestation.
* **more wicked (Greek, _ponēróteros'_):** (G4191) This is the comparative form of _ponēros_, meaning "evil," "harmful," or "malicious." The comparative suffix intensifies the meaning, indicating that these new spirits are not just evil but are actively and significantly "more evil" or "more destructive" than the original spirit. This highlights the escalated danger and severity of the subsequent spiritual state.
* **dwell (Greek, _katoikéō'_):** (G2730) This verb signifies to "house permanently" or "reside." It implies a settled, enduring presence, not merely a temporary visit. This word choice underscores the profound and entrenched nature of the re-infestation, suggesting a deeper spiritual bondage than before.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself;"**: This clause describes the deliberate and strategic action of the original unclean spirit. Upon finding its former dwelling "swept and garnished" but empty, it actively seeks out and recruits a greater number of companions—seven, a number often signifying completeness or fullness in biblical numerology—who are even more malevolent than itself. This signifies a calculated and intensified assault on the individual.
* **"and they enter in, and dwell there:"**: This phrase highlights the successful re-entry and permanent establishment of the spirits. "Enter in" denotes their access, while "dwell there" (using _katoikéō_) emphasizes their intention to reside permanently, establishing a deep and pervasive influence over the individual. The "there" refers to the "house" or the person's inner life, which was previously cleansed but left unoccupied.
* **"and the last state of that man is worse than the first."**: This concluding statement reveals the dire consequence of spiritual emptiness. The individual's final condition, after the re-infestation by a multitude of more wicked spirits, is unequivocally "worse" than their initial state of spiritual bondage. This serves as a potent warning against spiritual complacency and the failure to fill a cleansed life with positive spiritual substance.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:26 employs several significant **literary devices**. The primary device is **Allegory**, where the "house" represents the human soul or inner life, and the "unclean spirit" symbolizes demonic influence or sinful habits. The entire narrative functions as a cautionary tale, using a concrete scenario to illustrate a profound spiritual truth. **Symbolism** is evident in the number "seven," which often denotes completeness or totality, suggesting a full and overwhelming re-infestation. The phrase "swept and garnished" from the preceding verse, while implying cleanliness, also carries a sense of superficiality—it is clean but empty, highlighting the danger of external reform without internal transformation. The contrast between "first" and "last state" creates a stark **Antithesis**, emphasizing the tragic decline and heightened peril of the individual's spiritual condition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage underscores a crucial theological truth: spiritual deliverance is not merely the removal of evil, but the necessary and active filling of the void with the divine presence. It highlights the principle that a neutral spiritual state is impossible; if God's Spirit does not occupy the cleansed space, other, more destructive forces will inevitably rush in. This emphasizes the continuous need for spiritual vigilance, discipleship, and the cultivation of a life actively surrendered to God, rather than merely being free from sin. The warning serves as a profound reminder that true spiritual health is characterized by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and a life lived in active pursuit of righteousness.

* [Matthew 12:43-45](/matthew/12-43-45 "Matthew 12:43-45 - The Return of the Unclean Spirit")
* [2 Peter 2:20-22](/2_peter/2-20-22 "2 Peter 2:20-22 - The Danger of Relapse")
* [John 5:14](/john/5-14 "John 5:14 - Jesus' Warning to the Healed Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:26 offers a sobering and vital lesson for all who embark on a journey of spiritual transformation or deliverance. It teaches us that freedom from sin or demonic influence is not an end in itself, but a beginning. The "swept and garnished" house, though clean, remains vulnerable if left empty. This calls believers to actively cultivate their spiritual lives, filling the space once occupied by sin with the presence of God through His Word, prayer, worship, and fellowship. It warns against complacency after an initial spiritual victory, urging continuous growth and reliance on the Holy Spirit. For those who have experienced a turning point, whether through conversion, deliverance, or repentance, the imperative is clear: actively pursue righteousness, engage in spiritual disciplines, and allow Christ to truly dwell within, lest the spiritual vacuum invite a return of greater darkness and a worse state than before.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life have I experienced "cleansing" or deliverance, but perhaps left a "vacuum" that needs to be filled with God's presence?**
* **What practical steps can I take to actively "fill" my spiritual life with God's Word, prayer, and fellowship, preventing spiritual emptiness?**
* **How does this passage challenge me to move beyond merely avoiding sin to actively pursuing a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ?**

### FAQ

**Does this passage mean that once someone is delivered from a demon, they can become re-possessed even worse?**

Answer: Yes, this passage clearly warns of that possibility. Jesus' parable illustrates that if a person is cleansed of an unclean spirit (or, by extension, freed from a sinful lifestyle or habit), but their life is not subsequently filled with God's presence and righteousness, they become highly susceptible to a worse spiritual condition. The "swept and garnished" house represents a life that has been cleaned up externally but remains spiritually empty. This emptiness creates an inviting space for the original spirit, along with others "more wicked," to return and establish a deeper, more entrenched hold, leading to a "last state" that is "worse than the first." This emphasizes the critical need for active spiritual discipleship and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit after initial deliverance or conversion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:26, while a stark warning, finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in Christ. The "swept and garnished" but empty house represents a life that, even after being freed from the power of sin or demonic influence, lacks the indwelling presence of God. This spiritual vacuum is precisely what the resurrected Christ came to fill through His Spirit. The solution to the "worse than the first" state is not merely self-effort or moral reformation, but the active invitation of Jesus Christ to take up residence within one's heart. As the Apostle Paul declares, "it is no longer I who live, but [Christ lives in me](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me")" (Galatians 2:20). The New Covenant promises a new heart and a new spirit, with God's law written on the heart ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")), and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the Christian life is not just about being cleansed from sin, but about being filled with the fullness of God through Christ, who empowers believers to live a life of righteousness and overcome the schemes of the enemy ([Ephesians 3:19](/ephesians/3-19 "Ephesians 3:19 - Filled with the Fullness of God")). The "last state" for the believer who genuinely embraces Christ as Lord and allows His Spirit to dwell within is not worse, but infinitely better, marked by abundant life and eternal security ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")).

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 12:45

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.

John 5:14

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

2 Peter 2:20

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

2 Peter 2:22

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

1 John 5:16

If any man see his brother sin a sin [which is] not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

Jude 1:12

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

Jude 1:13

Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.