Luke 11:26

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.

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}.

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.”

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.”

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.

Luke 11:26 concludes a powerful teaching by Jesus Christ concerning the nature of spiritual deliverance and the subsequent responsibility of the individual. This verse warns of a dire consequence: if a cleansed spiritual space is not filled with good, it can become a breeding ground for even greater evil.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on spiritual warfare and the kingdom of God, following a confrontation with those who accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub (Luke 11:15). Jesus had just described how an unclean spirit, having left a person, wanders through desolate places and, finding no rest, decides to return to its former dwelling. The preceding verse, Luke 11:25, describes this house (the person) as "swept and garnished," implying it is clean but empty. Verse 26 then reveals the perilous outcome of such emptiness.

Key Themes

  • The Danger of a Spiritual Vacuum: The core message is that merely expelling evil is insufficient; the cleansed space must be filled with something positive. An empty spiritual life is vulnerable to re-infestation and even greater spiritual bondage.
  • Progressive Spiritual Decline: The phrase "seven other spirits more wicked than himself" indicates a significant escalation of spiritual darkness. This highlights that a return to old ways, or a failure to progress spiritually after an initial cleansing, can lead to a far worse condition than before.
  • The Necessity of Filling the Void: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the implication is clear: spiritual cleansing requires spiritual filling. This often points to the need for repentance, faith, and actively inviting the presence of God, particularly the Holy Spirit, into one's life.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "wicked" here is ponēros (πονηρός), which implies not just evil, but also harmful, malicious, and actively working against good. The comparative form, ponēroteros (πονηρότερος), emphasizes an intensified degree of malignity, indicating that the new spirits are indeed "more wicked" and thus more destructive.

Related Scriptures

This warning is also paralleled in Matthew 12:45, reinforcing the importance of not just spiritual cleansing but also actively cultivating a relationship with God. The principle that a person's "last state is worse than the first" is echoed in 2 Peter 2:20-22, which speaks of those who, having escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of Christ, are again entangled and overcome, with their latter end being worse than the beginning.

Practical Application

Luke 11:26 serves as a profound warning for all who seek spiritual freedom or transformation. It teaches that true spiritual health is not merely the absence of evil, but the active presence of good. For individuals, this means that after turning from sin or experiencing spiritual deliverance, it is crucial to fill one's life with God's Word, prayer, fellowship with believers, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Without this active pursuit of righteousness, the "swept and garnished" soul remains vulnerable, and the consequences of spiritual negligence can be severe, leading to a state far more detrimental than the original condition.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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