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.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 23
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
πορεύεται
goeth he
G4198
πορεύεται
goeth he
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
2 of 23
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παραλαμβάνει
taketh
G3880
παραλαμβάνει
taketh
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
4 of 23
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
πνεύματα
spirits
G4151
πνεύματα
spirits
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 23
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
πονηρότερα
G4190
πονηρότερα
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
8 of 23
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
ἑαυτοῦ
than himself
G1438
ἑαυτοῦ
than himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
9 of 23
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατοικεῖ
and dwell
G2730
κατοικεῖ
and dwell
Strong's:
G2730
Word #:
12 of 23
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γίνεται
is
G1096
γίνεται
is
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
15 of 23
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκείνου
state of that
G1565
ἐκείνου
state of that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
20 of 23
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
χείρονα
worse
G5501
χείρονα
worse
Strong's:
G5501
Word #:
21 of 23
from an obsolete equivalent ????? (of uncertain derivation); more evil or aggravated (physically, mentally or morally)
Cross References
Matthew 12:45Then 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 5:14Afterward 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.1 John 5:16If 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.Zephaniah 1:6And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.
Historical Context
This warning applied prophetically to Israel, which had experienced God's deliverance from Egyptian bondage and received the Law, yet repeatedly fell into idolatry and rebellion. By Jesus' day, Israel had been 'swept clean' of overt idolatry (the exile cured that) but was filled with dead religion and hypocrisy. Their rejection of Messiah would lead to far worse judgment—the 70 AD destruction exceeded previous calamities. The principle extends to any individual or nation that experiences God's grace but refuses full surrender, resulting in greater hardness and judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the escalation from one demon to eight demonstrate the progressive nature of spiritual bondage when grace is resisted?
- What does this passage teach about the necessity of not only turning from sin but turning to Christ in saving faith?
- In what ways might someone experience initial spiritual 'deliverance' through religion or morality but end up in worse spiritual condition by never truly coming to Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself. The returning demon, finding the house empty despite being clean, recruits reinforcements—"seven other spirits" (ἑπτὰ ἕτερα πνεύματα, hepta hetera pneumata), a number suggesting completeness or fullness. These are "more wicked than himself" (πονηρότερα ἑαυτοῦ, ponērotera heautou)—escalating malevolence and destructive power. The collective invasion represents intensified spiritual bondage.
And they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. The multiple demons "enter in, and dwell there" (εἰσελθόντα κατοικεῖ ἐκεῖ, eiselthonta katoikei ekei)—permanent residence, not temporary visit. The conclusion is devastating: "the last state of that man is worse than the first" (γίνεται τὰ ἔσχατα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκείνου χείρονα τῶν πρώτων, ginetai ta eschata tou anthrōpou ekeinou cheirona tōn prōtōn). Seven demons are exponentially worse than one. This warns that religious reformation without genuine conversion can lead to greater hardness and deeper bondage. The person who tastes deliverance but fails to commit fully to Christ becomes more resistant to truth, more entrenched in sin, and more vulnerable to deception. Hebrews 6:4-6 and 2 Peter 2:20-22 describe similar danger.