Matthew 12:43
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
Original Language Analysis
Ὅταν
When
G3752
Ὅταν
When
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
1 of 18
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκάθαρτον
the unclean
G169
ἀκάθαρτον
the unclean
Strong's:
G169
Word #:
4 of 18
impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))
πνεῦμα
spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
5 of 18
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
ἀπὸ
out of
G575
ἀπὸ
out of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δι'
through
G1223
δι'
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 18
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τόπων
places
G5117
τόπων
places
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
13 of 18
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
ζητοῦν
seeking
G2212
ζητοῦν
seeking
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
14 of 18
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Isaiah 41:18I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.Job 1:7And 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.Job 2:2And 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.Matthew 8:29And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?Acts 8:13Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Historical Context
Spoken in the context of accusations that Jesus cast out demons by Beelzebub. The parable warns that external reform (religious activity, moral improvement) without Spirit-regeneration leaves one vulnerable to worse demonic oppression.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you experienced moral reformation without true regeneration—a 'swept house' but still empty of God's presence?
- What does this passage reveal about the danger of stopping at removing sin rather than filling your life with Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When the unclean spirit is gone out (τὸ ἀκάθαρτον πνεῦμα ἐξέλθῃ, to akatharton pneuma exelthē)—Jesus transitions from condemning unbelief to warning against mere reformation without regeneration. The akatharton pneuma ('unclean spirit') represents demonic possession, but the parable applies to any spiritual cleansing without filling by God's Spirit.
Walketh through dry places (διέρχεται δι' ἀνύδρων τόπων, dierchetai di' anydrōn topōn)—Ancient belief held that demons inhabited waterless, desolate regions (cf. Isaiah 13:21; 34:14). The spirit seeks anapausis (ἀνάπαυσις, 'rest') but finds none—demons are restless until they possess and destroy.