Matthew 12:44
Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 16
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐπιστρέψω
I will return
G1994
ἐπιστρέψω
I will return
Strong's:
G1994
Word #:
3 of 16
to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)
Εἰς
into
G1519
Εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκόν
house
G3624
οἶκόν
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
6 of 16
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
ὅθεν
from whence
G3606
ὅθεν
from whence
Strong's:
G3606
Word #:
8 of 16
from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλθὸν
when he is come
G2064
ἐλθὸν
when he is come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
11 of 16
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
σχολάζοντα
it empty
G4980
σχολάζοντα
it empty
Strong's:
G4980
Word #:
13 of 16
to take a holiday, i.e., be at leisure for (by implication, devote oneself wholly to); figuratively, to be vacant (of a house)
Cross References
1 John 4:4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.1 John 2:19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.1 Corinthians 11:19For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism emphasized ritual purity and moral codes but often lacked heart transformation. Jesus warns that self-improvement programs without Spirit-indwelling create ideal conditions for greater demonic bondage—religious pride compounded by deeper deception.
Questions for Reflection
- Is your spiritual life characterized by Christ's presence or merely the absence of obvious sin—swept but empty?
- How does this verse challenge modern therapeutic and self-help approaches to life transformation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I will return into my house (ἐπιστρέψω εἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου, epistrepsō eis ton oikon mou)—The demon claims ownership: 'my house.' Without Christ's possession, we remain the devil's property. Empty, swept, and garnished (σχολάζοντα σεσαρωμένον καὶ κεκοσμημένον, scholazonta sesarōmenon kai kekosmēmenon) describes moral reformation's fatal flaw.
Scholazō means 'vacant, unoccupied'—the house is clean but untenanted. Saroō ('swept') and kosmeō ('garnished/decorated') suggest external improvement, even religious activity, but no new Master. Nature abhors a vacuum; so does the spiritual realm. The reformed but unregenerate person is worse than the openly sinful—more deceived, harder to reach.