Matthew 12:45

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

τότε

G5119

Then

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

πορεύεται

G4198

goeth he

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παραλαμβάνει

G3880

taketh

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

μεθ''

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἑαυτοῦ

G1438

himself

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἑπτὰ

G2033

seven

ἕτερα

G2087

other

(an-, the) other or different

πνεύματα

G4151

spirits

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

#10

πονηρότερα

G4191

more wicked

more evil

#11

ἑαυτοῦ

G1438

himself

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#12

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

εἰσελθόντα

G1525

they enter in

to enter (literally or figuratively)

#14

κατοικεῖ

G2730

and dwell

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

#15

ἐκεῖ·

G1563

there

there; by extension, thither

#16

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

γίνεται

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#18

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

ἔσχατα

G2078

the last

farthest, final (of place or time)

#20

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

ἀνθρώπου

G444

man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#22

ἐκείνου

G1565

state of that

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

#23

χείρονα

G5501

worse than

from an obsolete equivalent ????? (of uncertain derivation); more evil or aggravated (physically, mentally or morally)

#24

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#25

πρώτων

G4413

the first

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

#26

οὕτως

G3779

Even so

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

#27

ἔσται

G2071

shall it be

will be

#28

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#29

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#30

γενεᾷ

G1074

generation

a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)

#31

ταύτῃ

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#32

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#33

πονηρᾷ

G4190

wicked

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Matthew 12:45

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources