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.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 33
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 33
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 33
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 33
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''
with
G3326
μεθ''
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
5 of 33
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἑαυτοῦ
himself
G1438
ἑαυτοῦ
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
6 of 33
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
πνεύματα
spirits
G4151
πνεύματα
spirits
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
9 of 33
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
ἑαυτοῦ
himself
G1438
ἑαυτοῦ
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
11 of 33
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 33
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 #:
14 of 33
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 33
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 #:
17 of 33
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 #:
18 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκείνου
state of that
G1565
ἐκείνου
state of that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
22 of 33
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
χείρονα
worse than
G5501
χείρονα
worse than
Strong's:
G5501
Word #:
23 of 33
from an obsolete equivalent ????? (of uncertain derivation); more evil or aggravated (physically, mentally or morally)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
28 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γενεᾷ
generation
G1074
γενεᾷ
generation
Strong's:
G1074
Word #:
30 of 33
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
31 of 33
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Cross References
Luke 11:26Then 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.Mark 5:9And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.Mark 16:9Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Historical Context
Jesus prophetically warned of AD 70 judgment when Jerusalem's destruction proved worse than Babylonian exile (586 BC). The generation that rejected Christ experienced unprecedented suffering, validating Jesus's warning that religious reform without Christ brings greater condemnation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage challenge the modern idea that all spiritual paths lead to improvement?
- Are there areas where you've substituted religious activity for genuine Spirit-filling and authentic relationship with Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Seven other spirits more wicked (ἑπτὰ ἕτερα πνεύματα πονηρότερα, hepta hetera pneumata ponērotera)—Seven represents completeness in Scripture; the final state features comprehensive, intensified evil. Ponērotera is the comparative of ponēros ('wicked'), meaning 'more malicious, more actively harmful.'
The last state of that man is worse than the first (τὰ ἔσχατα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκείνου χείρονα τῶν πρώτων, ta eschata tou anthrōpou ekeinou cheirona tōn prōtōn)—Reformation without regeneration doesn't produce neutrality but intensifies judgment. Jesus applies this to this wicked generation (τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ πονηρᾷ, tē genea tautē tē ponēra)—Israel's rejection of Messiah after centuries of prophetic preparation made them worse than pagan nations. Privilege increases responsibility.