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Then he goes, and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that man becomes worse than the first. Even so will it be also to this evil generation."

Verse Takeaways

1

An Empty Heart is an Open Door

Commentators stress that external reformation is not enough. A life 'swept clean' of certain sins but left 'empty' of Christ's presence is vulnerable to a more severe spiritual attack. True, lasting change happens when the Holy Spirit actively occupies the heart, leaving no room for evil to return. As Matthew Henry notes, every heart is either a residence for unclean spirits or a temple of the Holy Ghost.

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Commentaries

8

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Matthew 12:45

18th Century

Theologian

Then goeth he, etc. When the evil spirit saw the man's state—dissatisfied with a lonely dwelling in the desert where he could do no evil, …

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On Matthew 12:45

19th Century

Preacher

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 t…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On Matthew 12:45

Verse 44 is essentially a conditional clause to v.45: “If the demon on his arrival finds the house unoccupied [etc.],” it reenters the person with …

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John Calvin

John Calvin

On Matthew 12:45

16th Century

Theologian

He taketh with him seven other spirits. The number seven is used here indefinitely, as in many other passages. By these words Chr…

John Gill

John Gill

On Matthew 12:45

17th Century

Pastor

Then goes he, and takes with himself seven other spirits ,
&c.] This is said in allusion to, and in imitation of the…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Matthew 12:38–45

17th Century

Minister

Though Christ is always ready to hear and answer holy desires and prayers, yet those who ask wrongly, ask and do not receive. Signs were granted to…

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Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas

On Matthew 12:38–45

13th Century

Philosopher

Above, the Lord refuted those disparaging His miracles and doctrine; here He rebukes those tempting Him. And here the Evangelist does two things: