Luke 11:26
New International Version
Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.”

New Living Translation
Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before.”

English Standard Version
Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first.”

Berean Literal Bible
Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more evil than itself, and having entered, they dwell there; and the last of that man becomes worse than the first."

King James Bible
Then 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.

New King James Version
Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”

New American Standard Bible
Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they come in and live there; and the last condition of that person becomes worse than the first.”

NASB 1995
“Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”

NASB 1977
“Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there, and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”

Amplified Bible
Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in [the person] and live there; and the last state of that person becomes worse than the first.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and settle down there. As a result, that person’s last condition is worse than the first.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and settle down there. As a result, that man’s last condition is worse than the first.”

American Standard Version
Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more evil than himself; and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first.

Contemporary English Version
it goes off and finds seven other evil spirits even worse than itself. They all come and make their home there, and that person ends up in worse shape than before.

English Revised Version
Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more evil than himself; and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the spirit goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself. They enter and take up permanent residence there. In the end the condition of that person is worse than it was before."

Good News Translation
Then it goes out and brings seven other spirits even worse than itself, and they come and live there. So when it is all over, that person is in worse shape than at the beginning."

International Standard Version
Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all go in and settle there. And so the final condition of that person is worse than the first."

Majority Standard Bible
Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first.”

NET Bible
Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there, so the last state of that person is worse than the first."

New Heart English Bible
Then he goes, and takes seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that person becomes worse than the first."

Webster's Bible Translation
Then he goeth 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.

Weymouth New Testament
Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more malignant than itself, and they enter and dwell there; and in the end that man's condition becomes worse than it was at first.

World English Bible
Then he goes and takes 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.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
then it goes, and takes to it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and having entered, they dwell there, and the last of that man becomes worse than the first.”

Berean Literal Bible
Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more evil than itself, and having entered, they dwell there; and the last of that man becomes worse than the first."

Young's Literal Translation
then doth it go, and take to it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and having entered, they dwell there, and the last of that man becometh worst than the first.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Then he goes, and takes seven other spirits more evil than himself; and having entered, they dwell there: and the last things of that man are worse than the first.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then he goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and entering in they dwell there. And the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then he goes, and he takes in seven other spirits with him, more wicked than himself, and they enter and live there. And so, the end of that man is made worse the beginning.”

New American Bible
Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that person is worse than the first.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then it goes away and brings seven other spirits worse than itself; and they enter and dwell there; and the end of that man will become worse than the beginning.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And it goes bringing seven others spirits which are more evil than itself, and they are entering and dwelling there, and the end of that man will be worse than his beginning.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then he goes and takes with 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.

Godbey New Testament
Then he goes, and takes seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and having come in he dwells there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

Haweis New Testament
Then goeth he, and taketh seven other spirits, more wicked than himself; and they entering in, take up their abode there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

Mace New Testament
then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself: they all enter in and dwell there, and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.

Weymouth New Testament
Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more malignant than itself, and they enter and dwell there; and in the end that man's condition becomes worse than it was at first.

Worrell New Testament
Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself; and, entering in, they make their abode there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first."

Worsley New Testament
Then he goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and so the last state of that man is worse than the first.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
An Unclean Spirit Returns
25On its return, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first.” 27As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and blessed are the breasts that nursed You!”…

Cross References
Matthew 12:43-45
When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. / Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order. / Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation.”

Mark 5:8-13
For Jesus had already declared, “Come out of this man, you unclean spirit!” / “What is your name?” Jesus asked. “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” / And he begged Jesus repeatedly not to send them out of that region. ...

2 Peter 2:20-22
If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. / It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them. / Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”

Hebrews 6:4-6
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, / who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— / and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame.

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Matthew 8:28-34
When Jesus arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, He was met by two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. / “What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?” / In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding. ...

John 5:14
Afterward, Jesus found the man at the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you.”

Romans 1:28-32
Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. / They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. ...

1 Samuel 16:14
Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.

Judges 2:19
But when the judge died, the Israelites became even more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods to serve them and bow down to them. They would not give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.

Isaiah 57:17
I was enraged by his sinful greed, so I struck him and hid My face in anger; yet he kept turning back to the desires of his heart.

Jeremiah 7:24
Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.

Ezekiel 18:24
But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.


Treasury of Scripture

Then goes he, and takes 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.

more.

Matthew 23:15
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

and the.

Zephaniah 1:6
And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor inquired for him.

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.

John 5:14
Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

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Condition Dwell End Enter Entered Evil First Goes Itself Last Malignant Places Seven Spirits State Wicked Worse Worst
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Condition Dwell End Enter Entered Evil First Goes Itself Last Malignant Places Seven Spirits State Wicked Worse Worst
Luke 11
1. Jesus teaches us to pray, and that instantly;
11. assuring us that God will give all good things to those who ask him.
14. He, casting out a demon, rebukes the blasphemous Pharisees;
27. and shows who are blessed;
29. preaches to the people;
37. and reprimands the outward show of holiness.














Then it goes
This phrase indicates a movement or action initiated by the unclean spirit. In the context of the spiritual realm, it suggests a deliberate and purposeful action. The Greek word used here, "πορεύεται" (poreuetai), implies a journey or a mission. This reflects the persistent nature of evil, which seeks to find a place to dwell and exert influence. The spiritual battle is ongoing, and vigilance is required to guard against the return of evil influences.

and brings with it
The unclean spirit does not return alone but brings others with it. This phrase underscores the communal and multiplying nature of evil. The Greek "συμπαραλαμβάνει" (symparalambanei) suggests a gathering or taking along, indicating that evil seeks to strengthen its hold by increasing its numbers. This serves as a warning about the dangers of allowing sin to re-enter one's life, as it often returns with greater force.

seven other spirits
The number seven in biblical terms often symbolizes completeness or perfection. Here, it suggests a full or complete measure of evil. The use of "ἑπτά" (hepta) emphasizes the severity of the situation when evil is allowed to return. It is a stark reminder of the potential for spiritual deterioration if one does not remain steadfast in faith and righteousness.

more wicked than itself
This phrase highlights the progressive nature of sin and evil. The Greek "πονηρότερα" (ponērotera) indicates a comparative degree of wickedness, suggesting that the returning spirits are even more malevolent than the first. This serves as a cautionary note about the escalating consequences of sin and the importance of maintaining spiritual vigilance and purity.

and they go in
The phrase signifies the entry and establishment of these spirits within a person. The Greek "εἰσελθόντα" (eiselthonta) conveys the idea of entering into a space or domain. This reflects the vulnerability of a person who is not spiritually fortified, allowing evil to take residence and exert control. It underscores the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit to prevent such infiltration.

and dwell there
The word "dwell" suggests a sense of permanence or long-term residence. The Greek "κατοικεῖ" (katoikei) implies settling down or inhabiting. This indicates that once evil is allowed to return, it seeks to establish a stronghold. It is a call to action for believers to ensure that their hearts and lives are filled with God's presence, leaving no room for evil to take root.

And the final plight of that man
This phrase refers to the ultimate condition or state of the person who has allowed evil to return. The Greek "ἔσχατα" (eschata) denotes the last or final state, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of spiritual neglect and the importance of continual growth and vigilance in one's faith journey.

is worse than the first
The comparison here indicates a deterioration from the initial state. The Greek "χείρονα" (cheirona) means worse or more severe, highlighting the increased danger and difficulty of the person's condition. This serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of backsliding and the importance of maintaining a strong, active relationship with God to prevent spiritual decline.

Verse 26. - Then 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. As instances of such a terrible possession, not improbably the result of a relapse such as is above portrayed, might be cited the cases of Mary Magdalene, out of whom we are told went seven devils, and of the Gergesene demoniac, who was possessed by a swarm or legion of these unclean spirits. There is another well-known historical reference contained in these words of Jesus, which speak of the triumphant return of the temporarily banished devil. In this, the chosen people represent the one possessed; the expelled devil was the one besetting sin which from the time of the Exodus to the Captivity - that fearsome idolatry with its attendant mischief - exercised over Israel a strange and horrible fascination. After the return from exile, idolatry seemed driven out for ever. But the house was only empty; there was no indwelling Presence there of the Holy Spirit of the Lord, only an outward show of ceremonies and of rites, only a religion of the lips, nor; of the heart; and so the old state of possession returned under the form of hypocrisy, envy, narrowness, jealousy, covetousness. The Jewish historian, Josephus, has dared to paint the picture of national degradation which closed in the sack and burning of the city and temple (A.D. 70). But this striking application belongs to St. Matthew, who represents our Lord closing his sad sketch of the return of the devils with the words, "Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." It may have been that Jesus prolonged on this occasion the terrible sermon, and drew out lesson upon lesson suggested by his words; but it is more likely that St. Matthew is writing of another occasion, when, taunted with working with the aid of the devil, the Master spoke similar words, drawing from them other lessons. The general lesson to be learned - if the above exegesis be in the main followed - is the utter hopelessness of attempting any work which has as its object the amelioration of the human race without the aid of Christ. Earnestness and imposture will alike in the end fail here. The case of the one of whom the disciples complained to their Master as casting out devils, but who followed not with them, was very different. Here the Lord said, "Forbid him not: he that is not against us is for us." The good work in this case was done, we read, in the Name of Christ: hence the Divine approval.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Then
τότε (tote)
Adverb
Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.

it goes
πορεύεται (poreuetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4198: To travel, journey, go, die.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

brings
παραλαμβάνει (paralambanei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3880: From para and lambano; to receive near, i.e. Associate with oneself; by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn.

seven
ἑπτά (hepta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2033: Seven. A primary number; seven.

other
ἕτερα (hetera)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2087: (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different.

spirits
πνεύματα (pneumata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

more evil
πονηρότερα (ponērotera)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural - Comparative
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful.

than itself,
ἑαυτοῦ (heautou)
Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they go in
εἰσελθόντα (eiselthonta)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

[and] dwell
κατοικεῖ (katoikei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2730: To dwell in, settle in, be established in (permanently), inhabit. From kata and oikeo; to house permanently, i.e. Reside.

there.
ἐκεῖ (ekei)
Adverb
Strong's 1563: (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

final [plight]
ἔσχατα (eschata)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2078: Last, at the last, finally, till the end. A superlative probably from echo; farthest, final.

of that
ἐκείνου (ekeinou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

man
ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

is
γίνεται (ginetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

worse
χείρονα (cheirona)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural - Comparative
Strong's 5501: Worse, more severe. Irregular comparative of kakos; from an obsolete equivalent cheres; more evil or aggravated.

than the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

first.”
πρώτων (prōtōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 4413: First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.


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