Devine Scripture

Luke 11:26

What does Luke 11:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 11:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 11:26 means

The parable reaches its grim conclusion: the unclean spirit, finding its former host empty but prepared, gathers "seven other spirits more evil than himself." Together, this intensified demonic group enters and takes permanent residence. The result is that the individual's "last state" becomes far "worse than the first," emphasizing the perilous danger of spiritual vacuum and the need for genuine, lasting spiritual occupancy by God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then he goes and gets seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they go in, and take their places there: and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then he goes and takes seven other spirits worse than himself, and entering in, they dwell there; and the last condition of that man becomes worse than the first.

Context

This verse delivers the alarming conclusion of the parable of the returning unclean spirit, revealing the dire consequences of spiritual emptiness. It follows the discovery of the swept and garnished house, presenting a powerful warning about the need for true spiritual occupancy. This underscores the importance of a heart filled with God's presence, rather than merely cleansed, preparing for Jesus' subsequent emphasis on hearing and keeping God's Word.

v.25And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished.

v.26This passage

v.27And it came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the breasts which thou didst suck.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Zephaniah 1:6

    and them that are turned back from following Jehovah; and those that have not sought Jehovah, nor inquired after him.

  • Jude 1:12

    These are they who are hidden rocks in your love-feasts when they feast with you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

  • Matthew 12:45

    Then goeth he, and taketh with himself 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. Even so shall it be also unto this evil 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 befall thee.

  • Matthew 23:15

    Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he is become so, ye make him twofold more a son of hell than yourselves.

  • Hebrews 6:4

    For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,

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