Devine Scripture

Matthew 12:44

What does Matthew 12:44 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 12:44 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 12:44 means

The unclean spirit decides to return to its former house and finds it empty, swept, and garnished. This shows that someone cleansed but not filled is vulnerable to relapse. The swept and garnished house suggests outward reform but inner emptiness. The image warns against superficial religion that appears neat but lacks the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. It underscores that true conversion requires the Spirit’s residence; otherwise, the soul remains exposed to renewed bondage.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then he saith, I will return into my house whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then he saith, I will return into my house whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then he says, I will go back into my house from which I came out; and when he comes, he sees that there is no one in it, but that it has been made fair and clean.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

then it saith, I will turn back to my house whence I came forth; and having come, it findeth <FI>it<Fi> unoccupied, swept, and adorned:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then he saith: I will return into my house from whence I came out. And coming he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then he says, I will return to my house whence I came out; and having come, he finds [it] unoccupied, swept, and adorned.

Context

This continues the parable of the unclean spirit’s return, amplifying the previous warning. The narrative ties back to the generation’s response: those who only remove sin without taking in God’s life may be subject to worse judgment. The next verse gives the grim climax of this picture.

v.43But the unclean spirit, when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and findeth it not.

v.44This passage

v.45Then 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.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 5:1

    But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

  • Matthew 12:29

    Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

  • 1 John 4:4

    Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.

  • John 12:6

    Now this he said, not because he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and having the bag took away what was put therein.

  • 1 Timothy 6:9

    But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition.

  • Matthew 13:20

    And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it;

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