Matthew 12:43

An Unclean Spirit Returns · Matthew 12:43–45
Read Matthew 12

Translations

Modern
When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.
Traditional
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
Literal
Now when the unclean spirit may go out from the man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest and does not find it.
Latin
Cum autem immundus spiritus exierit ab homine, ambulat per loca arida, quærens requiem, et non invenit.

Original

Greek
English
When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.

Notes

People believed demons liked the dry desert (see Revelation 18:2; compare Isaiah 13:21; 34:14).

The Messiah came in victory over evil spirits. But instead of turning back to God, the nation as a whole rejected him. Jesus said that when an evil spirit is cast out, it may return if the person is not ready to resist it. In the same way, judgment would come on this evil generation because they rejected the Messiah (God’s chosen one).

The Pharisees, the teachers of religious law, and many people of his generation rejected the Messiah.

Events

Parallels

Luke 11:24–26

Glossary

Gospel of Matthew Miracle

Topics

Casting out Demons Demon Possession Demonic Spirits Demons: Parable of the Man Repossessed by Unclean Spirits Jesus, the Christ: Rejected Jesus, the Christ: Replies to the Scribes and Pharisees Who Seek a Sign from Him (In Galilee) Parables: Parables of Christ: Unclean Spirit Regeneration: General Scriptures Concerning Satan: The Prince: Unclean Spirit Titles and Names of the Devil: Unclean Spirit Unclean Spirits