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And having come, it finds it being unoccupied, and swept, and put in order. <a href="/kjv/matthew/12.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/12.htm">New King James Version</a> Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came’; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order. <a href="/nasb/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Then it says, &#8216I will return to my house from which I came’ and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came’; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order. <a href="/lsb/matthew/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came’; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order. <a href="/amp/matthew/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it arrives, it finds the place unoccupied, swept, and put in order. <a href="/csb/matthew/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then it says, ‘I’ll go back to my house that I came from.’ Returning, it finds the house vacant, swept, and put in order. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then it says, I&#8217ll go back to my house that I came from.&#8217 And returning, it finds the house vacant, swept, and put in order. <a href="/asv/matthew/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/matthew/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> it says, "I will go back to the home I left." When it gets there and finds the place empty, clean, and neat, <a href="/erv/matthew/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/matthew/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then it says, 'I'll go back to the home I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean, and in order. <a href="/gnt/matthew/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> it says to itself, 'I will go back to my house.' So it goes back and finds the house empty, clean, and all fixed up. <a href="/isv/matthew/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then it says, 'I will go back to my home that I left.' When it arrives, it finds it empty, swept clean, and put in order. <a href="/msb/matthew/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/matthew/12.htm">NET Bible</a> Then it says, 'I will return to the home I left.' When it returns, it finds the house empty, swept clean, and put in order. <a href="/nheb/matthew/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then he says, 'I will return into my house from which I came out,' and when he has come back, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. <a href="/wbt/matthew/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then he says, 'I will return to my house that I left;' and he comes and finds it unoccupied, swept clean, and in good order. <a href="/web/matthew/12.htm">World English Bible</a> Then he says, ‘I will return into my house from which I came;’ and when he has come back, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> then it says, I will return to my house from where I came forth; and having come, it finds [it] unoccupied, swept, and adorned: <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then it says, 'I will return to my house from where I came out.' And having come, it finds it being unoccupied, and swept, and put in order. <a href="/ylt/matthew/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> then it saith, I will turn back to my house whence I came forth; and having come, it findeth it unoccupied, swept, and adorned: <a href="/slt/matthew/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Then says he, I will return into my house, whence I came out; and having come, he finds vacant; having been swept, and put in order.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then he saith: I will return into my house from whence I came out. And coming he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then he says, ‘I will return to my house, from which I departed’. And arriving, he finds it vacant, swept clean, and decorated. <a href="/nabre/matthew/12.htm">New American Bible</a> Then it says, ‘I will return to my home from which I came.’ But upon returning, it finds it empty, swept clean, and put in order. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ When it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then it says, I will return to my own house from whence I came out; so it comes back and finds it empty, warm, and well furnished. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Then it says, 'I shall return to my house from where I came out', and it goes finding that it is empty, swept and decorated.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Then he says: I will return to my house, out of which I came. And he comes and finds it empty, swept, and set in order. <a href="/godbey/matthew/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Then he says, I will return to my own house whence I came out; and having come, he finds it empty, swept, and beautified.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then he saith, I will return to my mansion, whence I came; and on his arrival, he findeth it unoccupied, swept, and furnished. <a href="/mace/matthew/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I will return then, says he, into my house, which I have quitted; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then he says, 'I will return to my house that I left;' and he comes and finds it unoccupied, swept clean, and in good order. <a href="/worrell/matthew/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>Then it says, 'I will return into my house whence I came out;' and, having come, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and adorned.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>then saith he, I will return into my house, that I came out of; and when he cometh, he findeth it empty, swept, and set off to advantage:<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/12-44.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3385" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">An Unclean Spirit Returns</a> 43When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44<a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">it says,</a> <a href="/greek/1994.htm" title="1994: epistrepsō (V-FIA-1S) -- From epi and strepho; to revert.">‘I will return</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: Eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3624.htm" title="3624: oikon (N-AMS) -- A dwelling; by implication, a family.">house</a> <a href="/greek/3606.htm" title="3606: hothen (Adv) -- From hos with the directive enclitic of source; from which place or source or cause."></a> <a href="/greek/1831.htm" title="1831: exēlthon (V-AIA-1S) -- To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.">I left.’</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elthon (V-APA-NNS) -- To come, go. ">On its return,</a> <a href="/greek/2147.htm" title="2147: heuriskei (V-PIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.">it finds the house</a> <a href="/greek/4980.htm" title="4980: scholazonta (V-PPA-AMS) -- From schole; to take a holiday, i.e. Be at leisure for; figuratively, to be vacant.">vacant,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4563.htm" title="4563: sesarōmenon (V-RPM/P-AMS) -- To sweep, cleanse by sweeping. From a derivative of sairo; meaning a broom; to sweep.">swept clean,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2885.htm" title="2885: kekosmēmenon (V-RPM/P-AMS) -- To put into order; I decorate, deck, adorn. From kosmos; to put in proper order, i.e. Decorate; specially, to snuff.">put in order.</a> 45Then 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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/11-24.htm">Luke 11:24-26</a> 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 swept clean and put in order. / 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.” <a href="/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43</a> When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. <a href="/matthew/12-45.htm">Matthew 12:45</a> 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.” <a href="/2_peter/2-20.htm">2 Peter 2:20-22</a> 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.” <a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Hebrews 6:4-6</a> 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. <a href="/ephesians/2-1.htm">Ephesians 2:1-3</a> And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, / in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. / All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath. <a href="/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14-15</a> But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. <a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Romans 1:28-32</a> 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. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">1 Corinthians 10:12</a> So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. <a href="/john/5-14.htm">John 5:14</a> 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.” <a href="/isaiah/57-20.htm">Isaiah 57:20-21</a> But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck. / “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” <a href="/jeremiah/3-1.htm">Jeremiah 3:1</a> “If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers—and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD. <a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11</a> As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. <a href="/psalms/81-11.htm">Psalm 81:11-12</a> But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me. / So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. <a href="/ezekiel/18-24.htm">Ezekiel 18:24</a> 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then he said, I will return into my house from where I came out; and when he is come, he finds it empty, swept, and garnished.my.<a href="/matthew/12-29.htm">Matthew 12:29</a> Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.<a href="/luke/11-21.htm">Luke 11:21,22</a> When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: … <a href="/john/13-27.htm">John 13:27</a> And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.he findeth.<a href="/matthew/13-20.htm">Matthew 13:20-22</a> But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; … <a href="/psalms/81-11.htm">Psalm 81:11,12</a> But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me… <a href="/hosea/7-6.htm">Hosea 7:6</a> For they have made ready their heart like an oven, whiles they lie in wait: their baker sleepeth all the night; in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/amos/3-15.htm">Adorned</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Arrives</a> <a href="/matthew/11-5.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/matthew/6-7.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/matthew/12-43.htm">Findeth</a> <a href="/matthew/12-43.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/matthew/12-43.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/job/26-13.htm">Garnished</a> <a href="/matthew/12-35.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/12-29.htm">House</a> <a href="/matthew/11-1.htm">Order</a> <a href="/matthew/8-24.htm">Swept</a> <a href="/matthew/10-35.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-9.htm">Unoccupied</a> <a href="/nahum/3-7.htm">Whence</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/11-25.htm">Adorned</a> <a href="/luke/11-25.htm">Arrives</a> <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/mark/12-3.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/matthew/18-13.htm">Findeth</a> <a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/matthew/12-49.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/luke/11-25.htm">Garnished</a> <a href="/matthew/13-8.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/13-1.htm">House</a> <a href="/matthew/14-9.htm">Order</a> <a href="/matthew/24-39.htm">Swept</a> <a href="/matthew/13-15.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/romans/15-23.htm">Unoccupied</a> <a href="/matthew/13-27.htm">Whence</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 12</div>1. <a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">by scripture,</a> 9. <a href="/matthew/12-9.htm">by reason,</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/12-13.htm">and by a miracle.</a> 22. <a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute;</a> 24. <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub, </a> 32. <a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven.</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Account shall be made of idle words.</a> 38. <a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign,</a> 46. <a href="/matthew/12-46.htm">and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ This phrase is part of a parable Jesus uses to illustrate the spiritual state of Israel and the danger of moral reformation without true repentance and faith. The "it" refers to an unclean spirit, symbolizing evil or demonic influence. The "house" represents a person's life or soul. In biblical context, the idea of a house is often used metaphorically to describe one's life or spiritual state (e.g., <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a>). The spirit's decision to return suggests a temporary departure, indicating that mere outward change without inner transformation is insufficient. This reflects the spiritual condition of Israel, which had experienced periods of reform but often returned to old ways without genuine conversion.On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order. The description of the house as "vacant" implies that while the person may have rid themselves of certain sins or habits, they have not filled the void with the presence of God or the Holy Spirit. This is a warning against self-reformation without spiritual renewal. The terms "swept clean" and "put in order" suggest an outward appearance of righteousness or moral tidiness, which can be deceptive if not accompanied by true faith. This reflects the Pharisees' focus on external adherence to the law without internal transformation (<a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Matthew 23:25-28</a>). The passage warns that without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a person remains vulnerable to spiritual attack, as seen in the broader context of Jesus' teachings on spiritual warfare and the necessity of being filled with the Spirit (<a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Ephesians 5:18</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this parable, providing a teaching on spiritual vigilance and the dangers of spiritual complacency. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_unclean_spirit.htm">The Unclean Spirit</a> Represents evil influences or demonic forces that can inhabit a person or place. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_house.htm">The House</a> Symbolizes a person's life or soul, which can be occupied by spiritual forces. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_return.htm">The Return</a> The event of the unclean spirit coming back to the person it once inhabited. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_condition_of_the_house.htm">The Condition of the House</a> Describes the state of the person's life—vacant, swept clean, and put in order—indicating a lack of spiritual defense or presence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_vigilance.htm">Spiritual Vigilance</a> Believers must remain vigilant and not become complacent in their spiritual lives. An empty house is vulnerable to reoccupation by evil. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_filling.htm">The Importance of Filling</a> It is not enough to remove evil; one must fill their life with the Holy Spirit and godly practices to prevent the return of evil influences. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_complacency.htm">The Danger of Complacency</a> A life that is merely "swept clean" but not filled with God's presence is at risk. Spiritual growth and maturity are ongoing processes. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community.htm">The Role of Community</a> Engaging in a community of believers provides accountability and support, helping to keep one's spiritual house filled and protected. <a href="/topical/a/armor_of_god.htm">Armor of God</a> Actively putting on the armor of God is essential for spiritual defense against the schemes of the devil.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'bind_the_strongman'_mean.htm">What does 'bind the strongman' mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_christians_support_war_despite_jesus.htm">Why do Christians often support war and violence despite Jesus' teachings on loving enemies?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_religious_order.htm">What defines a religious order?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_psalm_109_oppose_love_for_enemies.htm">If Jesus taught love for enemies (Matthew 5:44), why does Psalm 109 appear to endorse the exact opposite stance?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(44) Empty, swept, and garnished.--The words have a two-fold symbolism, as representing (1) the state of the possessed man, and (2) that of the nation of which he is made the type. The latter belongs to the interpretation of the parable as a whole. The former portrays the state of the man who has been delivered from the wildness of frenzy, but has been left to the routine of common life and conventional morality, with no higher spiritual influence to protect and guard him.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 44. - Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out. In the true text the emphasis lies on the words, "into my house;" i.e. the place that I have found so comfortable before, where I was so thoroughly at home; which, in fact, is still mine. Observe the curious parallel to <a href="/matthew/10-25.htm">Matthew 10:25</a>. The Jews had called Christ Beelzebub absolutely without reason, but in their own ease it was only too possible that they had an unclean spirit as "master of the house." And when he is come, he findeth it empty, unoccupied (σχολάζοντα). Swept; "cleansed with besoms" (Wickliffe); σεσαρωμένον. And garnished; "made fair" (Wickliffe); καὶ κεκοσμημένον. It had no tenant, but it was fully prepared for one; all the rubbish had been removed, and suitable preparations been made. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/12-44.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then τότε (tote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that. it says, λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ‘I will return ἐπιστρέψω (epistrepsō) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1994.htm">Strong's 1994: </a> From epi and strepho; to revert. to Εἰς (Eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. house οἶκόν (oikon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3624.htm">Strong's 3624: </a> A dwelling; by implication, a family. I left.’ ἐξῆλθον (exēlthon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1831.htm">Strong's 1831: </a> To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue. On its arrival, ἐλθὸν (elthon) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. it finds [the house] εὑρίσκει (heuriskei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2147.htm">Strong's 2147: </a> A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find. vacant, σχολάζοντα (scholazonta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4980.htm">Strong's 4980: </a> From schole; to take a holiday, i.e. Be at leisure for; figuratively, to be vacant. swept clean σεσαρωμένον (sesarōmenon) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4563.htm">Strong's 4563: </a> To sweep, cleanse by sweeping. From a derivative of sairo; meaning a broom; to sweep. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. put in order. κεκοσμημένον (kekosmēmenon) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2885.htm">Strong's 2885: </a> To put into order; I decorate, deck, adorn. From kosmos; to put in proper order, i.e. Decorate; specially, to snuff. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/12-44.htm">Matthew 12:44 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/12-44.htm">Matthew 12:44 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/12-44.htm">Matthew 12:44 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/12-44.htm">Matthew 12:44 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/12-44.htm">Matthew 12:44 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/12-44.htm">Matthew 12:44 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/12-44.htm">Matthew 12:44 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/12-44.htm">Matthew 12:44 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/12-44.htm">Matthew 12:44 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/12-44.htm">Matthew 12:44 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/12-44.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 12:44 Then he says 'I will return into (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/12-43.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 12:43"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:43" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/12-45.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 12:45"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:45" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>