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class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/12.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. <a href="/nlt/matthew/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> “When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. <a href="/esv/matthew/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. <a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now when the unclean spirit is gone out from the man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it. <a href="/kjv/matthew/12.htm">King James Bible</a> When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/12.htm">New King James Version</a> “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Now when the unclean spirit comes out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it. <a href="/nasb/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places, seeking rest, and does not find it. <a href="/lsb/matthew/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it. <a href="/amp/matthew/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Now when the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it roams through waterless (dry, arid) places in search of rest, but it does not find it. <a href="/csb/matthew/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “When an unclean spirit comes out of a person, it roams through waterless places looking for rest but doesn’t find any. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it roams through waterless places looking for rest but doesn&#8217t find any. <a href="/asv/matthew/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> But the unclean spirit, when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and findeth it not. <a href="/cev/matthew/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When an evil spirit leaves a person, it travels through the desert, looking for a place to rest. But when the demon doesn't find a place, <a href="/erv/matthew/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> But the unclean spirit, when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and findeth it not. <a href="/gwt/matthew/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "When an evil spirit comes out of a person, it goes through dry places looking for a place to rest. But it doesn't find any. <a href="/gnt/matthew/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> "When an evil spirit goes out of a person, it travels over dry country looking for a place to rest. If it can't find one, <a href="/isv/matthew/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Whenever an unclean spirit goes out of a person, it wanders through waterless places looking for a place to rest, but finds none. <a href="/msb/matthew/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. <a href="/net/matthew/12.htm">NET Bible</a> "When an unclean spirit goes out of a person, it passes through waterless places looking for rest but does not find it. <a href="/nheb/matthew/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But the unclean spirit, when he is gone out of the person, passes through waterless places, seeking rest, and does not find it. <a href="/wbt/matthew/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and he findeth none. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "No sooner however has the foul spirit gone out of the man, then he roams about in places where there is no water, seeking rest but finding none. <a href="/web/matthew/12.htm">World English Bible</a> “When an unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest, and doesn’t find it. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And when the unclean spirit may go forth from the man, it walks through dry places seeking rest and does not find; <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now when the unclean spirit is gone out from the man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it. <a href="/ylt/matthew/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And, when the unclean spirit may go forth from the man, it doth walk through dry places seeking rest, and doth not find; <a href="/slt/matthew/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And when the unclean spirit has gone out from a man, he passes through sterile places, seeking rest, and finds not.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when an unclean spirit is gone out of a man he walketh through dry places seeking rest, and findeth none. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now when an unclean spirit departs from a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest, and he does not find it. <a href="/nabre/matthew/12.htm">New American Bible</a> “When an unclean spirit goes out of a person it roams through arid regions searching for rest but finds none. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting place, but it finds none.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, it travels in places where there is no water, and seeks rest, and does not find it. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But whenever a foul spirit goes out from a man, it wanders about in places without water in them, and it seeks rest and does not find it.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he goes through dry places seeking rest, and finds none. <a href="/godbey/matthew/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>And when the unclean spirit may go out from the man, he goes through dry places seeking rest, and finds none.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> When the unclean spirit is indeed gone out of a man, he traverses through places destitute of water, in search of rest, but cannot find it. <a href="/mace/matthew/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> When an unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he roams about the deserts, seeking rest, and findeth none. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "No sooner however has the foul spirit gone out of the man, then he roams about in places where there is no water, seeking rest but finding none. <a href="/worrell/matthew/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"But, when the unclean spirit goes out from the man, it passes through waterless places, seeking rest, and finds it not.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Now when an impure spirit is gone out of a man, he wanders through dry <Fr>desert<FR> places, seeking rest, and findeth none:<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/12-43.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=3377" 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> 42The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. 43<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3752.htm" title="3752: Hotan (Conj) -- When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.">When</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">an</a> <a href="/greek/169.htm" title="169: akatharton (Adj-NNS) -- Unclean, impure. Impure (lewd) or specially, (demonic).">unclean</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneuma (N-NNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">spirit</a> <a href="/greek/1831.htm" title="1831: exelthē (V-ASA-3S) -- To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.">comes out</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">a</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpou (N-GMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">man,</a> <a href="/greek/1330.htm" title="1330: dierchetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To pass through, spread (as a report). From dia and erchomai; to traverse.">it passes</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: di’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/504.htm" title="504: anydrōn (Adj-GMP) -- Without water, dry; subst: dry places, desert. Waterless, i.e. Dry.">arid</a> <a href="/greek/5117.htm" title="5117: topōn (N-GMP) -- Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard.">places</a> <a href="/greek/2212.htm" title="2212: zētoun (V-PPA-NNS) -- To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.">seeking</a> <a href="/greek/372.htm" title="372: anapausin (N-AFS) -- Rest, cessation from labor, refreshment. From anapano; intermission; by implication, recreation.">rest</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouch (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></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.">does not find it.</a> 44Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order.…<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="/mark/5-1.htm">Mark 5:1-20</a> On the other side of the sea, they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes. / As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, He was met by a man with an unclean spirit, who was coming from the tombs. / This man had been living in the tombs and could no longer be restrained, even with chains. ... <a href="/matthew/8-28.htm">Matthew 8:28-34</a> 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. ... <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a> Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. <a href="/james/4-7.htm">James 4:7</a> Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. <a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Ephesians 6:11-12</a> Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / 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. <a href="/2_peter/2-20.htm">2 Peter 2:20</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. <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="/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4</a> You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. <a href="/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21</a> Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. <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="/acts/19-13.htm">Acts 19:13-16</a> Now there were some itinerant Jewish exorcists who tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits. They would say, “I command you by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.” / Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. / But one day the evil spirit responded, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are 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="/job/1-7.htm">Job 1:7</a> “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” <a href="/zechariah/3-1.htm">Zechariah 3:1-2</a> Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.when.the unclean.<a href="/luke/11-24.htm">Luke 11:24</a> When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.<a href="/acts/8-13.htm">Acts 8:13</a> Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.he.<a href="/job/1-7.htm">Job 1:7</a> And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.<a href="/job/2-2.htm">Job 2:2</a> And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.<a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a> Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:dry.<a href="/psalms/63-1.htm">Psalm 63:1</a> A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;<a href="/isaiah/35-6.htm">Isaiah 35:6,7</a> Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert… <a href="/isaiah/41-18.htm">Isaiah 41:18</a> I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.seeking.<a href="/matthew/8-29.htm">Matthew 8:29</a> And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?<a href="/mark/5-7.htm">Mark 5:7-13</a> And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not… <a href="/luke/8-28.htm">Luke 8:28-32</a> When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/11-24.htm">Arid</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-17.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/12-31.htm">Find</a> <a href="/matthew/10-39.htm">Findeth</a> <a href="/matthew/7-14.htm">Finding</a> <a href="/matthew/11-6.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/matthew/12-35.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/10-1.htm">Foul</a> <a href="/matthew/12-30.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/matthew/8-9.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/matthew/12-12.htm">However</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-8.htm">Passes</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-8.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/matthew/12-19.htm">Places</a> <a href="/matthew/12-21.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">Roams</a> <a href="/matthew/7-8.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/psalms/58-9.htm">Sooner</a> <a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/matthew/10-1.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/matthew/11-5.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/micah/2-7.htm">Walketh</a> <a href="/matthew/10-42.htm">Water</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-11.htm">Waterless</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/11-24.htm">Arid</a> <a href="/matthew/13-6.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/matthew/12-45.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/16-25.htm">Find</a> <a href="/matthew/12-44.htm">Findeth</a> <a href="/matthew/13-46.htm">Finding</a> <a href="/matthew/12-44.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/matthew/12-44.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/16-3.htm">Foul</a> <a href="/matthew/13-39.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/matthew/12-45.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/matthew/13-21.htm">However</a> <a href="/matthew/15-17.htm">Passes</a> <a href="/matthew/15-17.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/matthew/13-5.htm">Places</a> <a href="/matthew/20-7.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/luke/11-24.htm">Roams</a> <a href="/matthew/12-46.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Sooner</a> <a href="/matthew/14-26.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/matthew/15-11.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/matthew/15-31.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/luke/11-24.htm">Walketh</a> <a href="/matthew/14-28.htm">Water</a> <a href="/luke/11-24.htm">Waterless</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>When an unclean spirit comes out of a man This phrase refers to the expulsion or departure of a demon from a person. In biblical context, unclean spirits are often associated with demonic forces that oppose God. The act of an unclean spirit leaving a person can be seen as a deliverance or exorcism, which was a significant part of Jesus' ministry (<a href="/matthew/8-16.htm">Matthew 8:16</a>). The concept of spiritual warfare is prevalent throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the battle between good and evil. The departure of the spirit suggests a temporary victory over evil, but it also implies the need for vigilance and spiritual fortification to prevent its return.it passes through arid places The mention of "arid places" or "waterless places" is symbolic of desolation and barrenness, often associated with the wilderness or desert. In biblical times, the wilderness was seen as a place of testing and spiritual struggle, as seen in Jesus' temptation (<a href="/matthew/4.htm">Matthew 4:1-11</a>). The arid places could represent the spiritual barrenness and restlessness of the unclean spirit, highlighting its disconnection from the life-giving presence of God. This imagery underscores the idea that evil spirits are in a constant state of unrest and dissatisfaction.seeking rest The unclean spirit's search for rest indicates its desire for a place to inhabit and exert influence. In the cultural context of the time, spirits were believed to seek embodiment to fulfill their purposes. This search for rest can be seen as a metaphor for the restless nature of evil, which finds no peace apart from God. Theologically, it suggests that true rest and peace are found only in God, contrasting the turmoil of the demonic realm with the peace offered by Christ (<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a>).and does not find it The inability of the unclean spirit to find rest emphasizes the futility and frustration inherent in the demonic realm. This phrase highlights the ultimate defeat and impotence of evil in the face of God's sovereignty. It serves as a warning about the persistent nature of evil and the importance of spiritual vigilance. Theologically, it underscores the idea that without God, there is no true rest or fulfillment, reinforcing the need for a relationship with Christ to maintain spiritual freedom and protection.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/u/unclean_spirit.htm">Unclean Spirit</a> Refers to a demon or evil spirit that has been cast out of a person. In the context of the Bible, these spirits are often associated with causing harm or leading people away from God. 2. <a href="/topical/m/man.htm">Man</a> Represents the individual from whom the unclean spirit has been expelled. This person is left in a vulnerable state if not filled with the Holy Spirit. 3. <a href="/topical/a/arid_places.htm">Arid Places</a> Symbolic of desolate or dry regions where the unclean spirit wanders. In biblical terms, these places are often seen as devoid of life and spiritual nourishment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_vigilance.htm">Spiritual Vigilance</a> Believers must remain vigilant and spiritually alert, understanding that evil forces seek to exploit any spiritual voids. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_filling_the_void.htm">The Importance of Filling the Void</a> When a person is delivered from evil, it is crucial to fill the void with the Holy Spirit and God's Word to prevent the return of unclean spirits. <a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_evil.htm">The Nature of Evil</a> Evil spirits are restless and constantly seek to inhabit and influence individuals. Recognizing this nature helps believers to guard their hearts and minds. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_spiritual_discernment.htm">The Role of Spiritual Discernment</a> Christians are called to discern spiritual influences and ensure that their lives are aligned with God's will, avoiding spiritual complacency. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a> Engaging in a community of believers provides support and accountability, helping individuals to remain spiritually strong and protected.<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_defines_unfailing_love.htm">What are the different types of demons?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_possession.htm">What does the Bible say about demon possession?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_different_types_of_demons.htm">What are the different types of demons?</a> <a href="/q/how_many_wives_did_abraham_have.htm">What does the Bible say about seeing spirits and demons?</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>(43) When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man.--The parable comes in abruptly, possibly because here, as elsewhere, we have a part and not the whole of a discourse, striking passages noted and put together, now in this order, now in that, while the links that joined them are missing. The inner connection of thought is, however, clear enough. How was it, it might be asked, that Israel had sunk to such a depth of evil? and the answer was found in the similitude which thus opens. The phenomena which furnish the comparison were probably familiar enough. So far as possession was identical in its phenomena, wholly or in part, with insanity, there might be sudden and violent relapses after intervals of calmness and apparent cure. The spirit of the man, under the influence of exorcisms, or prayers, or the sympathy of friends, might assert its freedom for a time, and then yield again to the oppressor. In the history of such a demoniac, which our Lord narrates in the language of the popular belief, He sees a parable of the history of the Jewish people.Walketh through dry places.--The description reflects the popular idea that the parched deserts of Syria and Arabia and Egypt were haunted by demons, who thence came to invade the bodies and the souls of men. So in the book of Tobit (<a href="//apocrypha.org/tobit/8-3.htm" title="The which smell when the evil spirit had smelled, he fled into the utmost parts of Egypt, and the angel bound him.">Tobit 8:3</a>), the demon Asmodeus flees to the upper parts of Egypt.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 43-45. - Parallel passage: <a href="/luke/11-24.htm">Luke 11:24-26</a>, almost verbally, but omitting the application at the end of our ver. 45. A solemn warning against a merely negative improvement. External preparation, mechanical religion, is insufficient; a definite acceptance of my teaching is required. Our Lord's primary thought Would appear to be the relation in which those to whom he was speaking stood to himself. But he frames his words so as to include the whole of that generation of Jews (vers. 39, 45) For his present hearers truly represented their contemporaries. Observe (1) the close of this discourse resembles that of the sermon on the mount; (2) the connexion of thought is the same in Luke, though there the passage comes immediately after our ver. 30; i.e. if you are not with me you are really against me; you are only swept and garnished, and the evil spirit returns. Verse 43. - When; but... when (Revised Version); ὅταν δέ. St. Matthew does not bring this forward as a separate utterance; he wishes the connexion between it and the preceding to be seen. There is a contrast between the behaviour of the Ninevites and the Queen of Sheba, and that of the Jews. The unclean spirit (<a href="/matthew/10-1.htm">Matthew 10:1</a>, note) is gone out of a (the, Revised Version) man (τὸ πνεῦμα... τοῦ ἀνθρώπου). The first article is inserted for the sake of vividness; the second points back to the spirit; he leaves the man in whom he had dwelt. The two together make the saying parabolic instead of abstract. He walketh; passeth (Revised Version); διέρχεται. Perhaps merely "goes through," with the connotation of distance traversed (<a href="/john/4-15.htm">John 4:15</a>; <a href="/acts/9-38.htm">Acts 9:38</a>), but probably "goes about," i.e. to different spots (cf. <a href="/luke/9-6.htm">Luke 9:6</a>; <a href="/acts/8-4.htm">Acts 8:4, 40</a>; <a href="/acts/20-25.htm">Acts 20:25</a>, and so of a rumour being spread abroad, <a href="/luke/5-15.htm">Luke 5:15</a>), in restless wandering. Through dry (waterless, Revised Version; δι ἀνύδρων) places. Which supplied nothing wherewith he might refresh himself (<a href="/psalms/63-1.htm">Psalm 63:1</a>), and which would, of course, have no houses (<a href="/psalms/107-4.htm">Psalm 107:4-7, 33-36</a>). Seeking rest (<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28, 29</a>, notes), and findeth none; and findeth it not (Revised Version). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/12-43.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>When Ὅταν (Hotan) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3752.htm">Strong's 3752: </a> When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as. an τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter 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. unclean ἀκάθαρτον (akatharton) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_169.htm">Strong's 169: </a> Unclean, impure. Impure (lewd) or specially, (demonic). spirit πνεῦμα (pneuma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. comes out ἐξέλθῃ (exelthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1831.htm">Strong's 1831: </a> To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue. of ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. a τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive 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. man, ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. it passes διέρχεται (dierchetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1330.htm">Strong's 1330: </a> To pass through, spread (as a report). From dia and erchomai; to traverse. through δι’ (di’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. arid ἀνύδρων (anydrōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_504.htm">Strong's 504: </a> Without water, dry; subst: dry places, desert. Waterless, i.e. Dry. places τόπων (topōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5117.htm">Strong's 5117: </a> Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard. seeking ζητοῦν (zētoun) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2212.htm">Strong's 2212: </a> To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot. rest ἀνάπαυσιν (anapausin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_372.htm">Strong's 372: </a> Rest, cessation from labor, refreshment. From anapano; intermission; by implication, recreation. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. does not find [it]. 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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/12-43.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 12:43 But the unclean spirit when he (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/12-42.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 12:42"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:42" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/12-44.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 12:44"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:44" /></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>