And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.

LUKE 11:25KJV
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Luke 11:25 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:25 mean?

Luke 11:25 describes a situation where someone returns to a place and finds it cleaned up and put in order. The verse uses the image of a house that has been swept and decorated, suggesting it is ready and welcoming for someone to enter.

In this part of Luke, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, using a story about an unclean spirit leaving a person and then returning. The verse paints a picture of the spirit coming back to find its former "home" neat and inviting. This sets up a warning about spiritual emptiness and the danger of simply removing something bad without filling the space with something good.

The Greek behind Luke 11:25

  • "Swept" (σεσαρωμένον, sesarōmenon): This Greek word means to be thoroughly cleaned, like sweeping a house. The detail emphasizes that the place is not just empty but carefully prepared.
  • "Garnished" (κεκοσμημένον, kekosmēmenon): This word means decorated or put in order, from the same root as "cosmetic." It suggests the house is not only clean but attractively arranged, making it even more appealing for someone to return.

Why Luke 11:25 matters

  • Luke 11:25 helps clarify that spiritual life is not just about removing evil or bad habits; it also matters what fills the space afterward. An empty but orderly life can still be vulnerable.
  • The verse connects to Jesus’ larger teaching in this passage about the need for genuine transformation, not just outward tidiness or temporary change.
  • Understanding the imagery of a swept and decorated house helps readers see the seriousness of spiritual complacency—being "clean" on the surface is not enough if nothing good takes root inside.

Where else these words appear

“swept” Greek G4563 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 12:44 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.
  • Luke 15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

“garnished” Greek G2885 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 12:44 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.
  • Luke 21:5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,
  • 1 Peter 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: