Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

LUKE 11:26KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 11:26 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:26 mean?

Luke 11:26 describes how, after an evil spirit leaves a person, it may return with seven other spirits even more wicked, resulting in the person’s condition becoming worse than before. The verse warns that simply removing evil without filling the emptiness can lead to an even greater problem.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, explaining the dangers of spiritual emptiness. He uses the story of an unclean spirit leaving and returning to show that a person who is freed from evil but does not replace it with something good is vulnerable to even worse influences. The verse highlights the importance of true inner change, not just temporary relief.

The Greek behind Luke 11:26

  • The word for "spirits" is πνεύματα (pneumata), which often refers to spiritual beings or influences. Here, it emphasizes that the problem is not just physical or mental, but spiritual in nature.
  • The phrase "more wicked" uses the Greek word πονηρότερα (ponērotera), meaning more evil or harmful. This stresses that the returning influences are not just the same, but actually worse than before.
  • The word for "last" is ἔσχατος (eschatos), meaning final or ultimate. This underlines that the end result for the person is more serious than the original state.

Why Luke 11:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that spiritual problems can return even stronger if a person does not fill the void left behind with something positive or lasting.
  • Luke 11:26 connects to Jesus’ larger teaching about the need for genuine transformation, not just surface-level change or temporary fixes.
  • The verse helps explain why some people may seem to improve for a time but then fall back into even worse situations, highlighting the need for ongoing spiritual care.

Where else these words appear

“wicked” Greek G4191 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

“worse” Greek G5501 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
  • Mark 2:21 No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.
  • 1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

“dwell” Greek G2730 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
  • Acts 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
  • James 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

“last” Greek G2078 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
  • 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.