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.

MATTHEW 12:45KJV
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Matthew 12:45 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:45 mean?

Matthew 12:45 describes how, after an evil spirit leaves a person, it may return with even more wicked spirits, making the person's final condition worse than before. Jesus uses this as a warning that the current generation, if it remains unrepentant, will end up in a worse spiritual state than before.

Jesus is speaking to a crowd, including religious leaders, after being challenged about his authority and miracles. He uses the image of evil spirits to illustrate the danger of outward change without true repentance or filling the spiritual void with good. The warning is directed at people who may appear cleansed or reformed but remain spiritually empty, making them vulnerable to even greater evil.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:45

  • πνεύματα (pneumata, "spirits"): This word refers to spiritual beings, often understood as evil or unclean spirits in this context, highlighting the supernatural aspect of the warning.
  • πονηρότερα (ponērotera, "more wicked"): The Greek emphasizes that the new spirits are not just additional but even worse than the first, stressing the increasing danger.
  • γενεά (genea, "generation"): This word points to the people of Jesus' time, but it can also mean a group sharing a common mindset, making the warning broader than just those physically present.

Why Matthew 12:45 matters

  • Matthew 12:45 clarifies that simply removing evil without positive spiritual change can leave a person or group in a more dangerous state than before.
  • The verse connects to Jesus’ broader warning to the religious leaders and the crowds about the need for genuine transformation, not just outward reform.
  • It helps explain why Jesus criticizes "this wicked generation," showing that spiritual emptiness can lead to even greater problems if not addressed with true faith and change.

Where else these words appear

“wicked” Greek G4191 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 11:26 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.

“than” 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 5:26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew 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.

“generation” Greek G1074 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
  • Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
  • Luke 17:25 But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.

“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?