Matthew 12:43 - Exposition

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 ( Matthew 10:1 , 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 ( John 4:15 ; Acts 9:38 ), but probably "goes about," i.e. to different spots (cf. Luke 9:6 ; Acts 8:4 , Acts 8:40 ; Acts 20:25 , and so of a rumour being spread abroad, Luke 5:15 ), in restless wandering. Through dry ( waterless , Revised Version; δι ἀνύδρων ) places. Which supplied nothing wherewith he might refresh himself ( Psalms 63:1 ), and which would, of course, have no houses ( Psalms 107:4-7 , Psalms 107:33-36 ). Seeking rest ( Matthew 11:28 , Matthew 11:29 , notes), and findeth none; and findeth it not (Revised Version).