Matthew 12:44 - Exposition

Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out. In the true text the emphasis lies on the words, "into my house;" i.e. the place that I have found so comfortable before, where I was so thoroughly at home; which, in fact, is still mine. Observe the curious parallel to Matthew 10:25 . The Jews had called Christ Beelzebub absolutely without reason, but in their own ease it was only too possible that they had an unclean spirit as "master of the house." And when he is come, he findeth it empty, unoccupied ( σχολάζοντα ). Swept ; "cleansed with besoms" (Wickliffe); σεσαρωμένον . And garnished ; "made fair" (Wickliffe); καὶ κεκοσμημένον . It had no tenant, but it was fully prepared for one; all the rubbish had been removed, and suitable preparations been made.