Matthew 12:45 - Exposition

Then . On seeing that this is the case (cf Matthew 3:5 , note). Goeth he ( πορεύεται ) . Part of the figure; the others would not be far off . And taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked ( evil , πονηρότερα ) than himself . Christ emphasizes the force and the malignity of a spiritual relapse. And they enter in . Into the heart, and thence into the whole body and soul. And dwell there . Permanently . And the last state of that man is worse than the first. Our Lord's words are apparently quoted in 2 Peter 2:20 . Observe that the idea of pollution is found there as well as here. (For the form of the expression, comp. also Matthew 27:64 .) Is ; becometh (Revised Version), as the result. Even so shall it be , This is more than a warning; it is a verdict. Also unto this wicked generation . Observe Christ's solemn addition of "wicked"

The opposition that our Lord met with from his relations. He shows that not natural but spiritual relationship is all-important. Parallel passages: Mark 3:31-35 ; Luke 8:19-21 . The section belonged originally to the Framework.