←
Explanation for:
Matthew
12
:
44
Then he saith: I will return into my house from whence I came out. And coming he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
12
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The impure spirit departed from the Jewish people upon their acceptance of the law and roamed through the barren wilderness, searching for rest. Cast out from the Jews, he ventured into the desolate regions populated by the Gentiles. When the Gentiles eventually came to faith in the Lord, the spirit, finding no refuge among them, declared, \\"I will return to my former dwelling,\\" intending to revisit the Jews he had abandoned. Indeed, the Jewish temple was devoid of Christ’s presence, as He indicated, \\"Arise, let us go hence\\" (Jn. 14:31), and in another passage stated, \\"Behold, your house is left to you empty\\" (Lk. 13:35)."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"After addressing the Pharisees and demonstrating that their sin was unforgivable—not due to any deficiency in the Lord but rooted in their own malice—Christ illustrated this by citing the Ninevites and the queen of the South as examples. His parable, intended to instill fear, highlights the severe consequences awaiting them. Christ reveals that the Pharisees would face dire punishments, not only in the age to come but in this present life as well. He had previously said, “The men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment, and shall condemn this generation.” The Pharisees might have thought the day of reckoning was far off, leading to greater negligence. In light of this, the Savior stresses the imminent disasters that would befall them even now. The prophet Hosea warned of similar fates, likening them to a false prophet lost in frenzy, wise in neither virtue nor understanding.\\n\\nThrough these comparisons, Christ aims to expose the depths of the Pharisees' wickedness, urging them to realize their dire condition. Reflecting on the punishments, He brings to light the seriousness of their transgressions. If those once tormented by evil spirits neglect their healing, they risk attracting even worse evils. The Pharisees were still ensnared in idolatry, sacrificing their children to demons, yet God did not abandon them. He cast out demons through the prophets and sought to purify them further. However, if they continue to defy Him and commit the grievous sin of rejecting the Lord, the penalties they face will exceed those of their forebears who suffered in Babylon and Egypt. Indeed, the tribulations the Jews endured under Vespasian and Titus were far greater. The Lord proclaimed, “There shall be great tribulation such as never was nor shall be.” \\n\\nMoreover, the lessons from those previously afflicted by demons reflect the complete absence of virtue and an increased susceptibility to malevolent influences. Where once they knew some righteous among them, now they face divine neglect, lacking the care of God. In their weakened state, they endure both escalation of vices and relentless turmoil. Even today, real life reveals that when challenging rulers arise, the Jews assimilate into the cultures of the heathens around them, all while steeped in numerous evil deeds far worse than their ancestors. Though they may appear subdued now, it is only by fear of earthly leaders—if that fear were removed, they would reveal their true nature of violence.\\n\\nThe demand for signs remains, yet what is truly needed is a heart attuned to goodness. Unlike the Ninevites, who repented without signs, the Jews, despite witnessing many miracles, became a haven for countless evil spirits and brought upon themselves immense suffering. The truth remains: those who fail to grow wiser after being freed from wickedness will face harsher punishments. That is why the Savior warned, “He shall not find rest,” indicating that those who neglect their freedom will inevitably suffer.\\n\\nThere are compelling reasons for greater prudence after liberation: first, the memory of previous sufferings; second, the understanding of the value of their salvation; and third, the threat of even worse outcomes. Yet the Jews remained unmoved despite these realities. The cautions meant for them apply equally to us; if we too turn back to former sins after enlightenment, we will incur severe consequences. This prompts the Savior's exhortation to the healed man: “Be well, therefore sin not, lest anything worse come upon you.” For one who had been afflicted for thirty-eight years, such a warning emphasizes the potential of even greater misfortunes.\\n\\nGod has numerous ways to discipline, as His mercies are also intertwined with His wrath. This is especially directed toward Jerusalem, which received grace yet fell into immorality. The prophet Ezekiel recalls how God nurtured Jerusalem only for it to defile itself. Thus, the city faces harsh judgments for its sin. Listening, we should not only contemplate the impending punishment but also marvel at God's boundless patience. How often have we repeated our transgressions, yet He continues to bear with us? But we must not fall into complacency; we should feel reverence at the mention of Gehenna.\\n\\nConsider Pharaoh who, ignoring initial judgments, met his downfall. Today, there are many who, like him, dismiss divine warning, intensifying their burdens. Those who neglect their duties, out of indifference, might not be shielded from calamity. Hence, let us approach the notion of judgment with a broken spirit, for the discussion of Gehenna, though daunting, can be a source of protection from such calamity. Such conversations remind us of the stakes involved, urging us toward righteousness and a deeper commitment to virtue.\\n\\nAs the Jews will be judged by Ninevites, many whom we may currently overlook may stand in condemnation against us. Reflect on the ridicule and judgment we could face and resolve to start anew, embracing repentance. I call upon myself and all of you to forge a path of humble existence, combating laziness and complacency. Let us not indulge in excess while neglecting our spiritual obligations. The decay of life—dust, ashes, and graves—serves as a reminder of our mortality and the need for renewal.\\n\\nLet us strive for righteousness, displaying an exemplary life that might draw others toward the truth of the Kingdom of Heaven. When witnessing our behaviors as reflections of divine principles, the Gentiles may recognize what they lack. If the apostles could transform entire cities through their dedication, imagine our impact if we collectively pursue virtuous living.\\n\\nThe effective witness of a wise life surpasses any miraculous account. In societal engagement, let us cultivate virtue, letting that be our witness. We need not retreat from life’s responsibilities but should strive to embody virtue there. Each of us can lead honoring lives regardless of our circumstance, as the examples of figures like Daniel, Joseph, and Timothy illustrate. \\n\\nLet us avoid hollow justifications for a lack of virtue and cultivate profound intentions. No matter our state, with sincere purpose and faithfulness, we can achieve spiritual enrichment. May we offer our humble intentions to God, so we might share in the blessings that come through our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, for this and every age. Amen."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Theologian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c5f2a7f789cd7951c81_Gregory%20the%20Theologian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Upon receiving the gracious gift of forgiveness for your sins, it is essential to diligently maintain it, ensuring that this forgiveness remains anchored in God, while your adherence depends on your own actions. How is this possible? Always keep in mind the parable of Christ, as it serves as your greatest and most reliable aid. An unclean and corporeal spirit has been cast out from you during baptism. This spirit despises persecution; it cannot endure being abandoned and desolate. It roams through dry, desolate places where the nourishing waters have ceased to flow, for that is where it prefers to dwell. The spirit wanders in search of rest but finds none. \\n\\nIt approaches the souls of those who have been baptized, from which the impurities have been washed away in the baptismal font. Fearful of the waters, its purging overwhelms it, just as a legion perished in the sea. Yet it returns to the dwelling it left behind, driven by audacity and tenacity; it attempts anew. If it discovers that Christ has established His presence in the space it vacated, it departs once more, unable to achieve its objectives, continuing its wretched wandering. \\n\\nHowever, if it finds within you a place that is marked and adorned, empty and unoccupied, ready to welcome any visitor, it swiftly enters and settles in, bringing with it a presence that is even more formidable than before. Initially, there was the potential for growth and wisdom, but now the absence of good invites destruction, drawing the evil one closer. Thus, the hold on that space becomes more entrenched for the one who occupies it."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Thus, the law, which was subsequently established, acted as a guardian force that expelled the unclean spirit dwelling within the hearts of the people. Upon its departure, this spirit wandered among the forsaken and parched Gentiles, leaving its former abode to seek tranquility and a new dwelling place within them until the day of reckoning. However, when the grace of God was once again revealed to the Gentiles and the life-giving waters of baptism had been stilled, leaving them without a refuge, the unclean spirit found no rest among them and determined it was best to return to its original home. This home, which had been purified by the law, embellished by the proclamations of the prophets, and prepared for the arrival of Christ, stood empty as the protection of the law had vanished, since all law existed before John. It had not welcomed Christ, failing to host Him, and had become desolate after losing its inhabitant and the guardianship that once was, despite having been cleansed and beautified in anticipation of the future resident. Consequently, it takes with it seven of the most malevolent spirits, for Christ had bestowed numerous graces—sevenfold glory as noted in Isaiah 11:2-3—so that the possession of wrongdoing might mirror the eventual possession of divine grace. Therefore, the final condition of this individual is worse than the initial one, as the unclean spirit had departed from him in fear of the law, but now returns with vindictiveness due to his rejection of grace."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The malevolent spirit resided within the Israelites during their time in Egypt, as they engaged in idolatry. However, it was eventually expelled when Moses called them to recognize the true God. Yet, upon turning against the Lord and committing numerous transgressions, their condition became far worse than before. Instead of just one evil spirit, a multitude now took residence within them. A soul that abandons the shield of divine grace will inevitably fall prey to Satan. An unclean spirit, having exited a person, roams through desolate places in search of rest, but finds none. Just as barren land is uninhabitable for humans and detestable to unclean spirits—like a soul dedicated to God, which excludes anything righteous in thoughts or actions—it remains inhospitable to them."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The Lord reveals that they have come to the brink of ruin by rejecting Him. Just as those who have been liberated from evil spirits can suffer even more if they disregard their freedom, so too was your lineage ensnared by a dark force during your idol worship. However, I expelled this dark influence through my prophets and came myself with the intention of purifying you. Yet, since you have turned away from Me and even sought to bring about My destruction, as those who have committed graver sins, your punishment will be even more severe, and your final bondage will be more daunting than the previous ones. \\n\\nYou also recognize that through baptism, the unclean spirit is driven out and roams through dry wastelands, finding no refuge among those who remain unbaptized. For the rest that demons seek is to lead the baptized into wrongdoing, while the unbaptized are already within his grasp. Therefore, the demon returns to the baptized with seven other spirits. Just as there are seven gifts of the Spirit, there stand in opposition seven evil spirits. When he reenters the baptized, then the calamity is immense, for prior to this, there was hope of being purified through baptism, but afterward, the only possibility of redemption lies in the baptism of repentance, which is extremely challenging."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"A person's dwelling refers to what they have left behind, not by their own choice, but by divine mandate. Upon returning, they discover it empty, cleansed, and orderly. This applies to individuals who have been liberated from demonic influences; through slothfulness and carelessness, they can readily become vulnerable again and fall back into the snare of the evil one. It is noted that the spirit finds its previous abode vacant, lacking the Holy Spirit and righteousness. Moreover, it is embellished and made appealing, ready to receive him once more."},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The evil spirit resides within every individual who persistently embraces sin without remorse, much like a host, exerting control over their actions. However, when that individual, by God's grace, experiences genuine sorrow for their transgressions, repents, and ceases to sin, the evil spirit is expelled. Initially, the repentant soul is not troubled by the spirit because their fervor acts as a fiery defense, repelling the demons like arrows. Yet, as this fervor begins to wane, the demon approaches from a distance, suggesting temptations, reviving memories of past pleasures, and beckoning toward them. The penitent must remain vigilant, for sympathy can swiftly turn into desire; if one does not consciously recall their previous state of sobriety, a fall may be imminent. Desire breeds a propensity for sin and resolves to act on it: the inner sin is prepared, waiting only for the opportunity to manifest outwardly. Present the opportunity, and the sin will be committed. Consequently, the demon reenters, urging the person toward sins at an even quicker pace than before. The Lord illustrated this through the parable of the evil spirit returning to the house that had been cleansed and put in order."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The continued personification of the passions shows that this unruly spirit seeks to reclaim humanity. The wicked individual begins to rekindle the destructive desires that had recently been subdued and eradicated for a time. The evil spirit refers to humanity as \\"my house\\" because it inhabits this being as one would dwell in a home; similarly, the vile passions occupy this space. When the unclean spirit and inclinations are expelled, the individual's reasoning and all aspects of the soul are restored; the heart's dwelling is now cleansed, as the remnants of these passions have been removed and replaced with some virtues. However, if one becomes neglectful, lazy, and unmindful of their own state, the unclean spirit and passions may return, coming back with even greater intensity and ferocity, depicted in the return of not just one foul spirit but accompanied by seven others that are even more wicked."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Then he declared, “I shall return to my dwelling, to the familiar sinful heart of the wicked one, from which I departed, from which I was expelled by God's decree. Upon his arrival, he discovers it vacant, finding that man's heart is unoccupied, cleansed and arranged: every aspect of his heart is in order, the debris of sinful thoughts has been discarded, and there are even some embellishments—virtuous inclinations. Yet, if a person remains complacent and neglectful, passive and inattentive to his own soul, if Christ has not yet taken residence in his heart from where the adversary has been removed, if this heart remains open and eager to welcome the first visitor who arrives,"},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Considering that the Resurrection of Christ, who was crucified and dead, did not bring any change to their hearts, what weight could the special sign they demanded truly carry? It could only bring them harm, rather than good. It might provide a brief sense of approval, prompting them to halt their persecution of Jesus and conceal their animosity and spite toward Him. But how long would this last? Would not their indignation eventually resurface, akin to individuals momentarily liberated from an overpowering passion that soon regains control? Would not the rage they had temporarily set aside return with even greater intensity, much like how past passions can resurge within a person?\\n\\nThe Lord conveyed this concept to the Pharisees not through direct words, but rather through an allegorical parable, encouraging them to reflect on its deeper significance. When an unclean spirit departs from a person, it wanders through arid places seeking rest but finds none; then it decides, “I will return to the home from which I came.” Upon returning, it finds the place empty, swept, and arranged; it then takes with itself seven other wicked spirits, and they enter and dwell there, resulting in that individual being worse off than before. The same fate will befall this wicked generation.\\n\\nIn expounding on this parable, we should heed the counsel of John Chrysostom, who advised that one should focus on the principal idea within the Lord’s parables and avoid fixating on every detail, which may serve merely for narrative coherence. In this illustration, the unclean spirit serves as the embodiment of any passion that seizes an individual. Often, a person engages in a vigorous battle with their passions and emerges victorious, finding liberation as if the evil spirit has been expelled. A person released from their vices—such as intemperance, infidelity, or gambling—rejoices, feeling transformed and rejuvenated. Their heart becomes pure, evil thoughts are banished, and their soul shines brightly, much like a home that had been defiled by uninvited guests but is now cleansed after their departure.\\n\\nHowever, it frequently occurs that the passions from which a person has been temporarily liberated come back to overpower them even more fiercely. Instead of one passion, several may ignite, and ultimately, for that person, the latter state is worse than the former. Such will be the case with this wicked generation. Indeed, this may have been the plight of the Pharisees, who sought a special sign. For a time, they might have experienced relief from their malevolence, but later, those very passions would emerge with renewed vigor. This is why the Lord denied them a sign at that moment."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Jesus Christ concluded His discourse with the Pharisees by sharing a parable inspired by the healing of a man afflicted by demons. In this narrative, the Lord illustrated the dire condition that the faithless Jewish people and the Pharisees would ultimately face. As Blessed Theophylact notes, those who have been liberated from the oppressive grip of evil spirits may unfortunately find themselves in a worse situation if they do not amend their ways. When the impure spirit departs from an individual, it wanders through desolate places seeking rest but finds none. It then declares, “I will return to my house from which I came,” and upon returning, it discovers the dwelling to be inviting, clean, and well-furnished. Consequently, it goes and brings with it seven other spirits, even more malevolent than itself, and they enter to reside there; thus, the latter state of that person becomes worse than the former. This is likewise true for this generation filled with evil."}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
