Luke 11:25
New International Version
When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order.

New Living Translation
So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order.

English Standard Version
And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order.

Berean Standard Bible
On its return, it finds the house swept clean and put in order.

Berean Literal Bible
And having come, it finds it swept and put in order.

King James Bible
And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.

New King James Version
And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order.

New American Standard Bible
And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order.

NASB 1995
“And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order.

NASB 1977
“And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order.

Legacy Standard Bible
And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order.

Amplified Bible
And when it comes, it finds the place swept and put in order.

Berean Annotated Bible
On its return, it finds the house swept clean and put in order.

Christian Standard Bible
Returning, it finds the house swept and put in order.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And returning, it finds the house swept and put in order.

American Standard Version
And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished.

Contemporary English Version
When it gets there and finds the place clean and fixed up,

English Revised Version
And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When it comes, it finds the house swept clean and in order.

Good News Translation
So it goes back and finds the house clean and all fixed up.

International Standard Version
When it gets back home, it finds it swept clean and put in order.

NET Bible
When it returns, it finds the house swept clean and put in order.

New Heart English Bible
When he returns, he finds it swept and put in order.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.

Weymouth New Testament
and when it comes, it finds the house swept clean and in good order.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
On its return, it finds the house swept clean and put in order.

World English Bible
When he returns, he finds it swept and put in order.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and having come, it finds [it] swept and adorned;

Berean Literal Bible
And having come, it finds it swept and put in order.

Young's Literal Translation
and having come, it findeth it swept and adorned;

Smith's Literal Translation
And having come, he finds it swept and set in order.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he has arrived, he finds it swept clean and decorated.

New American Bible
But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order.

New Revised Standard Version
When it comes, it finds it swept and put in order.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And if it should come and find it warm and well furnished,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And when it has come, it finds it swept and decorated.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he comes and finds it swept, and set in order.

Godbey New Testament
And having come he finds it swept and beautified.

Haweis New Testament
and coming, he findeth it swept and furnished.

Mace New Testament
and at his return he findeth it swept and garnished.

Weymouth New Testament
and when it comes, it finds the house swept clean and in good order.

Worrell New Testament
And, coming, it finds it swept and decorated.

Worsley New Testament
and when he cometh he findeth it swept and set in order.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
An Unclean Spirit Returns
24When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ 25 On its return, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first.”…

Cross References
On its return,

Matthew 12:44
Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order.

2 Peter 2:20-22
If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. / It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them. / Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”

Proverbs 26:11
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
it finds the house

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? / If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Ephesians 2:21-22
In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. / And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.
swept clean

Matthew 23:25-28
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. / Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. / Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. …

Hebrews 10:22
let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

2 Timothy 2:21
So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.
and put in order.

1 Corinthians 14:40
But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.

Colossians 2:5
For although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.

1 Timothy 3:4-5
An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity. / For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?
Matthew 12:43-45
When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. / Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order. / Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation.”

Mark 5:8-13
For Jesus had already declared, “Come out of this man, you unclean spirit!” / “What is your name?” Jesus asked. “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” / And he begged Jesus repeatedly not to send them out of that region. …

Matthew 8:28-34
When Jesus arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, He was met by two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. / “What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?” / In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding. …

Ephesians 6:11-12
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.


Treasury of Scripture

And when he comes, he finds it swept and garnished.

he findeth.

2 Chronicles 24:17-22
Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them…

Psalm 36:3
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.

Psalm 81:11,12
But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me…

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Adorned Arrives Clean Fair Findeth Finds Garnished Good House Order Returns Swept
Luke 11
1. Jesus teaches us to pray, and that instantly;
11. assuring us that God will give all good things to those who ask him.
14. He, casting out a demon, rebukes the blasphemous Pharisees;
27. and shows who are blessed;
29. preaches to the people;
37. and reprimands the outward show of holiness.












On its return
This phrase refers to the unclean spirit that had previously left a person. In the broader context of Luke 11, Jesus is addressing the spiritual state of individuals and the dangers of a superficial or temporary change without true repentance and transformation. The return of the spirit suggests a cyclical pattern of sin and spiritual bondage, highlighting the need for vigilance and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to prevent such a return. This concept is echoed in 2 Peter 2:20-22, where the dangers of returning to former sins are discussed.

it finds the house
The "house" symbolizes the person's life or soul. In biblical literature, a house often represents one's inner life or spiritual state. This metaphor is used throughout Scripture, such as in Matthew 7:24-27, where Jesus speaks of building one's house on the rock versus the sand, illustrating the importance of a strong spiritual foundation.

swept clean
The phrase "swept clean" indicates that the person has undergone some form of moral or spiritual cleansing. However, this cleansing is superficial if not accompanied by a true change of heart and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The imagery of sweeping suggests an attempt to remove impurities, but without filling the void with righteousness, the effort is incomplete. This can be compared to the Pharisees' focus on outward purity without inward transformation, as criticized by Jesus in Matthew 23:25-28.

and put in order
This suggests an attempt to organize or reform one's life. However, without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, such order is temporary and vulnerable to spiritual attack. The phrase implies a semblance of control and discipline, yet it lacks the power and protection that comes from a genuine relationship with God. This is reminiscent of the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, where preparedness and the presence of the Holy Spirit are crucial for true readiness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this passage, providing teaching and insight into spiritual matters.

2. The Unclean Spirit
Represents evil or demonic forces that can inhabit a person.

3. The House
Symbolic of a person's life or soul, which can be occupied by spiritual forces.

4. The Return of the Spirit
An event where the unclean spirit returns to the person it once inhabited.

5. The Audience
Jesus is addressing a crowd, including His disciples and others who are listening to His teachings.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Vigilance
Believers must remain vigilant and spiritually alert, understanding that evil forces seek to re-enter and disrupt their lives.

The Importance of Filling the House
It is not enough to simply clean out the evil; one must fill their life with the Holy Spirit and godly practices to prevent the return of evil.

Transformation through Christ
True transformation comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ, who empowers us to resist evil and live righteously.

Guarding the Heart
Proverbs 4:23 teaches us to guard our hearts, as it is the wellspring of life. This involves being mindful of what we allow into our lives.

Community and Accountability
Engaging in a community of believers provides support and accountability, helping to maintain spiritual health and resist evil influences.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Luke 11:25?

2. How can we guard our hearts against spiritual emptiness as in Luke 11:25?

3. What does Luke 11:25 teach about the dangers of spiritual complacency?

4. How does Luke 11:25 connect with Ephesians 6:11 on spiritual warfare?

5. What practical steps can we take to fill our lives with God's presence?

6. How can we ensure our spiritual "house" remains occupied by the Holy Spirit?

7. What does Luke 11:25 reveal about spiritual readiness and vigilance?

8. How does Luke 11:25 relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?

9. What is the significance of the "swept and put in order" imagery in Luke 11:25?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 11?

11. What defines an abomination?

12. What does 'bind the strongman' mean?

13. If God is all-good, why does He accept human sacrifices in some cases (Judges 11:30-39)?

14. How can the claim that predator and prey will coexist peacefully (Isaiah 11:6-7) be reconciled with established scientific understanding of animal behavior?
What Does Luke 11:25 Mean
On its return

• The verse resumes the story begun in Luke 11:24, where the unclean spirit “passes through arid places seeking rest.” The demon’s coming back shows intentionality; evil does not simply drift. It keeps searching for an opening (1 Peter 5:8; Job 1:7).

• Jesus pictures a real spirit returning to a real person. This underscores that deliverance is not merely psychological but spiritual (Matthew 12:43–44).

• The phrase warns that past victories do not guarantee future safety. A life once freed must remain guarded (Ephesians 6:11–12; James 4:7).


it finds the house

• “The house” stands for the person’s inner life—heart, mind, will (Proverbs 4:23).

• Finding implies inspection. Demons look for vacancies where God’s presence is absent (John 14:23 versus Luke 8:27).

• The person belongs to God by right of creation (Psalm 24:1) and is intended to become a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), yet here the house lies unoccupied.


swept clean

• Cleansing has taken place: habits were dropped, outward behaviors reformed. Deliverance brought real change (2 Corinthians 5:17).

• Still, a clean floor alone does not keep intruders out. Moral reform without spiritual rebirth leaves a vacuum (John 3:5–7).

• Jesus stresses that emptiness is dangerous; holiness is not merely subtraction of sin but addition of His presence (Galatians 2:20).


and put in order

• Everything appears orderly—no chaos, no visible filth. Religion can tidy up life’s surface (Mark 7:6–8).

• Order can deceive: looking respectable is not the same as being indwelt by Christ (2 Timothy 3:5).

• Lasting security comes when the rightful Owner moves in and seals the premises (Ephesians 1:13–14; Colossians 3:16).


summary

Luke 11:25 warns that deliverance without indwelling leads to vulnerability. A returning spirit finds three things—an unguarded house, a swept floor, and neat furnishings—which together spell “empty.” Real safety comes only when Jesus fills the cleansed life, turning the house from vacant property into His permanent home.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
On its return,
ἐλθὸν (elthon)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

it finds [the house]
εὑρίσκει (heuriskei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2147: A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.

swept clean
σεσαρωμένον (sesarōmenon)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4563: To sweep, cleanse by sweeping. From a derivative of sairo; meaning a broom; to sweep.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

put in order.
κεκοσμημένον (kekosmēmenon)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2885: To put into order; I decorate, deck, adorn. From kosmos; to put in proper order, i.e. Decorate; specially, to snuff.


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Luke 11:24
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