Matthew 12:43-50

Return of an Unclean Spirit

43 "When 1the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through 2waterless places seeking rest, but finds none.
44 Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order.
45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and 3the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this 4evil generation."

Jesus' Mother and Brothers

46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, 5his mother and his 6brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him.[a]
48 But he replied to the man who told him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?"
49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers!
50 For 7whoever 8does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."

Cross References 8

  • 1. For ver. 43-45, see Luke 11:24-26
  • 2. [Psalms 63:1; Jeremiah 2:6]
  • 3. 2 Peter 2:20-22; [John 5:14]
  • 4. ver. 39
  • 5. For ver. 46-50, see Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21
  • 6. Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3; John 2:12; John 7:3, 5, 10; Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5; Galatians 1:19
  • 7. [John 15:14; Hebrews 2:11]
  • 8. Matthew 7:21; [Luke 11:28]

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Some manuscripts insert verse 47: Someone told him, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak to you"
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.