Luke 11:25
ESV
And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order.
NIV
When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order.
NASB
And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order.
CSB
Returning, it finds the house swept and put in order.
NLT
So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order.
KJV
And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
NKJV
And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order.
What does Luke 11:25 mean?
This parable (Luke 11:24) explains the foolishness of trying to be neutral in the spiritual battle raging around us. There are two sides: Satan and Jesus. We can choose Christ or choose Satan, but a vote for neither is ultimately a vote for Satan.Someone may have been freed from the most horrific evil, but that doesn't mean he will stay safe. A man may be rescued from a demon and think he can live an ordered, peaceful life. But humans, by default, are under Satan's authority; we are Satan's "spoil" (Luke 11:22). Failing to choose means choosing Satan. Rescue from danger doesn't guarantee continued safety.
The "house" is the man who once was host for a demon. That he is "swept and put in order" means that the demonic influence is gone from his life. His life is as calm and peaceful as any human can experience. He may even do good for his community, love his family, and show generous responsibility in all things.
But human standards won't keep him safe. Spiritually, he is empty and vulnerable. If he does not ask the Holy Spirit to indwell him, his old demons will return. In this new respectable human state, the damage will be even greater than before. The downfall of an honorable man is more dramatic than the continued slide of a man who always looked lost.
Luke 11:24–26 continues the extended section (Luke 11:14–54) about the conflict between the Jewish religious leaders and Jesus. Jesus has decisively shown that He and Satan are on two vastly different sides (Luke 11:14–23). Here, He reveals that there is no middle ground between them. Either people choose Jesus or they stay under Satan's authority. Next, Jesus explains that not even His closest family members are exempt from this dichotomy (Luke 11:27–28). Matthew 12:43–45 also records this parable.
Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray and explains God's intent to give "good" to those who ask. He then exorcizes a demon and refutes the claim that His power is satanic. Jesus explains that unreasonable skeptics will only see the "sign of Jonah." He then criticizes the superficial legalism of the Pharisees. In response, they plot against Him.
