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NASB | Matthew 12:45 "Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 12:45 "Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and make their home there. And the last condition of that man becomes worse than the first. So will it also be with this wicked generation." |
Bible Question: What does the Bible say about demons? Does it provide a clear definition of demons? --Hank |
Bible Answer: Hello Hank! Demons are referred to as adversaries of men in Matt. 12:45. There are many occurrences of the word 'demon' in the Bible. Because of that, a biblical understanding of demons is important. Demons are worshiped (Lev. 17:7, Deut. 32:17, 2 Chr. 11:15, Ps. 106:37, Matt. 4:9, Luke 4:7, 1 Cor. 10:20-21, 1 Tim. 4:1, Rev. 13:4). Worshipping demons is forbidden (Lev. 17:7, Zech. 13:2, Rev. 9:20).People and animals (swine) can be possessed by demons.. (1 Sam. 16:14-23, 18:10-11, 19:9-10, Matt. 8:28-34, Mark 5:2-20, Matt. 9:32-33, 12:22, Luke 11:14, Matt. 15:22-29, Mark 7:25-30, Matt. 17:14-18, Mark 9:17-27, Luke 9:37-42, Mark 1:23-26, Luke 4:33-35, Mark 16:9, Luke 8:2-3, Matt. 8:30-32).Jesus cast out demons out of people (Matt. 4:24, 8:16, Mark 3:22, Luke 4:41).The disciples were given power over demons (Matt. 10:1, Mark 6:7, 16:17, 9:38, Luke 10:17, Acts 5:16, 16:16-18, 19:12, 8:7).The disciples could not expel demons (Mark 9:18,28-29, Acts 19:13-16).A man can be repossessed by a demon or demons (Matt. 12:43-45). Jesus was falsely accused of being possessed (Mark 3:22-30, John 7:20, 8:48, 10:20).Demons testify to the divinity of Jesus (Matt. 8:29, Mark 1:23-24, 3:11, 5:7, Luke 8:28, Acts 19:15)Demons were sent to foment trouble between Abimelech and the Shechemites (Judg. 9:23). Messages were given to false prophets by demons (1 Kin. 22:21-23).Demons believe that Jesus is the Son and tremble (James 2:19). Demons will be judged (Matt. 8:29, 2 Pet. 2:4, Jude 6).Demons will be punished (Matt 8:29, 25:41, Luke 8:28, 2 Pet. 2:4, Jude 6, Rev. 12:7-9).. From reading all of the above scriptures and recognizing how the scripture references 'demons', I gather this definition: Demons are malicious, evil spirits that carry out objectives that are contrary to the nature of God and they are purely spiritual in nature, recognize authority, and are doomed to everlasting punishment forever.(Nave's Topical Bible) |