7 Spirits – The Danger of Returning Evil

Luke 11:24-26

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.” (BibleGateway – NIV)

In this passage, Jesus warns about the 7 spirits – the danger of returning evil, teaching us that spiritual emptiness can invite even greater darkness if the heart isn’t filled with God’s presence.

Seven worse spirits

The biblical scholars generally agree that the passage about the seven worse spirits (Matthew 12:43-45 and Luke 11:24-26) is a powerful warning from Jesus, but the interpretation of the exact identity of these seven spirits varies.

Who are the 7 Spirits?

The Bible does not name the seven evil spirits that return. The main interpretation falls into two primary perspectives:

Symbol of Intensification of Evil (Most Common Interpretation):

The number seven is a symbolic number in the Bible, representing totality, perfection, or completeness.

In this context, the “seven other spirits more wicked” symbolize a fullness of wickedness, indicating that the person or generation that is freed from evil (the “clean house”) but fails to fill it with God’s presence and the practice of righteousness, becomes even more fertile ground for the return and complete domination of evil. The final state is seven times (totally) worse than the initial one.

They are not specific spirits with individual names, but rather the intensification of demonic control and wickedness.

Reference to the Seven Deadly Sins or Universal Vices (Traditional/Allegorical Interpretation):

Some theologians, like Gregory the Great (6th century), interpreted these “seven demons” as an allusion to the seven capital vices (pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth/acedia), or all vices universally.

This is an allegorical application to illustrate that by driving out one sin but not filling the life with virtue, the heart becomes vulnerable to a “legion” of other vices that can dominate the person.

What do they do?

The purpose of these spirits is to make the final state of the person or generation worse than the first.

• Occupation of the Void: The original demon returns and finds the “house” (the person or nation) swept clean and put in order, but empty (unoccupied, without the presence of Christ/the Holy Spirit).
• Relapse and Aggravation: Instead of struggling to re-enter alone, it recruits seven others (i.e., more power) to ensure total possession and dominance.
• Subtle/Religious Attack: Many scholars apply the warning to the Jewish people of Jesus’ time (“this evil generation”). They had rid themselves of their ancestors’ idolatry (the clean house), but rejected the Messiah and filled their void with religious legalism and hypocrisy (the new “demons”), becoming worse off than before (Matthew 12:45).

Where are they now?

From the biblical and theological perspective, the demons, including these “seven worse spirits,” are:

1. In the world: Actively operating in the world, in the “waterless places” (the passage says the spirit that left goes through “waterless places seeking rest”).
2. Exerting influence: They continue to seek and influence people and nations that have been purified or have undertaken an external reform, but remain empty of genuine presence and commitment to God.

How about the 7 Spirits of God?

God does not give us a spirit of fear

That’s a powerful and reassuring biblical principle: God does not give us a spirit of fear. This statement is drawn directly from 2 Timothy 1:7, which says: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This verse serves as an anchor for believers, challenging the common human tendency to succumb to anxiety, panic, or timidity. It firmly asserts that fear, particularly the kind that paralyzes and cripples, is not a product of divine intention or bestowal. Instead, God equips His followers with a profound sense of power to face life’s challenges, a boundless love that casts out fear, and a sound mind—a state of self-control, discipline, and clarity in thought and judgment.

Spiritual Warfare

In the context of spiritual warfare or the wiles of the enemy, the promise that God does not give us a spirit of fear is particularly relevant. The primary tactic of any adversary, including demonic forces, is to use intimidation, worry, and doubt to break down a person’s faith and resolve. If fear were from God, it would be a spiritual virtue; however, because fear paralyzes action and clouds judgment, it often becomes a tool used to prevent people from acting boldly in faith or asserting the authority they believe they have. By internalizing this truth, believers are encouraged to recognize fear as an external attack or an internal emotional response to circumstances, rather than a spiritual gift or a necessary state of being.

Living by the conviction

Living by the conviction that God does not give us a spirit of fear means choosing courage over worry in daily life. This isn’t an absence of danger, but a settled trust in God’s presence and provision amidst it. It requires actively cultivating the three spiritual gifts mentioned in the verse—power, love, and a sound mind—as direct antidotes to the “spirit of fear.” Power provides the confidence to confront obstacles; love anchors the heart in self-giving service, shifting focus away from self-preservation through worry; and a sound mind allows one to think rationally, reject irrational thoughts, and apply spiritual truth to emotional states. Ultimately, embracing this principle transforms one’s perspective from one of victimhood to one of victory.

Practical and spiritual warning

The core message is a practical and spiritual warning: it is not enough to simply get rid of evil (clean the house); one must actively invite and maintain the presence of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit (fill the house) to ensure protection and perseverance in the faith. A person who experiences deliverance and then neglects their spiritual life risks a more severe relapse.

5 recommended books

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis – A profound and creative look at how evil subtly tempts and misleads believers. It’s a classic exploration of spiritual warfare and the human soul.

Victory Over the Darknes by Neil T. Anderson – Teaches believers how to find their identity in Christ and stand firm against spiritual deception and oppression.

The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson – A powerful guide on breaking free from the enemy’s grip and staying spiritually filled through faith, truth, and the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual Warfare: The Battle for God’s Glory by Jerry Rankin – Explains the nature of spiritual conflict and how believers can remain vigilant and victorious in Christ.

Hostage to the Devil by Malachi Martin – A thought-provoking exploration of real cases of demonic possession and deliverance, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance and faith.