Matthew 12:43

The Return of the Unclean Spirit

12:43 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a person, it passes through waterless places looking for rest but does not find it.

Matthew 28:5

28:5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

sn Unclean spirit refers to an evil spirit.

tn Grk “man.” This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpo"), referring to both males and females. This same use occurs in v. 45.

sn The background for the reference to waterless places is not entirely clear, though some Jewish texts suggest spirits must have a place to dwell, but not with water (Luke 8:29-31; Tob 8:3). Some suggest that the image of the desert or deserted cities as the places demons dwell is where this idea started (Isa 13:21; 34:14).

tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.

tn Grk “But answering, the angel said.” This is somewhat redundant in English and has been simplified in the translation.

tn Grk “for I know.”

sn See the note on crucified in 20:19.