unclean spirits
“Unclean spirits” is a New Testament term for evil spirits or demons opposed to God and harmful to people. The expression highlights their moral impurity and corrupting influence.
At a Glance
“Unclean spirits” is a New Testament term for evil spirits or demons opposed to God and harmful to people. The expression highlights their moral impurity and corrupting influence.
Description
“Unclean spirits” is a biblical expression, especially common in the New Testament, for evil spiritual beings opposed to God. The phrase stresses their impurity, defilement, and destructive activity, whether in deception, oppression, or demonization. Scripture presents these spirits as real personal agents under Satan’s realm, yet always subject to the superior authority of Christ, who rebukes and casts them out. While Christians differ on some details of demonic activity and terminology, the basic biblical meaning is clear: unclean spirits are demons, not merely impersonal forces, and they stand in sharp contrast to the holiness of God and the work of the Holy Spirit.