Luke 8:26

KJV

And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they arrived {G2668} at {G1519} the country {G5561} of the Gadarenes {G1046}, which {G3748} is {G2076} over against {G495} Galilee {G1056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They sailed on and landed in the region of the Gerasenes, which is opposite the Galil.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee.

American Standard Version

And they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over against Galilee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:26 serves as a pivotal geographical and narrative transition in Jesus' ministry, marking His arrival on the eastern, predominantly Gentile, shore of the Sea of Galilee, immediately following the miraculous calming of the storm. This concise verse sets the stage for one of Jesus' most profound and dramatic encounters with demonic forces, underscoring His universal authority and intentional pursuit of those in spiritual bondage beyond the traditional boundaries of Jewish territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' powerful demonstration of authority over creation, where He rebuked a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee, bringing about a profound calm ([Luke 8:22-25](/luke/8-22-25 "Jesus Calms the Storm")). The disciples, having just witnessed His unparalleled power over nature, are now led by Jesus into a new, unfamiliar territory. The arrival in the country of the Gadarenes directly precedes the dramatic encounter with the demon-possessed man, often referred to as the Gerasene demoniac ([Luke 8:27-39](/luke/8-27-39 "The Gerasene Demoniac Exorcism")). The sequence highlights a progression of Jesus' authority: from nature, to demonic powers, and ultimately, over the hearts of people, even in a Gentile context. This transition is not merely geographical but also thematic, preparing the reader for a significant spiritual confrontation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "country of the Gadarenes" refers to the region associated with Gadara, one of the ten Hellenistic cities known as the Decapolis. These cities, located primarily east of the Jordan River, were centers of Greek culture and language, distinct from the Jewish-dominated Galilee. Gadara itself was a significant city, about six miles southeast of the Sea of Galilee, with its jurisdiction extending to the lake. The phrase "over against Galilee" precisely indicates their arrival on the eastern shore, directly opposite the Jewish region. This territory was predominantly Gentile, meaning it was inhabited by non-Jews who did not adhere to Mosaic Law. The presence of swine, which were unclean animals to Jews, in the subsequent narrative ([Luke 8:32-33](/luke/8-32-33 "The Pigs Drown")) further confirms the Gentile nature of the region and highlights the cultural boundary Jesus deliberately crossed.

* **Key Themes:** The arrival in the Gadarene territory contributes to several significant themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Jesus' Universal Reach**, demonstrating that His ministry and redemptive authority are not confined to Israel but extend to Gentiles, foreshadowing the global mission of the church as articulated in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission and the Holy Spirit's Power"). Secondly, it underscores **Divine Purpose and Intentionality**. Jesus' deliberate journey across the stormy sea to this specific region, immediately after demonstrating His power, suggests a divine appointment to confront a powerful manifestation of evil and bring liberation to a marginalized individual. This highlights God's sovereignty even over the journey itself. Lastly, this physical journey symbolizes **Crossing Boundaries**, both geographical and spiritual. Jesus' willingness to enter a culturally and religiously distinct area sets the stage for a powerful display of God's transformative power in an unexpected and often overlooked place, challenging the narrow perspectives of His Jewish contemporaries regarding God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **arrived (Greek, _katapléō'_):** From _katá_ (down) and _pléō_ (to sail), this verb literally means "to sail down upon a place" or "to land at." It signifies the successful completion of their journey across the Sea of Galilee, emphasizing a deliberate arrival rather than an accidental one. This term implies purpose and destination, indicating that Jesus intended to reach this specific shore.
* **country (Greek, _chṓra'_):** This term denotes a "space of territory," often encompassing its inhabitants. It refers to the region or district surrounding the city of Gadara, indicating a broader geographical area rather than just the city itself. This broadness is important as the subsequent events occur in the fields and tombs, not within the city proper, highlighting Jesus' ministry reaching beyond urban centers.
* **over against (Greek, _antipéran'_):** A compound word from _antí_ (opposite) and _péran_ (beyond, across), it precisely describes the location of the Gadarene territory as being directly across the Sea of Galilee from the region of Galilee. This geographical detail highlights the significant cultural and religious boundary Jesus was crossing, moving from Jewish lands to a predominantly Gentile area.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes":** This phrase marks the successful completion of Jesus' journey across the Sea of Galilee following the calming of the storm. The destination, "the country of the Gadarenes," immediately signals a significant shift from predominantly Jewish territory to a region known for its Hellenistic (Greek) culture and Gentile population. This sets the stage for an encounter outside the typical bounds of Jesus' Galilean ministry, demonstrating His willingness to minister to all peoples. The use of "country" (chōra) implies not just the city of Gadara but its surrounding district, which would include the lakeshore where they landed.
* **"which is over against Galilee":** This geographical descriptor clarifies the precise location of the Gadarene territory relative to Jesus' usual operating base. "Over against" (antipéran) means "on the opposite side" or "across from," emphasizing that they had crossed the Sea of Galilee to its eastern shore. This simple geographical note underscores the intentionality of Jesus' journey into Gentile lands, highlighting His universal mission and the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, a theme central to the New Testament.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:26, though brief, employs several significant literary devices. It functions as a crucial **Transition** point in the narrative, moving the story from the dramatic display of Jesus' power over nature ([Luke 8:22-25](/luke/8-22-25 "Jesus Calms the Storm")) to His impending confrontation with spiritual forces. This swift shift in setting prepares the reader for a new kind of miraculous intervention. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing** by placing Jesus in the "country of the Gadarenes," a Gentile region known for its swine (unclean animals to Jews). This subtle detail hints at the nature of the subsequent encounter, preparing the audience for the dramatic exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac ([Luke 8:27-39](/luke/8-27-39 "The Gerasene Demoniac")). Furthermore, the act of crossing the sea to a Gentile land carries profound **Geographical Symbolism**. It represents Jesus' willingness to transcend cultural and religious boundaries, extending His ministry and authority beyond the Jewish people to those considered "outsiders." This physical journey prefigures the universal reach of the Gospel message, emphasizing that God's compassion and power know no limits.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:26, though a simple statement of arrival, carries profound theological weight. It signifies Jesus' deliberate expansion of His ministry beyond the comfortable confines of Jewish Galilee into Gentile territory. This act underscores God's impartial love and His redemptive plan for all humanity, not just a select group. By entering the country of the Gadarenes, Jesus demonstrates His authority over all realms—physical, spiritual, and geographical—and His willingness to confront the deepest forms of human suffering and spiritual bondage, regardless of cultural or religious background. This journey prefigures the Great Commission, where the Gospel is to be proclaimed to "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission")). It reminds us that God's compassion knows no boundaries and that His saving power is available to everyone who believes, Jew or Gentile.

* [Matthew 8:28-34](/matthew/8-28-34 "Matthew's Account of the Gerasene Demoniac")
* [Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "Mark's Account of the Gerasene Demoniac")
* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Peter's Realization of God's Impartiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple verse of arrival holds deep implications for our understanding of God's mission and our role within it. Jesus' intentional journey to a foreign, Gentile land, immediately after a harrowing storm, reveals His unwavering commitment to seek out and save the lost, regardless of their background or perceived "uncleanliness." It challenges us to consider where our own boundaries lie in ministry and compassion. Are we willing to step outside our comfort zones, cross cultural divides, and engage with those who are different from us, especially those in spiritual or physical bondage? This verse calls us to embrace a missional mindset, recognizing that God's love extends to every corner of the earth and every human heart. It encourages us to be instruments of His boundless compassion, bringing the light of Christ to unexpected places and people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might Jesus be calling me to "cross over" into unfamiliar or uncomfortable territory to share His love?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to minister in a Gentile region challenge my own prejudices or preconceived notions about who is "worthy" of God's grace?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate God's universal love and compassion in my daily life, breaking down barriers between people?**

### FAQ

**Why is the location "country of the Gadarenes" significant?**

Answer: The "country of the Gadarenes" was a predominantly Gentile region, part of the Decapolis, a league of ten Hellenistic cities. Its significance lies in the fact that Jesus deliberately crossed from Jewish Galilee into this non-Jewish territory. This move highlights His universal mission, demonstrating that His authority and saving power extend beyond the boundaries of Israel to all peoples. It also sets the stage for the subsequent encounter with the demon-possessed man and the presence of swine ([Luke 8:32](/luke/8-32 "The Legion of Demons Enter the Pigs")), which were unclean animals to Jews, further emphasizing the Gentile context.

**Do other Gospels mention this location, and are there different names for it?**

Answer: Yes, the parallel accounts in [Matthew 8:28](/matthew/8-28 "Matthew's Account of the Gerasene Demoniac") and [Mark 5:1](/mark/5-1 "Mark's Account of the Gerasene Demoniac") also describe Jesus' arrival in this region. While Luke and Matthew use "Gadarenes," Mark uses "Gerasenes." Some ancient manuscripts also refer to "Gergesenes." These variations likely stem from the overlapping jurisdictions of these cities. Gadara was a major city whose territory extended to the lake, while Gerasa was further inland, and Gergesa (or Khersa) was a smaller village directly on the eastern shore. Regardless of the precise name used, all accounts point to the same general region on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, a Gentile area.

**What is the spiritual significance of Jesus crossing the sea to this specific place?**

Answer: Jesus' crossing of the Sea of Galilee to the Gadarene territory carries significant spiritual meaning. Firstly, it demonstrates His divine purpose and intentionality in seeking out those in profound spiritual bondage, even in places considered "unclean" or outside the traditional scope of Jewish ministry. Secondly, it symbolizes His authority over all creation, as He first calms the storm and then confronts the forces of darkness in a foreign land. Thirdly, it foreshadows the universal reach of the Gospel, showing that God's love and salvation are for all people, Jew and Gentile alike, breaking down the walls of division ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Breaking Down Walls")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:26, though a geographical marker, profoundly points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' deliberate journey to the "country of the Gadarenes," a Gentile region, is a powerful prefigurement of the universal scope of His salvific work. Just as He crossed the physical boundary of the Sea of Galilee, He ultimately crossed the spiritual and cultural boundaries that separated humanity from God and from each other. This act foreshadows the Great Commission, where His disciples are commanded to make disciples of "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission")), extending the Gospel beyond the confines of Israel. Christ's arrival in this demon-haunted, Gentile land demonstrates His sovereign authority over all spiritual powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")) and His boundless compassion for the lost, regardless of their background or spiritual condition. He is the one who breaks down the dividing wall of hostility, making "both one" in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Breaking Down Walls")), fulfilling God's ancient promise to bless all the families of the earth through Abraham's seed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abraham")). Thus, this simple verse of arrival is a testament to the inclusive, boundary-breaking, and ultimately global nature of Christ's redemptive mission.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 5:1

¶ And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

Mark 5:20

And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all [men] did marvel.

Matthew 8:28

¶ And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

Matthew 8:34

And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought [him] that he would depart out of their coasts.