Luke 8:26

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

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

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

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

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

Luke 8:26 marks a significant geographical transition in Jesus' ministry, immediately following the calming of the storm. This verse concisely sets the stage for one of Jesus' most dramatic encounters with demonic forces.

Context

Having just experienced the miraculous calming of a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and His disciples arrive on the eastern shore. This journey signifies a deliberate move from the predominantly Jewish region of Galilee to an area with a different cultural and spiritual landscape. The disciples had witnessed Jesus' authority over nature, and now they were about to see His supreme power over spiritual darkness.

Geographical and Historical Insights

The "country of the Gadarenes" refers to the territory associated with the city of Gadara, a prominent Hellenistic city belonging to the Decapolis, a league of ten Greek cities. It was situated about six miles southeast of the Sea of Galilee. This region was predominantly Gentile, unlike Galilee, which was primarily Jewish. The phrase "over against Galilee" simply means "opposite" or "across from" Galilee, indicating their arrival on the eastern side of the lake. While some ancient manuscripts use "Gerasenes" (referring to Gerasa, a city further inland) or "Gergesenes" (possibly referring to Khersa on the eastern shore), the KJV's "Gadarenes" is perfectly plausible, as Gadara's jurisdiction would have extended to the lake. This location is crucial for understanding the subsequent narrative, especially the presence of swine, which were unclean animals to Jews.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Universal Reach: By crossing into the Gentile territory of the Gadarenes, Jesus demonstrates that His ministry and authority extend beyond the borders of Israel, foreshadowing the global mission of the Gospel.
  • Divine Purpose: Their arrival in this specific region, immediately after the storm, highlights divine providence. Jesus was led to this place to confront a significant manifestation of evil and bring liberation.
  • Crossing Boundaries: This physical journey across the Sea of Galilee symbolizes a spiritual crossing into an area less receptive to Jewish Law, setting the stage for a powerful display of God's power in an unexpected place.

Significance and Application

This seemingly simple verse of arrival is foundational. It underscores Jesus' willingness to go where the need is greatest, even into areas considered foreign or unclean by some, to bring light, healing, and liberation. The change in location from Galilee to the Gadarene country sets the stage for Jesus' dramatic encounter with a man possessed by a legion of demons, an event that profoundly reveals His authority over all spiritual forces. It reminds us that God's compassion knows no geographical or cultural boundaries, reaching out to all who are in need of redemption.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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