Luke 8:27

And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in [any] house, but in the tombs.

And {G1161} when he {G846} went forth {G1831} to {G1909} land {G1093}, there met {G5221} him {G846} out of {G1537} the city {G4172} a certain {G5100} man {G435}, which {G3739} had {G2192} devils {G1140} long {G1537}{G2425} time {G5550}, and {G2532} ware {G1737} no {G3756} clothes {G2440}, neither {G2532}{G3756} abode {G3306} in {G1722} any house {G3614}, but {G235} in {G1722} the tombs {G3418}.

As Yeshua stepped ashore, a man from the town who had demons came to meet him. For a long time he had not worn clothes; and he lived, not in a house, but in the burial caves.

When Jesus stepped ashore, He was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothing or lived in a house, but he stayed in the tombs.

And when he was come forth upon the land, there met him a certain man out of the city, who had demons; and for a long time he had worn no clothes, and abode not in any house, but in the tombs.

Commentary

Context

Luke 8:27 introduces one of Jesus' most dramatic encounters immediately after He calms a furious storm on the Sea of Galilee. Upon landing in the country of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes, as in parallel accounts like Matthew 8:28 and Mark 5:2), Jesus is met by a man in an utterly desperate state. This region was predominantly Gentile, indicating Jesus' ministry extended beyond Jewish territories. The verse paints a stark picture of the man's severe spiritual and physical degradation, setting the stage for a powerful display of Jesus' authority.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Extreme Spiritual Bondage: The phrase "had devils long time" clearly indicates a profound and enduring demonic possession, highlighting the destructive power of evil forces over a human life. This man was not just mentally ill, but under direct supernatural oppression.
  • Human Degradation and Isolation: The description "ware no clothes, neither abode in [any] house, but in the tombs" vividly portrays the man's complete loss of human dignity, social connection, and normal living conditions. He was an outcast, forced to dwell among the dead, symbolizing his spiritual death and separation from society.
  • Jesus' Confrontation with Evil: This immediate encounter upon arrival demonstrates Jesus' direct confrontation with the darkest spiritual realities. He actively seeks out and engages with those in the most severe forms of bondage, underscoring His mission to deliver humanity from evil.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates the Greek word daimonia as "devils," which more accurately refers to demons or evil spirits, rather than Satan himself. The term "long time" (Greek: hikanล chronล) emphasizes the chronic and deeply entrenched nature of this man's affliction, suggesting years of torment and isolation. Living "in the tombs" (Greek: en tois mnฤ“meiois) was significant; tombs were considered ritually unclean places in Jewish culture, further highlighting the man's complete separation from social and religious norms.

Practical Application

Luke 8:27 serves as a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus' compassion and power. The man's extreme condition โ€“ naked, homeless, living among the dead, and tormented by demons โ€“ represents the deepest forms of human suffering and spiritual bondage. Yet, it is precisely to such individuals that Jesus comes. This verse challenges us to:

  • Recognize the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for Christ's authority over all evil.
  • Have compassion for those who are marginalized, ostracized, or suffering from unseen battles, remembering that their outward state often reflects deep inner brokenness.
  • Trust that Jesus is able to bring complete deliverance and transformation, as seen in the man's eventual restoration to sanity and society.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Mark 5:2

    And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

  • Mark 5:5

    And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

  • 1 Samuel 19:24

    And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, [Is] Saul also among the prophets?

  • Numbers 19:16

    And whosoever toucheth one that is slain with a sword in the open fields, or a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.

  • Isaiah 65:4

    Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels;
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