Luke 8:29

KJV

(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

KJV (with Strong's)

(For {G1063} he had commanded {G3853}{G3853} the unclean {G169} spirit {G4151} to come {G1831} out of {G575} the man {G444}. For {G1063} oftentimes {G4183}{G5550} it had caught {G4884} him {G846}: and {G2532} he was kept {G5442} bound {G1196} with chains {G254} and {G2532} in fetters {G3976}; and {G2532} he brake {G1284} the bands {G1199}, and was driven {G1643} of {G5259} the devil {G1142} into {G1519} the wilderness {G2048}.)

Complete Jewish Bible

For Yeshua had ordered the unclean spirit to come out of the man. It had often taken hold of him -- he had been kept under guard, chained hand and foot, but had broken the bonds and been driven by the demon into the desert.

Berean Standard Bible

For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and been driven by the demon into solitary places.

American Standard Version

For he was commanding the unclean spirit to come out from the man. For oftentimes it had seized him: and he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters; and breaking the bands asunder, he was driven of the demon into the deserts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:29 serves as a parenthetical explanation within the narrative of Jesus's encounter with the Gerasene demoniac, vividly detailing the man's severe and long-standing torment prior to Christ's intervention. It underscores the profound and relentless nature of the demonic oppression he suffered, revealing that human attempts to restrain him with physical bonds were utterly futile, as the unclean spirit imbued him with superhuman strength, compelling him into desolate wilderness regions. This verse sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of Jesus's unparalleled authority over all spiritual forces, highlighting the man's desperate need for divine liberation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides a crucial flashback, explaining the chaotic and uncontrollable state of the Gerasene demoniac before Jesus's arrival and the subsequent command recorded in [Luke 8:28](/luke/8-28 "Luke 8:28 - The Demoniac's Plea"). The immediate narrative begins with Jesus and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee to the country of the Gadarenes (or Gerasenes), where they are immediately met by a man possessed by a legion of demons. The preceding verses ([Luke 8:26-28](/luke/8-26-28 "Luke 8:26-28 - Jesus Meets the Gerasene Demoniac")) introduce the man and his desperate condition, but [Luke 8:29](/luke/8-29 "Luke 8:29 - The Demoniac's Torment") elaborates on the extent of his affliction and the failure of all human efforts to contain him. This retrospective detail emphasizes the magnitude of the miracle Jesus is about to perform, contrasting human helplessness with divine omnipotence and preparing the reader for the dramatic expulsion of the demons into the herd of pigs ([Luke 8:30-33](/luke/8-30-33 "Luke 8:30-33 - The Demons Enter the Pigs")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, demon possession was a recognized, albeit often misunderstood, phenomenon. While some afflictions we now attribute to mental or physical illness might have been labeled as demonic, genuine spiritual oppression was also believed to occur. The use of "chains and fetters" reflects common methods of restraining dangerous individuals in that era, highlighting the community's attempts to manage the man's violent outbursts. The "wilderness" (Greek: _eremos_) was often perceived as a place of desolation, danger, and spiritual activity, frequently associated with demonic presence or temptation, as seen in Jesus's own temptation in the wilderness ([Luke 4:1-13](/luke/4-1-13 "Luke 4:1-13 - Jesus's Temptation in the Wilderness")). For a demon-possessed individual to be driven there signifies complete isolation from society and constant torment in a hostile environment, underscoring the severity of his spiritual bondage.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 8:29](/luke/8-29 "Luke 8:29 - The Demoniac's Torment") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it vividly portrays the theme of **Extreme Demonic Oppression**, demonstrating the devastating physical, social, and spiritual consequences of being under the control of evil spirits. The man's inability to be restrained by physical means and his being driven into the wilderness illustrate the superhuman strength and relentless torment inflicted by the demonic realm. Secondly, it highlights **Human Helplessness Against Spiritual Evil**, emphasizing the futility of human efforts (chains, fetters) to combat forces beyond their natural capacity, thereby underscoring the desperate need for divine intervention. Finally, and most significantly, this verse implicitly yet powerfully sets the stage for the theme of **Jesus's Ultimate Authority** over all spiritual forces. By detailing the demon's absolute control over the man, it magnifies the profound power of Jesus's simple command to the "unclean spirit" to come out, showcasing His unique and unparalleled dominion over the forces of darkness, a theme consistently demonstrated throughout Luke's Gospel, such as in [Luke 4:36](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - Jesus's Authority Over Unclean Spirits").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **commanded (Greek, _parangéllō_):** This verb (G3853) signifies giving a charge, enjoining, or transmitting a message with authority. In this context, it underscores Jesus's divine prerogative and sovereign power over the spiritual realm. It is not a request or a plea, but a direct, authoritative order, highlighting His absolute control over the "unclean spirit."
* **unclean spirit (Greek, _akáthartos pneûma_):** The term _akáthartos_ (G169) means "impure" or "defiling," often used in a ceremonial, moral, or demonic sense. _Pneûma_ (G4151) refers to a spirit, breath, or wind, and in this context, specifically a supernatural, malevolent entity—a demon. The combination emphasizes the defiling and corrupting nature of the entity that possessed the man, contrasting sharply with the holiness of God.
* **driven (Greek, _elaúnō_):** This verb (G1643) describes being pushed or propelled, often by a strong force like wind, oars, or, significantly, "dæmonical power." It conveys the involuntary and forceful nature of the man's movements, illustrating that he was not acting of his own volition but was under the complete and violent compulsion of the devil, forced into desolate places.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man.":** This initial clause acts as a parenthetical explanation, clarifying the context of Jesus's interaction with the demoniac. It reveals that Jesus had already issued a direct, authoritative command to the malevolent spiritual entity possessing the man, signaling His immediate recognition of the spiritual battle at hand and His inherent power to confront it.
* **"For oftentimes it had caught him:":** This introduces the reason for Jesus's command, detailing the chronic and violent nature of the man's possession. The demon had frequently seized or gripped him, indicating recurring episodes of intense torment and loss of control.
* **"and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters;":** This describes the desperate human attempts to control the man. The community had resorted to physical restraints—chains (for the body) and fetters (specifically for the feet)—to contain his violent outbursts, illustrating their fear and the severity of his condition.
* **"and he brake the bands,":** This clause dramatically reveals the futility of human efforts. Despite being bound, the man, empowered by the demonic entity, possessed superhuman strength, enabling him to shatter the very restraints designed to hold him. This highlights the inadequacy of physical power against spiritual forces.
* **"and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)":** The final clause underscores the complete control the demon had over the man's life. He was not merely agitated but actively "driven" or propelled by the "devil" (the ultimate source of the demonic power) into desolate, uninhabited regions, signifying his complete isolation from human society and his constant, tormented wandering.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:29 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the man's dire condition and the spiritual reality at play. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the man breaking "chains and fetters," emphasizing the superhuman strength endowed by the demonic entity, far beyond normal human capacity. This exaggeration serves to highlight the extraordinary nature of the spiritual power at work. **Contrast** is a central device, setting the impotence of human physical restraints against the overwhelming power of the "unclean spirit" and, by implication, the even greater authority of Jesus's word. The repeated failure of binding attempts underscores humanity's helplessness. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is present in the "wilderness" (Greek: _eremos_), which is not merely a geographical location but a symbolic space of desolation, spiritual danger, and isolation, reinforcing the man's profound alienation and torment. The entire verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, building tension and anticipation for the demonstration of Jesus's ultimate power, making His subsequent command and the demons' expulsion even more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:29 offers profound theological insights into the nature of spiritual warfare and the authority of Christ. It unequivocally affirms the reality of malevolent spiritual forces, personified here by the "unclean spirit" and "the devil," which actively seek to torment, isolate, and destroy human beings. The man's inability to be restrained by human means underscores the biblical truth that spiritual battles cannot be overcome by physical strength, human wisdom, or conventional methods. This passage serves as a stark reminder of humanity's inherent vulnerability to spiritual evil apart from divine intervention. It also implicitly establishes the absolute necessity of a greater power—that of Jesus Christ—to confront and defeat such forces, setting the stage for His demonstration of unparalleled authority over all creation, including the demonic realm.

* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces") - "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers") - "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."
* [James 4:7](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil") - "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:29, though a brief parenthetical statement, holds immense power for reflection and application in our lives today. It forces us to confront the reality of spiritual forces that operate beyond our physical sight and control, reminding us that not all struggles are merely psychological or circumstantial. For those who feel bound by habits, addictions, overwhelming anxieties, or spiritual oppression, this verse offers a profound message of hope. The man's inability to be contained by chains, and his relentless torment, mirror the feeling of being trapped by forces seemingly stronger than oneself. Yet, the implicit contrast with Jesus's command reveals that there is a power infinitely greater than any binding force—the authority of Christ. This passage calls us to acknowledge our limitations in the face of spiritual evil and to place our trust entirely in Jesus, who alone possesses the power to truly set us free from every form of bondage, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical. It encourages compassion for those who are struggling and a renewed reliance on Christ's liberating power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I feel "bound" or "driven" by forces beyond my control, and how might this passage encourage me to seek Christ's liberating power?**
* **How does the Gerasene demoniac's story challenge my understanding of spiritual warfare and the reality of evil in the world today?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the limits of human solutions (like chains) versus the ultimate power of divine intervention?**
* **How can I better live in the freedom Christ offers, knowing He has authority over all spiritual forces?**

### FAQ

**What does "unclean spirit" signify in this context?**

Answer: The term "unclean spirit" (Greek: _pneuma akathartos_) is a common designation in the New Testament for a demon or evil spirit. It signifies a spiritual entity that is morally and ceremonially impure, defiling everything it touches or possesses. In the case of the Gerasene demoniac, it highlights the corrupting and tormenting nature of the entity that had taken control of the man's life, driving him away from human society and into desolate places, as described in [Luke 8:29](/luke/8-29 "Luke 8:29 - The Demoniac's Torment"). This impurity stands in stark contrast to the holiness of God and the purity that Jesus brings.

**Why did the man break the chains and fetters, and what does this imply?**

Answer: The man broke the chains and fetters because the "unclean spirit" possessing him endowed him with superhuman strength, far beyond normal human capacity. This detail, mentioned in [Luke 8:29](/luke/8-29 "Luke 8:29 - The Demoniac's Torment"), implies several things: firstly, the extreme severity and power of the demonic oppression he suffered; secondly, the utter futility of human efforts and physical restraints against such spiritual forces; and thirdly, it sets the stage for the dramatic demonstration of Jesus's unparalleled authority, as only a divine power could overcome what human strength and ingenuity could not contain.

**What is the significance of the man being "driven of the devil into the wilderness"?**

Answer: Being "driven of the devil into the wilderness" (Greek: _eremos_) is highly significant. The wilderness in biblical thought often symbolizes a place of desolation, isolation, danger, and spiritual testing or temptation, as seen in [Luke 4:1-13](/luke/4-1-13 "Luke 4:1-13 - Jesus's Temptation in the Wilderness"). For the man, it meant complete alienation from human society, constant torment, and exposure to the elements, all under the direct compulsion of the devil. This detail underscores the comprehensive and destructive control the demonic forces had over his life, pushing him to the fringes of existence, away from any hope of help or community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:29, in its vivid portrayal of human helplessness against overwhelming spiritual bondage, powerfully sets the stage for the Christ-centered fulfillment found in Jesus. The man's torment, his inability to be restrained by human means, and his being driven into the wilderness by the devil, all underscore humanity's desperate need for a deliverer who possesses authority beyond any earthly or demonic power. Jesus, in commanding the "unclean spirit" to come out, demonstrates that He is that Deliverer. He is the one who, unlike human efforts, does not merely attempt to contain evil but utterly conquers it. His authority over the demonic realm, as seen here and throughout the Gospels (e.g., [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus's Authority Over Unclean Spirits")), foreshadows His ultimate victory over sin, death, and Satan on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The freedom the Gerasene demoniac experiences is a tangible manifestation of the greater spiritual freedom Christ offers to all who are bound by sin and the dominion of darkness. Through His atoning work, Jesus disarms the powers of evil, offering true liberation and restoration, inviting all who are captive to find their rest and freedom in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He is the one who breaks every band and drives out every oppressive force, leading His people out of the spiritual wilderness into His marvelous light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called Out of Darkness")).

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 9:20

And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.

Mark 9:26

And [the spirit] cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

Luke 9:42

And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare [him]. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

2 Timothy 2:25

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

2 Timothy 2:26

And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Mark 5:8

For he said unto him, Come out of the man, [thou] unclean spirit.

Luke 9:39

And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.