Luke 8:30

And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} asked {G1905} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, What {G5101} is {G2076} thy {G4671} name {G3686}? And {G1161} he said {G2036}, Legion {G3003}: because {G3754} many {G4183} devils {G1140} were entered {G1525} into {G1519} him {G846}.

Yeshua asked him, "What is your name?" "Legion," he said, because many demons had entered him.

“What is your name?” Jesus asked. “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him.

And Jesus asked him, What is thy name? And he said, Legion; for many demons were entered into him.

Luke 8:30 records a pivotal moment in Jesus' encounter with a man severely tormented by evil spirits. After crossing the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and His disciples arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, where they were immediately met by this demon-possessed man.

Context of Luke 8:30

This verse is part of the dramatic narrative of the Gerasene demoniac, also recounted in Matthew 8:28-34 and Mark 5:1-20. Jesus had just demonstrated His power over nature by calming a storm, and now He confronts the most intense spiritual darkness. The man, who had been living among tombs, was so violent that no one could bind him. Jesus' direct question, "What is thy name?", is not out of ignorance but to expose the depth and nature of the spiritual oppression, setting the stage for a powerful deliverance from the many devils.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Unquestionable Authority: The primary message is Jesus' absolute power over all spiritual forces, even a multitude of demons. He confronts them directly, demonstrating His divine sovereignty. This echoes His authority seen in other acts of casting out unclean spirits.
  • The Nature of Demonic Influence: The response "Legion" reveals the collective and organized nature of the evil spirits. It signifies not just one demon, but many, suggesting a concerted effort to torment the individual. This paints a picture of the formidable spiritual opposition faced by humanity.
  • Compassion and Deliverance: Despite the man's wild state, Jesus engages him directly. This act of asking his name (or the name of the spirits) is a step towards liberation, highlighting Jesus' compassionate approach to those suffering under spiritual bondage.

Linguistic Insights

The crucial word in this verse is "Legion" (Greek: λεγιών, legiōn). This is a Latin loanword referring to a major unit of the Roman army, typically comprising 3,000 to 6,000 soldiers. By using this term, the demons convey:

  • Their vast number: There were not just a few, but a multitude of evil spirits inhabiting the man.
  • Their organized power: A legion was a highly disciplined and powerful military force, implying a similar strength and coordination among the demons.

The term "devils" (Greek: δαιμόνια, daimonia) refers to malevolent spirits, distinct from Satan himself. This gives a vivid picture of the overwhelming spiritual oppression the man was experiencing, making Jesus' subsequent act of deliverance even more profound and demonstrating His power over spiritual warfare.

Practical Application

Luke 8:30 offers several timeless truths for believers today:

  1. Spiritual Warfare is Real: The narrative acknowledges the reality of malevolent spiritual forces at work in the world. We are reminded that not all suffering is purely physical or psychological; some battles are spiritual.
  2. Jesus is Sovereign Over All Evil: No matter how numerous or powerful the forces of darkness may seem, Jesus Christ possesses ultimate authority over them. Believers can find comfort and strength in His power to protect and deliver.
  3. Hope for the Oppressed: This account provides immense hope for anyone feeling trapped or oppressed, whether spiritually, emotionally, or physically. Jesus' ability to bring complete freedom to the Gerasene demoniac demonstrates His desire and power to set people free.
  4. The Importance of Naming the Problem: Just as Jesus asked for the name, sometimes acknowledging the true nature of our struggles (whether spiritual or otherwise) is a crucial step towards finding resolution and seeking help from the ultimate Healer.

This verse powerfully underscores Jesus' identity as the Son of God with unparalleled authority, capable of bringing light and freedom even to the darkest corners of human experience.

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.

  • Matthew 26:53

    Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

  • Luke 8:2

    And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

  • Mark 16:9

    ¶ Now when [Jesus] was risen early the first [day] of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

  • Matthew 8:29

    And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

  • Mark 5:9

    And he asked him, What [is] thy name? And he answered, saying, My name [is] Legion: for we are many.

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