Luke 8:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:30 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' encounter with a man severely tormented by a multitude of evil spirits in the region of the Gerasenes. After demonstrating His authority over nature by calming a storm, Jesus confronts the most intense spiritual darkness, directly questioning the demon-possessed man about his identity. The chilling reply, "Legion," reveals the profound depth and collective nature of the spiritual oppression, setting the stage for a dramatic and powerful display of divine deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Jesus' mighty works and teachings in [Luke 8](/luke/8 "Luke 8 - Parables, Miracles, and Discipleship"). Immediately preceding this account, Jesus has just demonstrated His absolute authority over the natural world by [calming a furious storm on the Sea of Galilee](/luke/8-22-25 "Luke 8:22-25 - Jesus Calms the Storm"), leaving His disciples astonished and questioning His identity. The transition from control over creation to control over demonic forces underscores the comprehensive scope of His divine power. Following the exorcism, the narrative highlights the community's response—fear and rejection—and the transformed man's commission to proclaim God's work, providing a stark contrast between human fear and divine compassion. Parallel accounts are found in [Matthew 8:28-34](/matthew/8-28-34 "Matthew 8:28-34 - The Gerasene Demoniacs") and [Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "Mark 5:1-20 - The Gerasene Demoniac").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, the "country of the Gerasenes" (or Gadarenes in other accounts), was a Gentile region on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. This area was known for its pig farming, which was anathema to Jewish law, further emphasizing the Gentile context of the miracle. The man's dwelling "among the tombs" (Luke 8:27) signifies his complete ostracization from society, as tombs were considered unclean and associated with demonic activity. His inability to be bound by chains reflects the common understanding of severe demonic possession as a force beyond human control. The term "Legion" immediately evokes the powerful and disciplined Roman military unit, which at its full strength could number 3,000 to 6,000 soldiers. This cultural reference would have been instantly recognizable to the audience, conveying the overwhelming and organized nature of the demonic presence.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 8:30 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Foremost is **Jesus' Unquestionable Authority** over all creation, including the most formidable spiritual forces. His direct confrontation with the demons, commanding them to identify themselves, echoes His authority seen earlier in [casting out an unclean spirit in the synagogue](/luke/4-31-37 "Luke 4:31-37 - Jesus Teaches with Authority and Casts Out a Demon"). Another key theme is **The Nature of Demonic Influence**, revealing that evil forces are not merely individual entities but can operate with collective, organized power, as symbolized by "Legion." This highlights the formidable spiritual opposition faced by humanity. Finally, the passage underscores **Divine Compassion and Deliverance**. Despite the man's terrifying state and the immense power of the demons, Jesus engages him directly, demonstrating His profound desire and power to bring liberation and restoration to those suffering under the darkest spiritual bondage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Legion (Latin, _legeōn'_):** This is a Latin loanword adopted into Greek, referring to a major unit of the Roman army, typically comprising 3,000 to 6,000 soldiers. In this context, it is used figuratively by the demons to convey their vast number and organized, formidable power within the man. It signifies not merely a few demons, but a multitude, implying a concerted and overwhelming spiritual force.
* **devils (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term refers to malevolent spiritual beings, often translated as "demons." It distinguishes these spirits from Satan himself, indicating the numerous agents of evil that operate under his dominion. The use of the plural "many devils" emphasizes the profound and pervasive nature of the man's torment, making Jesus' subsequent act of deliverance even more profound.
* **entered (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** Derived from "eis" (into) and "erchomai" (to come), this verb means "to enter into." It vividly describes the invasive and possessive nature of the demonic activity, indicating that these spirits had taken residence within the man, controlling his actions and afflicting him severely. This highlights the complete subjugation the man experienced before Jesus' intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus asked him, saying, ‹What is thy name?›":** Jesus' question is not born of ignorance, for He already knew the spiritual state of the man. Instead, it serves multiple purposes: to expose the nature and extent of the spiritual oppression, to assert His authority over the demonic realm by demanding an answer, and to initiate the process of liberation by forcing the spirits to reveal themselves. This direct confrontation demonstrates Jesus' sovereign control over even the most powerful forces of darkness.
* **"And he said, Legion:":** The response comes not from the man himself, but from the collective voice of the demons inhabiting him. The choice of "Legion" is highly significant. It communicates not only the sheer multitude of demons but also their organized, militaristic, and powerful nature. This name is a declaration of their formidable presence and the overwhelming spiritual force that had taken hold of the man.
* **"because many devils were entered into him.":** This clause provides the immediate explanation for the name "Legion." It confirms that the man was not possessed by a single demon but by a vast number of "daimonia," or malevolent spirits. This detail underscores the severity of the man's condition and magnifies the power of Jesus, who effortlessly confronts and expels such a formidable host.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount in the name "Legion," which transcends a mere count to symbolize the overwhelming, organized, and destructive power of the demonic realm, drawing a parallel to the formidable Roman military. There is also a strong sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is aware of Jesus' divine authority, while the demons, despite their initial resistance, are forced to acknowledge and ultimately submit to it. The direct question from Jesus, "What is thy name?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question** not for information, but to establish dominance and to force the revelation of the demonic identity, setting the stage for their expulsion. The contrast between the man's former wild, uncontrollable state and his subsequent calm, clothed, and sane demeanor (Luke 8:35) provides a powerful **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the transformative power of Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:30 serves as a profound theological statement about the person and power of Jesus Christ. It unequivocally demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over the spiritual realm, asserting that no demonic force, no matter how numerous or organized, can withstand His divine authority. This encounter is not merely an isolated miracle but a powerful revelation of the Kingdom of God breaking into the domain of darkness, signifying that the Messiah has come to "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Came to Destroy the Works of the Devil")). The episode also highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the profound suffering that demonic oppression can inflict, while simultaneously offering the ultimate hope in Christ's power to deliver and restore.

* [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits"): "And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him."
* [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."
* [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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:30 offers timeless truths for believers navigating the complexities of life in a fallen world. It serves as a stark reminder that spiritual warfare is a tangible reality, and that unseen forces of darkness are at work, seeking to oppress and destroy. However, the overwhelming message is one of hope and assurance: no matter how formidable or numerous the forces of evil may appear, Jesus Christ possesses ultimate, unchallenged authority over them all. This should instill profound comfort and courage, empowering believers to stand firm in faith, knowing that the One who is in them is greater than the one who is in the world ([1 John 4:4](/1_john/4-4 "1 John 4:4 - Greater is He That is in You")). For those who feel trapped, overwhelmed, or oppressed by any form of bondage—spiritual, emotional, or psychological—this account powerfully demonstrates Jesus' desire and power to bring complete freedom and restoration, transforming lives from despair to divine purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' authority over "Legion" deepen your understanding of His divine power and sovereignty?**
* **In what areas of your life do you sense a need for Jesus' liberating power, whether from external pressures or internal struggles?**
* **How does the reality of spiritual warfare, as depicted in this passage, impact your approach to prayer and reliance on Christ?**
* **What does the transformation of the Gerasene demoniac teach us about Jesus' compassion and His desire to restore even the most broken lives?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus ask the demon's name if He is all-knowing?**

Answer: Jesus' question, "What is thy name?", was not asked out of ignorance, as He is omniscient. Instead, it served several crucial purposes. First, it forced the demonic entity to reveal its identity and the extent of its power, publicly exposing the nature of the spiritual oppression. This act of naming often precedes an act of dispossession or control in ancient cultures. Second, it asserted Jesus' absolute authority over the demonic realm, demonstrating His power to command even a multitude of spirits. By demanding their name, Jesus was effectively taking control and initiating their expulsion, setting the stage for the dramatic deliverance that followed. It was a strategic move to manifest His divine power and sovereignty over all spiritual forces.

**What is the significance of the name "Legion"?**

Answer: The name "Legion" (Greek: _legeōn_) carries profound significance. It is a Latin loanword referring to a major unit of the Roman army, which at its full strength could number several thousand soldiers. By using this term, the demons communicated two key aspects of their presence. Firstly, it indicated their vast number; the man was not possessed by a single demon but by a multitude, an overwhelming host. Secondly, it conveyed their organized, disciplined, and formidable power, akin to a highly trained military force. This choice of name underscores the immense spiritual oppression the man endured and magnifies the extraordinary power of Jesus, who effortlessly cast out such a formidable, organized demonic army. It highlights the reality that evil forces can operate with collective strength, but even this strength is utterly subject to Christ's authority, as seen in [Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over All the Power of the Enemy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter with the Gerasene demoniac and the revelation of "Legion" powerfully foreshadow Jesus' ultimate triumph over all the forces of darkness, finding its profound fulfillment in His redemptive work. This miracle is a tangible demonstration of the Kingdom of God invading the domain of Satan, a preview of the decisive victory won on the cross. On Calvary, Christ "disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The casting out of Legion signifies that Jesus is the stronger one who binds the strong man to plunder his house ([Mark 3:27](/mark/3-27 "Mark 3:27 - Binding the Strong Man")), inaugurating an era where humanity can be liberated from Satan's dominion. His resurrection further confirms His absolute authority, as He now reigns as Lord over all creation, with "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, Luke 8:30 is not merely an account of a past miracle, but a living testament to Christ's ongoing power to deliver, heal, and restore, offering hope and freedom to all who call upon His name ([Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Calling on the Name of the Lord")).

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

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.