Luke 8:32

And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

And {G1161} there was {G2258} there {G1563} an herd {G34} of many {G2425} swine {G5519} feeding {G1006} on {G1722} the mountain {G3735}: and {G2532} they besought {G3870} him {G846} that {G2443} he would suffer {G2010} them {G846} to enter {G1525} into {G1519} them {G1565}. And {G2532} he suffered {G2010} them {G846}.

Now there was a herd of many pigs, feeding on the hill; and the demons begged him to let them go into these. So he gave them permission.

There on the hillside a large herd of pigs was feeding. So the demons begged Jesus to let them enter the pigs, and He gave them permission.

Now there was there a herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they entreated him that he would give them leave to enter into them. And he gave them leave.

Commentary on Luke 8:32 (KJV)

Luke 8:32 is a crucial verse within the dramatic account of Jesus' encounter with the demon-possessed man in the region of the Gadarenes (or Gerasenes, depending on the Gospel account). It highlights the intense spiritual warfare taking place and Jesus' ultimate authority over demonic forces.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' command to a multitude of demons, who identified themselves as "Legion," to come out of a man who had been terribly afflicted for a long time, living among the tombs. The region was likely Gentile territory, as evidenced by the presence of a large herd of swine, animals considered unclean under Mosaic Law. The demons, recognizing Jesus' divine power, pleaded with Him not to send them into the "deep" (the abyss or Tartarus), but instead, to permit them to enter the nearby herd of swine. For a fuller understanding of the preceding events, see Luke 8:27 and the man's initial state.

Key Themes

  • Christ's Unquestionable Authority: The demons, despite their destructive power over the man, were utterly subject to Jesus' will. They did not resist His command to leave the man but rather *besought* (implored) Him for permission to enter the swine. This demonstrates Jesus' supreme power over all spiritual forces of evil, a theme consistently shown throughout His ministry (see Luke 4:36 for more on Jesus' authority).
  • Spiritual Warfare and the Demonic Realm: This passage provides a vivid glimpse into the reality of the demonic realm. The demons' request to enter the swine reveals their persistent desire to inhabit and cause destruction, even if it meant possessing animals. Their subsequent action of driving the herd violently down the steep bank into the lake, leading to their drowning, underscores their inherently destructive nature.
  • The Value of a Soul: Jesus' decision to *suffer* (permit) the demons to enter the swine, leading to the economic ruin of the swineherds, underscores the immense value He places on human deliverance and spiritual freedom over material possessions. The deliverance of one soul was worth more than the loss of two thousand pigs.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word translated as "besought" is parekaloun (παρεκάλουν), meaning "they implored" or "they begged earnestly." It emphasizes the demons' desperate plea to Jesus.
  • The word "suffered" comes from the Greek epetrepsen (ἐπέτρεψεν), which means "He permitted" or "He allowed." This is not a passive allowance but an active, authoritative permission granted by Jesus, affirming His complete control over the situation.

Practical Application

This narrative powerfully affirms Jesus' supreme authority over all spiritual forces of evil. For believers today, it provides assurance that Christ has triumphed over darkness and continues to offer deliverance from the power of darkness. It challenges us to recognize that while spiritual battles are real, Jesus is sovereign. Furthermore, it prompts reflection on our own values: do we prioritize material well-being and comfort, or the spiritual freedom and eternal destiny of ourselves and others?

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.

  • Isaiah 66:3

    He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

  • 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;

  • Revelation 20:7

    And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

  • Job 1:10

    Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

  • Mark 5:11

    Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.

  • Mark 5:13

    And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

  • Job 2:6

    And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he [is] in thine hand; but save his life.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back