Luke 8:32

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:32 details a pivotal moment in the account of Jesus' encounter with the Gerasene demoniac, where a multitude of demons, having been commanded by Jesus to exit the afflicted man, plead for permission to enter a nearby herd of swine. This verse highlights the demons' recognition of Jesus' absolute authority and His subsequent, authoritative allowance for their request, setting the stage for their dramatic self-destruction and the man's complete deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the dramatic narrative found in [Luke 8:26-39](/luke/8-26-39 "Luke 8:26-39 - The Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac"), which immediately follows Jesus' calming of the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Upon arriving in the region of the Gerasenes, Jesus is confronted by a man possessed by a legion of demons, who had long lived among the tombs, terrorizing the area. The demons, through the man, immediately recognize Jesus as "Son of the Most High God" ([Luke 8:28](/luke/8-28 "Luke 8:28 - Demons Recognize Jesus")) and beg Him not to torment them or send them into the abyss ([Luke 8:31](/luke/8-31 "Luke 8:31 - Demons Fear the Abyss")). Luke 8:32 then describes their specific plea to enter the swine, demonstrating their desperate attempt to avoid the "deep" and continue their destructive existence, even if in animals. This event serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority not only over nature but supremely over the spiritual realm, contrasting with the disciples' awe at His power over the storm in [Luke 8:25](/luke/8-25 "Luke 8:25 - Disciples Marvel at Jesus' Authority").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes in Matthew and Mark) was primarily Gentile territory, which explains the presence of a large herd of swine. Swine were considered unclean animals under Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11:7-8](/leviticus/11-7-8 "Leviticus 11:7-8 - Unclean Animals")), making their keeping an abhorrent practice for devout Jews. The fact that a large herd was "feeding on the mountain" indicates a significant economic enterprise for the local inhabitants, likely Gentiles who did not adhere to Jewish dietary laws. The demoniac himself would have been an outcast, living in isolation among tombs, a place considered ritually unclean. The narrative thus takes place on the fringes of Jewish society, highlighting Jesus' ministry extending beyond the conventional boundaries to those considered utterly lost and defiled. The destruction of the swine, while an economic disaster for the owners, would have been seen through different lenses by Jewish and Gentile onlookers, underscoring the clash of spiritual and material values.

* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically demonstrates **Christ's Unquestionable Authority** over all spiritual forces of evil. The demons, despite their multitude and destructive power, are utterly subservient to Jesus' command and must beg for permission, showcasing His divine sovereignty. Secondly, it provides a vivid glimpse into the **Reality and Destructive Nature of the Demonic Realm**. The demons' desire to inhabit and cause chaos, even in animals, and their subsequent act of driving the herd to its destruction, underscores their inherently malevolent and ruinous intent. Their preference for swine over the "abyss" also speaks to their fear of ultimate judgment and their persistent desire for a physical presence in the world. Lastly, the event highlights **The Value of Human Deliverance over Material Possessions**. Jesus' decision to permit the demons to enter the swine, resulting in significant economic loss, underscores His profound prioritization of a single human soul's spiritual freedom and restoration over any material or financial cost. This aligns with Jesus' consistent teaching on the eternal value of a soul, as seen in [Matthew 16:26](/matthew/16-26 "Matthew 16:26 - The Value of a Soul").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **herd (Greek, _agélē_):** From G34, meaning "a drove." This word emphasizes the collective nature of the swine, indicating a substantial number. The presence of a "herd of many swine" (G2425, _hikanós_, meaning "ample" or "large") underscores the scale of the economic loss that would follow, making Jesus' permission even more striking.
* **feeding (Greek, _bóskō_):** From G1006, meaning "to pasture" or "to graze." This verb describes the normal, peaceful activity of the swine before the demonic intervention. It sets a stark contrast with the violent, self-destructive plunge that immediately follows, highlighting the disruptive and destructive nature of the demonic presence.
* **besought (Greek, _parakaléō_):** From G3870, meaning "to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)." Here, it conveys a strong sense of earnest pleading or begging. This word powerfully illustrates the demons' desperate and submissive posture before Jesus, acknowledging His supreme authority and their inability to resist His command without His permission.
* **suffered (Greek, _epitrépō_):** From G2010, meaning "to turn over (transfer), i.e. allow, give leave (liberty, license), let, permit." This is not a passive allowance but an active, authoritative granting of permission. Jesus is not merely tolerating their request; He is exercising His sovereign will to "suffer" or permit them, demonstrating His complete control over the demonic realm and the unfolding events.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain:"** This clause sets the scene, establishing the immediate context for the demons' request. The presence of a "herd of many swine" highlights the considerable number of animals, emphasizing the scale of the impending event. Their "feeding on the mountain" suggests a typical, peaceful pastoral scene, which is about to be dramatically disrupted by supernatural forces. The location "there" (G1563, _ekeî_) points to the specific Gentile region where Jesus had just arrived.
* **"and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them."** This is the crucial request from the demons. Having been commanded to leave the man, they recognize Jesus' authority to determine their fate. Their "besought" (G3870, _parakaléō_) signifies an earnest, desperate plea, acknowledging their subordinate position. They ask for permission ("that he would suffer them," G2010, _epitrépō_) to enter the swine, indicating they cannot act without His explicit allowance. The preposition "into" (G1519, _eis_) with "enter" (G1525, _eisérchomai_) clearly denotes a desire for full possession.
* **"And he suffered them."** This concise statement underscores Jesus' absolute authority and decisive action. His "suffered them" (G2010, _epitrépō_) is an active, authoritative permission, not a passive yielding. He grants their request, not out of weakness or compulsion, but as a sovereign act that serves His greater redemptive purposes, allowing the demons to manifest their destructive nature in a way that ultimately leads to their own visible defeat and the man's undeniable deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is evident in the peaceful image of swine "feeding on the mountain" immediately preceding their violent, demon-driven plunge into the lake, highlighting the destructive power of evil. There is also a profound **Irony** in the fact that powerful, malevolent demons, who had held a man in terrible bondage, are reduced to begging for permission from Jesus, demonstrating their utter subjugation to His authority. The **Symbolism** of the swine, considered unclean animals in Jewish law, is significant. Their possession by the demons and subsequent destruction visually represents the unholy and self-destructive nature of evil itself. The entire episode serves as a powerful **Demonstration** of Jesus' divine power and authority over the spiritual realm, leaving no doubt about His supremacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates the reality and nature of spiritual warfare, affirming Jesus' absolute dominion over demonic forces. It reveals that demons are not autonomous agents but are ultimately subject to divine permission and control. Their request to enter the swine, and Jesus' granting of it, serves multiple purposes: it visibly demonstrates the demons' destructive intent, provides undeniable proof of the man's deliverance to the onlookers, and underscores God's profound valuation of human souls over material wealth. The destruction of the swine, while economically devastating, serves as a powerful object lesson that spiritual freedom and restoration are of infinitely greater worth in God's economy than any earthly possession. This event foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ over all powers of darkness, affirming that no spiritual stronghold is beyond His reach or authority.

* [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits") – People were amazed at Jesus' teaching and authority, for He commanded even unclean spirits, and they obeyed Him.
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces") – 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.
* [Matthew 16:26](/matthew/16-26 "Matthew 16:26 - The Value of a Soul") – For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in Luke 8:32 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus Christ possesses ultimate and unquestionable authority over all spiritual forces of evil. In a world where spiritual darkness and destructive influences are very real, this narrative provides immense comfort and assurance: no demonic power, no addiction, no spiritual bondage is too great for Jesus to overcome. We are called to live in the reality of His triumph, trusting in His power to deliver and protect us. This passage also challenges our priorities, urging us to consider the eternal value of a soul above transient material possessions. Are we willing to sacrifice comfort or wealth for the spiritual freedom and well-being of ourselves and others? The Gerasene demoniac's deliverance, at the cost of a herd of swine, compels us to re-evaluate what truly holds ultimate value in our lives and ministry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' authority over demons in this passage strengthen your faith in His power today, particularly when facing spiritual challenges or oppressive circumstances?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the lives of those around you might you need to acknowledge Jesus' authority over spiritual opposition or destructive influences, and pray for His intervention?**
* **What does the contrast between the value of the man's deliverance and the loss of the swine teach you about God's priorities, and how might this impact your own values and decisions?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus allow the demons to enter the swine?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to allow the demons to enter the swine, rather than sending them directly into the abyss, served several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provided undeniable, visible proof to the onlookers—the swineherds and later the townspeople—of the man's complete and instantaneous deliverance. The subsequent destruction of the herd graphically demonstrated the sheer number and destructive power of the demons, leaving no doubt that a miraculous, supernatural event had occurred. This dramatic display served as a powerful testimony to Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm. Secondly, it fulfilled the demons' desperate plea, albeit in a way that led to their own self-destruction, revealing their inherently destructive nature. Lastly, it allowed the man to be fully restored and become a powerful witness to Jesus' transforming power in his community ([Luke 8:39](/luke/8-39 "Luke 8:39 - The Man's Testimony")). While the economic loss was significant, Jesus consistently prioritized the spiritual and physical well-being of individuals over material possessions, as seen throughout His ministry.

**Was it ethical for Jesus to cause such economic loss to the swineherds?**

Answer: From a human perspective, the destruction of the swine represented a significant economic loss, which led to the local inhabitants' fear and request for Jesus to leave their region ([Luke 8:37](/luke/8-37 "Luke 8:37 - The People's Reaction")). However, from a divine and theological perspective, Jesus' actions were entirely just and ethical. Firstly, the keeping of swine was an unclean practice according to Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11:7-8](/leviticus/11-7-8 "Leviticus 11:7-8 - Unclean Animals")), which, while this was Gentile territory, still highlights a disregard for God's established order. More importantly, Jesus' primary mission was to redeem and restore humanity, demonstrating the infinite value of a human soul over any material possession. The deliverance of one man from such horrific spiritual bondage was of far greater eternal significance than the loss of a herd of animals. This event underscores God's sovereignty and His right to use even economic consequences to reveal His power, priorities, and the reality of spiritual forces at work in the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:32, with its vivid depiction of Jesus' authority over a legion of demons, is a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate victory over the powers of darkness and the full scope of His redemptive work. The immediate deliverance of the Gerasene demoniac points to Jesus as the true and sovereign King who came to "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")). His authoritative "suffered them" (permitted them) to enter the swine, leading to their demise, is a microcosm of the larger cosmic battle where evil, though seemingly granted temporary sway, ultimately leads to its own self-destruction under God's sovereign hand. This act of liberation from demonic oppression by Jesus anticipates the greater spiritual freedom He offers through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the one who delivers us from the domain of darkness and transfers us into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Deliverance from Darkness to Light")), a fulfillment of the ancient promise that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). The restored Gerasene demoniac, now clothed and in his right mind, becomes a living testament to the transformative power of the Lamb of God, who truly takes away the sin of the world and breaks every chain ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

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.