Luke 8:33

KJV

Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} went {G1831} the devils {G1140} out of {G575} the man {G444}, and entered {G1525} into {G1519} the swine {G5519}: and {G2532} the herd {G34} ran {G3729} violently down {G2596} a steep {G2911} place into {G1519} the lake {G3041}, and {G2532} were choked {G638}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, whereupon the herd rushed down the hillside into the lake and were drowned.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the demons came out of the man and went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

American Standard Version

And the demons came out from the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd rushed down the steep into the lake, and were drowned.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:33 records the dramatic and climactic moment of Jesus' encounter with the demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes. Following Jesus' permission, a legion of demons exited the man and immediately entered a large herd of swine. The possessed animals then violently rushed down a steep embankment into the nearby lake, where they were drowned, illustrating the destructive and chaotic nature of evil spirits when given agency.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a significant narrative sequence beginning in [Luke 8:26](/luke/8-26 "Luke 8:26 - Jesus Arrives in the Country of the Gerasenes"). Jesus and His disciples had just crossed the Sea of Galilee, arriving in Gentile territory. They were immediately met by a man who had been grievously afflicted by a multitude of demons for a long time, living in tombs and beyond human control. The demons, recognizing Jesus' divine authority, pleaded with Him not to be cast into the abyss, instead requesting permission to enter a large herd of swine grazing nearby, a request Jesus granted ([Luke 8:32](/luke/8-32 "Luke 8:32 - Demons Request to Enter Swine")). The subsequent destruction of the swine, as described in [Luke 8:33](/luke/8-33 "Luke 8:33 - Demons Enter Swine and Herd Drowns"), serves as tangible proof of the demons' departure and the man's complete deliverance, setting the stage for the villagers' fearful reaction and the man's subsequent testimony ([Luke 8:34-39](/luke/8-34-39 "Luke 8:34-39 - Villagers' Reaction and Man's Testimony")). This account is also paralleled in [Matthew 8:28-34](/matthew/8-28-34 "Matthew 8:28-34 - The Healing of the Gadarene Demoniacs") and [Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "Mark 5:1-20 - Jesus Heals a Demoniac").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place in the "country of the Gadarenes" or "Gerasenes," a region east of the Sea of Galilee. This area was predominantly Gentile, which explains the presence of a large herd of swine, animals considered unclean by Jewish law ([Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - The Pig is Unclean")). The economic impact of losing 2,000 pigs (as specified in Mark's account) would have been substantial for the local swineherds and community, highlighting the cost of deliverance and the villagers' subsequent fear and desire for Jesus to leave. Demonic possession was a recognized phenomenon in the ancient world, often attributed to evil spirits causing physical ailments, mental distress, and social ostracization. Jesus' ability to command these spirits with a word ([Luke 4:36](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")) marked Him as possessing unparalleled divine authority, far beyond that of any exorcist or religious leader of the time.

* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates **Jesus' absolute authority and sovereignty over all spiritual forces**, both seen and unseen. The demons, though powerful, are utterly subject to His command, unable to act without His permission and ultimately powerless against His will. Secondly, the immediate and violent destruction of the swine vividly illustrates **the inherently destructive and chaotic nature of evil and demonic activity**. Left unchecked, evil leads to ruin and death, whether it is the torment of a human soul or the demise of an animal herd. Thirdly, the narrative underscores **the immeasurable value Jesus places on a single human soul** over any material possession or economic loss. Jesus permitted the destruction of valuable livestock to secure the complete deliverance and restoration of one man, echoing the profound truth that a [man profits nothing if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul](/mark/8-36 "Mark 8:36 - The Value of the Soul").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **devils (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term, a neuter derivative of *daímon*, refers to a demonic being or, by extension, a deity. In the New Testament, it consistently denotes evil, subordinate spirits under Satan, distinct from "the Devil" (*diabolos*), who is Satan himself. Here, it emphasizes the multitude of malevolent entities that had possessed the man.
* **entered (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** Derived from *eis* (to or into) and *érchomai* (to come), this verb signifies a literal or figurative entry. In this context, it describes the physical movement of the demons from the man into the swine, highlighting the tangible transfer of spiritual influence and the profound shift in their host.
* **choked (Greek, _apopnígō'_):** Formed from *apó* (off, away) and *pnígō* (to stifle), this word means to stifle by drowning or overgrowth. It vividly describes the immediate and fatal consequence for the swine, emphasizing their suffocation and death in the lake, a direct result of the demonic possession.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then went the devils out of the man":** This clause marks the successful completion of Jesus' exorcism. The "devils" (demons) are compelled to leave the man, demonstrating Jesus' unparalleled authority over the spiritual realm. Their departure signifies the immediate and complete liberation of the tormented individual.
* **"and entered into the swine":** Following their expulsion from the man, the demons, with Jesus' permission, immediately inhabit the nearby herd of swine. This transfer highlights their desperate need for a host and Jesus' sovereign control, as they could not act without His express allowance.
* **"and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake":** Upon being possessed, the entire herd of swine reacts with extreme, uncontrolled violence. Their "running violently" and plunging "down a steep place" into the lake indicates the chaotic and self-destructive nature of the demons. The sheer force and lack of control underscore the evil intent of these spirits.
* **"and were choked":** The final outcome for the swine is their immediate death by drowning in the lake. The term "choked" vividly describes their suffocation. This swift destruction serves as a tangible manifestation of the demons' inherent desire for ruin and provides undeniable proof of their departure from the man and their ultimate fate.

#### Literary Devices
The passage makes powerful use of several literary devices. **Symbolism** is evident in the choice of swine as the demons' new hosts; as unclean animals in Jewish culture, they symbolically represent the impurity and destructive nature of the demons themselves. The lake, into which the herd plunges, can symbolize a place of judgment or the abyss, a common biblical motif for the confinement of evil. The narrative also employs **Dramatic Irony**, as the demons, having pleaded not to be sent into the abyss, are ultimately instrumental in leading their new hosts to a watery grave, a form of destruction that parallels their eventual confinement. The **Contrast** between the restored, sane man and the violently self-destructive herd highlights the transformative power of Jesus' presence versus the chaotic influence of evil. The sheer scale of the event, involving a large "herd" and a "violent" rush, uses a form of **Hyperbole** to emphasize the immense power of the demons and, by extension, the even greater power of Jesus who commands them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This dramatic account profoundly illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare and Jesus' absolute supremacy within it. It underscores that evil, though real and destructive, is ultimately subordinate to God's authority. Jesus' permission for the demons to enter the swine, leading to their demise, serves not as a casual act but as a powerful demonstration of the inherent self-destructive nature of evil and the immense value God places on human life and deliverance. This event foreshadows the ultimate defeat of all evil forces and the complete liberation Christ offers to humanity.

* [Luke 4:36](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")
* [Mark 8:36](/mark/8-36 "Mark 8:36 - The Value of the Soul")
* [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Thief Comes to Steal, Kill, and Destroy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the Gerasene demoniac and the swine offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It provides immense hope for anyone struggling with spiritual bondage, addiction, or seemingly insurmountable personal battles, reminding us that Jesus' power to deliver is absolute and extends to the deepest forms of human suffering. This account also serves as a stark reminder of the reality of a spiritual realm and the active presence of evil forces, yet it simultaneously reassures us that Jesus has decisively conquered these forces. For those in Christ, there is no power of darkness that can ultimately prevail against God's redemptive will. Furthermore, the willingness of Jesus to allow significant material loss for the sake of one human soul challenges us to re-evaluate our own priorities. Are we, like the villagers who feared Jesus more than they rejoiced over the delivered man, sometimes more concerned with our material comforts and economic stability than with the spiritual well-being and freedom of others? This passage calls us to prioritize people, recognizing their inherent worth in God's eyes, and to trust in Jesus' sovereign power over all circumstances, even those that seem chaotic or costly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of Jesus' authority over spiritual forces and their ultimate defeat?**
* **What "herds" (material possessions, comforts, or worldly securities) might I be prioritizing over the spiritual well-being or deliverance of myself or others?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust Jesus' power for deliverance, freedom, or the overcoming of destructive influences?**

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

Answer: Jesus permitted the demons to enter the swine for several reasons, all demonstrating His divine wisdom and authority. Firstly, it provided undeniable, tangible proof to the villagers that the demons had truly departed from the man. The immediate and violent destruction of the herd served as a powerful, visible sign of the spiritual transaction that had occurred. Secondly, it revealed the inherently destructive nature of the demonic realm; left to their own devices, these evil spirits seek only chaos, ruin, and death, as evidenced by the swine's immediate demise. Thirdly, it underscored Jesus' absolute authority over the demons; they could not act without His express permission, and even then, their actions were ultimately contained and served His purposes. Finally, it highlighted the immense value Jesus places on a single human soul over any material possession, even a large herd of animals. The cost of the swine was insignificant compared to the liberation and restoration of the man's life.

**Why were there swine in a region that Jesus, a Jew, was visiting?**

Answer: The region where this event occurred is identified as the "country of the Gadarenes" or "Gerasenes" (depending on the Gospel account), which was located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. This area was part of the Decapolis, a group of ten cities with a strong Hellenistic (Greek) influence. Unlike the predominantly Jewish regions of Galilee and Judea, the Decapolis had a significant Gentile population. For Gentiles, raising pigs was a common agricultural practice, and pork was a regular part of their diet. Therefore, the presence of a large herd of swine would be entirely consistent with the cultural and economic practices of this Gentile-dominated region, even though pigs were considered unclean animals under Jewish dietary laws ([Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - The Pig is Unclean")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic expulsion of demons into the swine and their subsequent destruction in [Luke 8:33](/luke/8-33 "Luke 8:33 - Demons Enter Swine and Herd Drowns") serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate victory over the forces of evil. Jesus' command over the legion of demons demonstrates His inherent deity and His mission to dismantle the kingdom of darkness. This event points forward to the cross, where Christ decisively triumphed over "principalities and powers," disarming them and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The immediate and self-destructive plunge of the swine into the lake symbolizes the ultimate fate of Satan and his demonic forces, who will eventually be cast into the "lake of fire" for eternal judgment ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire")). More broadly, Jesus' deliverance of the man from profound spiritual bondage signifies the spiritual liberation He offers to all humanity, freeing us from the enslavement to sin and the power of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")). Through His atoning work, Christ provides not just temporary relief but eternal freedom, inviting all who believe to experience the new life and dominion found in His kingdom ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Freed from Sin")).

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

Luke 8:22

¶ Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

Luke 8:23

But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled [with water], and were in jeopardy.

1 Peter 5:8

¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Revelation 9:11

And they had a king over them, [which is] the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue [is] Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath [his] name Apollyon.

John 8:44

Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.