Luke 8:34

KJV

When they that fed [them] saw what was done, they fled, and went and told [it] in the city and in the country.

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G1161} they that fed {G1006} them saw {G1492} what was done {G1096}, they fled {G5343}, and {G2532} went {G565} and told {G518} it in {G1519} the city {G4172} and {G2532} in {G1519} the country {G68}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the swineherds saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the town and in the country;

Berean Standard Bible

When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside.

American Standard Version

And when they that fed them saw what had come to pass, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:34 vividly portrays the immediate and profound reaction of the swineherds to Jesus's miraculous deliverance of the demon-possessed man and the subsequent destruction of their herd. Witnessing the raw, unbridled power of Christ over a legion of demons, they were overcome with fear and fled, rushing to disseminate the astonishing news throughout the nearby city and the surrounding rural areas, thereby setting in motion the wider community's encounter with Jesus's extraordinary authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the direct narrative consequence of the preceding dramatic account in [Luke 8:26-33](/luke/8-26-33 "The Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac"). Jesus has just arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, where He encounters a man tormented by a multitude of demons, who identify themselves as "Legion." After a powerful confrontation, Jesus casts the demons out, allowing them to enter a large herd of pigs. The pigs then rush down a steep bank into the lake and drown. The swineherds were the sole human witnesses to this entire terrifying and awe-inspiring spectacle, from the man's deliverance to the herd's demise. Their flight and subsequent report are the natural, immediate human reaction to such an unprecedented display of spiritual power and economic upheaval, serving to bridge the individual miracle to the community's response in [Luke 8:35-37](/luke/8-35-37 "The Community's Reaction to Jesus").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes, depending on manuscript tradition) was located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, a predominantly Gentile area, as evidenced by the presence of a large herd of pigs, which were unclean animals according to Jewish law ([Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Dietary Laws: Pigs")). The swineherds, therefore, were likely Gentiles whose livelihood depended on this herd. The sudden and complete destruction of their entire economic asset would have been a catastrophic event, far beyond a mere loss of property; it represented the loss of their means of survival. This economic devastation, coupled with the sheer terror of witnessing a legion of demons manifest and then be utterly vanquished, provides the backdrop for their urgent flight and widespread reporting. Their fear was not merely superstitious but a rational response to an event that defied natural explanation and threatened their entire way of life.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 8:34 contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Jesus's Absolute Authority** over spiritual forces, even those as powerful and numerous as a "Legion" ([Luke 8:30](/luke/8-30 "The Demoniac's Name")). The destruction of the pigs, while economically devastating, serves to highlight the magnitude of the deliverance and the destructive nature of the demonic realm, which Jesus decisively conquers. Secondly, it illustrates the theme of **Human Reaction to Divine Power**, often characterized by fear and misunderstanding, especially when God's work disrupts established norms or economic interests. The swineherds' flight, driven by terror, contrasts sharply with the delivered man's desire to follow Jesus ([Luke 8:38](/luke/8-38 "The Delivered Man's Desire")). Finally, this verse initiates the theme of **The Unintended Spread of the Gospel Message**. Though motivated by fear and a desire to report a calamitous event, the swineherds unwittingly become the first evangelists of Jesus's power in this Gentile region, ensuring that the news of His mighty deed reaches a wide audience ([Luke 8:39](/luke/8-39 "The Man's Testimony")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō_):** This word, often implying not just physical sight but also perception and understanding, indicates that the swineherds fully comprehended the extraordinary nature of what had transpired. It suggests a direct, undeniable witnessing of the event, leaving no room for doubt about the source of the pigs' demise. Their "seeing" was a profound, impactful experience that compelled their subsequent actions.
* **fled (Greek, _pheúgō_):** This verb denotes a hasty and terrified escape, a running away driven by fear or a desire to shun something. It emphasizes the immediate and instinctual reaction of the swineherds to the overwhelming power they had just witnessed. Their flight was not a calm departure but a frantic scramble, indicative of profound shock and dread.
* **told (Greek, _apangéllō_):** This word means "to announce," "report," or "bring tidings." It implies a formal or urgent declaration of news. The swineherds were not merely gossiping but actively disseminating a significant report, signaling the urgency and importance they attached to the events they had witnessed. This act of "telling" was crucial for spreading the news of Jesus's miracle throughout the region.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When they that fed them saw what was done":** This opening clause establishes the eyewitness account. The swineherds, directly responsible for the pigs, were in the prime position to observe every detail of Jesus's interaction with the demoniac and the subsequent plunge of the herd. Their observation was complete and direct, leaving no ambiguity about the cause of the pigs' destruction.
* **"they fled":** This phrase describes the immediate and visceral reaction of the swineherds. Their flight was a response born of profound fear and perhaps a sense of overwhelming dread at the supernatural power they had witnessed, which had also resulted in the destruction of their livelihood. It signifies their inability to comprehend or cope with the divine force unleashed before them.
* **"and went and told it in the city and in the country":** This final clause details the destination and scope of their report. Driven by their fear, they became unwilling heralds of Jesus's power, disseminating the news widely. "The city" refers to the nearby urban center, while "the country" indicates the surrounding rural hamlets and farms, ensuring that the astonishing event reached every corner of the region.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:34 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Narrative Irony** is evident in the swineherds' actions: though motivated by fear and the loss of their livelihood, their flight and urgent reporting inadvertently serve to spread the news of Jesus's power throughout the region. They become unwilling, yet effective, messengers of the very one who caused their economic ruin. This also demonstrates **Foreshadowing**, as the widespread dissemination of news about Jesus's miraculous deeds anticipates the future global spread of the Gospel message, often initiated by unexpected means or individuals. The contrast between the swineherds' fear and the delivered man's subsequent desire to proclaim Jesus ([Luke 8:38-39](/luke/8-38-39 "The Delivered Man's Commission")) highlights a **Thematic Contrast** in human responses to divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The swineherds' reaction in Luke 8:34 underscores a recurring biblical theme: humanity's often fearful and self-interested response to the manifest power of God. While the miracle brought profound liberation to the demon-possessed man, it brought economic loss and terror to the swineherds, leading them to prioritize their material interests over the spiritual deliverance they witnessed. This tension between the kingdom of God's values and worldly concerns is a constant thread in Scripture. Nevertheless, even in their fear-driven flight, they unwittingly became instruments for the wider proclamation of Jesus's authority, demonstrating that God can use unexpected channels to spread the news of His mighty works. Their report prepared the way for the community's encounter with Jesus, highlighting how divine intervention often ripples outward, impacting entire communities.

* [Matthew 8:33](/matthew/8-33 "The Swineherds' Report in Matthew")
* [Mark 5:14](/mark/5-14 "The Swineherds' Report in Mark")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Spreading of the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:34 serves as a powerful reminder that encounters with divine power often evoke strong and varied human reactions. The swineherds, witnessing an undeniable display of Jesus's authority over spiritual forces, responded with fear and a desire to report what they saw, even if it was driven by terror and concern for their livelihood. This challenges us to consider our own responses when God acts powerfully in our lives or in the world around us. Do we recoil in fear or embrace the transformative power? Do we prioritize our comfort and material security over the radical demands and implications of God's kingdom? This verse also highlights how God can use ordinary people, even those with mixed motives, to spread the news of His work. We are called to be witnesses to Christ's power, sharing our testimonies of His deliverance and authority, even when it might challenge the status quo or our own comfort zones. Our witness, like the swineherds' report, can prepare others to encounter Jesus for themselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when confronted with situations that challenge my understanding or threaten my comfort/security?**
* **In what ways might my own "economic interests" or worldly priorities hinder my full embrace of Christ's radical call?**
* **How can I, like the swineherds (though with different motives), be an intentional messenger of Jesus's power and good news in my community?**
* **What does this passage reveal about the nature of fear and its role in human response to the divine?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus allow the demons to enter the pigs, leading to their destruction?**
Answer: Jesus allowed the demons to enter the pigs for several profound reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated the sheer number and destructive nature of the "Legion" of demons; their immediate rush to destruction underscored their malevolent intent and the magnitude of the man's prior torment. Secondly, it provided undeniable, visible proof to the swineherds and the surrounding community that the demons had indeed been cast out, validating the miracle beyond any doubt. The destruction of the pigs, while an economic loss, was a direct consequence of the demons' inherent destructive nature, not an act of wanton destruction by Jesus. It highlighted the immense value of a human soul over material possessions and the cost of true spiritual liberation.

**What does this event tell us about the people of the Gerasene region?**
Answer: The reaction of the swineherds and, subsequently, the people of the city and country ([Luke 8:37](/luke/8-37 "The Gerasenes' Request for Jesus to Depart")) reveals their fear and perhaps their preference for economic stability over the unsettling power of Jesus. Their primary concern was the loss of their livelihood, leading them to ask Jesus to depart. This suggests a community more focused on worldly security than on the spiritual deliverance Jesus offered. It also highlights the common human tendency to reject divine intervention when it disrupts established norms or causes discomfort.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:34, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, points profoundly to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The swineherds' terrified flight and urgent report, born out of fear and the destruction of their livelihood, paradoxically serve to announce the arrival of the One who would decisively triumph over the forces of darkness. Jesus's authority over the "Legion" of demons foreshadows His ultimate victory over Satan and all spiritual wickedness, a victory fully realized through His death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). The destruction of the pigs, while a local event, symbolizes the inevitable judgment and defeat of all that is unclean and opposed to God's kingdom, culminating in the final judgment where evil will be utterly vanquished ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "The Final Judgment of Satan")). Furthermore, the swineherds' unwitting role in spreading the news, despite their fear, subtly prefigures the global mission of the church, where the message of Christ's deliverance would be carried to the ends of the earth, often by unexpected messengers and through challenging circumstances ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission")). In this small, fear-driven report, we glimpse the unstoppable nature of God's kingdom, which, through Christ, breaks into the world, confronts evil, and announces its presence, even to those who may initially reject its unsettling power.

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

Mark 5:14

And they that fed the swine fled, and told [it] in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.

Acts 19:16

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Acts 19:17

And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

Matthew 8:33

And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.

Matthew 28:11

¶ Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.