Luke 8:35

KJV

Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} they went out {G1831} to see {G1492} what was done {G1096}; and {G2532} came {G2064} to {G4314} Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} found {G2147} the man {G444}, out of {G575} whom {G3739} the devils {G1140} were departed {G1831}, sitting {G2521} at {G3844} the feet {G4228} of Jesus {G2424}, clothed {G2439}, and {G2532} in his right mind {G4993}: and {G2532} they were afraid {G5399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the people came out to see for themselves. They came to Yeshua and found the man out of whom the demons had gone, sitting -- dressed and in his right mind -- at the feet of Yeshua; and they were frightened.

Berean Standard Bible

So the people went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man whom the demons had left, sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.

American Standard Version

And they went out to see what had come to pass; and they came to Jesus, and found the man, from whom the demons were gone out, sitting, clothed and in his right mind, at the feet of Jesus: and they were afraid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:35 offers a profound glimpse into the immediate aftermath of Jesus' miraculous deliverance of the Gerasene demoniac, vividly portraying the man's radical transformation. The verse captures the awe-struck and fearful reaction of the local inhabitants who, upon arriving at the scene, discover the formerly tormented individual now seated peacefully at Jesus' feet, fully clothed, and restored to sanity, a stark contrast to his previous chaotic existence. This snapshot powerfully underscores Jesus' supreme authority over demonic forces and His capacity for complete spiritual, mental, and physical restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of one of Jesus' most dramatic exorcisms, recounted in [Luke 8:26-39](/luke/8-26-39 "Luke 8:26-39 - The Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac"). Prior to this, Jesus and His disciples had just endured a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee, demonstrating His authority over nature ([Luke 8:22-25](/luke/8-22-25 "Luke 8:22-25 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). Upon reaching the region of the Gerasenes, Jesus immediately encounters a man possessed by a "legion" of demons, who had been living naked among the tombs, uncontrollable and terrifying. The narrative details Jesus' direct confrontation with these spirits, their plea to be sent into a herd of swine, and the subsequent drowning of the pigs. Luke 8:35 describes the arrival of the local people, alerted by the fleeing swineherds, to witness the astonishing outcome of this divine intervention. The verse sets the stage for the people's fearful response and their request for Jesus to depart, contrasting sharply with the healed man's desire to follow Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, the "country of the Gerasenes" (or Gadarenes in other Gospel accounts), was a Gentile region, evidenced by the presence of swine, which were considered unclean animals under Jewish law. This detail highlights Jesus' ministry extending beyond Jewish boundaries. The demon-possessed man's living conditions—naked, in tombs, and chained—reflect the severe social ostracization and the perceived hopelessness associated with such afflictions in ancient society. Tombs were considered ritually unclean, further isolating the man. The people's primary concern, as revealed by their reaction in [Luke 8:37](/luke/8-37 "Luke 8:37 - The People's Fear"), was the significant economic loss of the swine herd, indicating a pragmatic, material focus that overshadowed the miraculous restoration of a human life. This cultural perspective underscores the profound challenge Jesus' radical acts of compassion posed to their established norms and priorities.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 8:35 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Foremost is the **sovereignty of Jesus over all creation**, including the most formidable spiritual forces. His ability to command a "legion" of demons demonstrates His unparalleled divine authority, a theme consistently highlighted throughout Luke's accounts of Jesus' miracles. The verse also showcases the theme of **radical transformation and restoration**, illustrating Jesus' power to bring complete healing—spiritual, mental, and physical—to those who are utterly broken. The man's newfound state of being "clothed, and in his right mind" symbolizes the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work. Furthermore, the contrasting reactions of the healed man (desiring to remain with Jesus) and the townspeople (fearing Jesus and asking Him to leave) underscore the theme of **faith versus fear** in response to divine power, a motif that recurs when people encounter the extraordinary work of God, as seen in [Luke 5:26](/luke/5-26 "Luke 5:26 - Amazement and Fear").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **daimónion (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This neuter noun refers to a "demonic being" or "devil." In this context, it specifically denotes the malevolent spiritual entities that possessed the man, highlighting the supernatural and evil nature of his affliction. The use of "devils" (plural) emphasizes the multitude of spirits, later identified as a "legion," that had tormented him, underscoring the profound power Jesus wielded in expelling them.
* **sōphronéō (Greek, _sōphronéō'_):** This verb means "to be of sound mind," "sane," or "moderate." It describes the man's restored mental state, signifying not merely the absence of the demons but the presence of rationality, self-control, and composure. This word emphasizes the complete reversal of his previous madness, indicating a holistic healing that encompassed his intellectual and emotional faculties.
* **phobéō (Greek, _phobéō'_):** This verb means "to frighten" or, in the passive voice, "to be alarmed" or "to fear." In Luke 8:35, it describes the reaction of the onlookers, indicating their profound apprehension and dread in the face of Jesus' overwhelming power and the dramatic, unsettling events they had just witnessed. This fear was not reverential awe leading to worship, but rather a discomfort that led them to desire Jesus' departure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they went out to see what was done;":** The local inhabitants, alerted by the terrified swineherds, venture out from their towns to investigate the commotion and verify the incredible reports of the drowned pigs and the transformed demoniac. Their motivation is a mixture of curiosity, concern for their economic loss, and perhaps a degree of apprehension regarding the supernatural events.
* **"and came to Jesus,":** Their journey leads them directly to the source of the miraculous events—Jesus. This highlights Jesus' central role as the catalyst for the profound change they are about to witness.
* **"and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed,":** The primary object of their discovery is the formerly possessed man. The text explicitly states that the "devils were departed," confirming the complete and undeniable nature of his deliverance. This is the central miracle they came to observe.
* **"sitting at the feet of Jesus,":** This detail is highly significant. The man, once uncontrollable and wandering, is now in a posture of peace, submission, and discipleship. Sitting at someone's feet was a common stance for a student or disciple in the ancient world, indicating attentiveness and a desire to learn from a master. It contrasts sharply with his previous wild and unrestrained behavior.
* **"clothed, and in his right mind:":** These two descriptions provide concrete evidence of the man's complete restoration. His being "clothed" signifies a return to social normalcy and dignity, as he was previously naked. His being "in his right mind" indicates a full recovery of his mental faculties, sanity, and self-control, a complete reversal from his former madness. These are visible, undeniable signs of profound transformation.
* **"and they were afraid.":** The immediate and overwhelming reaction of the onlookers is fear. This fear stems from the incomprehensible power displayed by Jesus, the dramatic nature of the miracle, and perhaps the unsettling economic loss. It is a fear that leads not to worship or acceptance, but to a desire for Jesus to leave their region, highlighting their discomfort with such divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:35 is rich with **Contrast**, serving as the primary literary device. The verse starkly juxtaposes the man's former state (demon-possessed, naked, uncontrollable, living among tombs) with his transformed condition ("sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind"). This contrast emphasizes the radical nature of Jesus' healing power. **Symbolism** is also evident: "sitting at the feet of Jesus" symbolizes a posture of discipleship, peace, and newfound submission to Christ's authority, while being "clothed" represents a return to social dignity and normalcy. The phrase "in his right mind" symbolizes spiritual and mental clarity brought about by divine intervention. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the people's reaction: instead of rejoicing at a human life restored, their overwhelming emotion is fear, leading them to prioritize their material concerns (the drowned pigs) over the miraculous act of compassion. This ironic response highlights humanity's often-flawed perception of divine power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:35 stands as a powerful testament to the boundless and transformative power of God, made manifest in Jesus Christ. It underscores the theological truth that no human condition, however dire or seemingly irredeemable, is beyond the reach of divine intervention. The man's complete restoration—from utter spiritual bondage and mental chaos to peace, sanity, and a posture of discipleship—illustrates God's desire and ability to bring holistic healing to humanity. This miracle is not merely an act of exorcism but a profound demonstration of God's redemptive work, restoring dignity, mind, and spirit. It reveals Jesus' authority over the forces of darkness and His compassionate heart for those suffering under their oppression, inviting us to trust in His power to bring order out of chaos in our own lives and in the world. The fear of the onlookers, however, serves as a sobering reminder of humanity's often-uncomfortable response to the overwhelming presence and power of the divine, preferring the familiar, even if broken, to the radical newness of God's kingdom.

* [Mark 5:15](/mark/5-15 "Mark 5:15 - The Gerasene Demoniac")
* [Acts 16:25-34](/acts/16-25-34 "Acts 16:25-34 - The Philippian Jailer's Conversion")
* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:35 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that the transformative power of Jesus Christ is as real and relevant today as it was for the Gerasene demoniac. This verse encourages us to confront the areas of our lives—be they spiritual, mental, emotional, or relational—where chaos, bondage, or brokenness may still reside. Just as the man was found "sitting at the feet of Jesus," we are called to cultivate a posture of humility, submission, and attentive discipleship, recognizing that true peace and sanity are found in His presence. This means prioritizing time in God's Word, seeking His guidance through prayer, and allowing His Spirit to bring order to our inner lives. Furthermore, the man's transformation from an outcast to a witness, despite the fear of the surrounding community, challenges us to embrace our own stories of deliverance and healing, sharing them boldly even when faced with skepticism or discomfort from others. We are reminded that God's work in us is not just for our own benefit, but also to be a testimony to His power and grace to a world in need of His touch.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need Jesus to bring order, sanity, or freedom, much like He did for the Gerasene demoniac?**
* **What does "sitting at the feet of Jesus" practically look like in my daily life, and how can I cultivate this posture of discipleship more intentionally?**
* **How do I typically react to displays of God's overwhelming power or radical transformation—with faith and acceptance, or with fear and a desire for Him to depart?**
* **What "clothing" (dignity, purpose, identity) has Christ given me that contrasts with a former state of brokenness or shame, and how can I live more fully in that new identity?**

### FAQ
**Why were the people afraid of the healed man and Jesus?**

Answer: The people's fear, as described in [Luke 8:35](/luke/8-35 "Luke 8:35 - The Gerasene Demoniac Healed") and explicitly stated in [Luke 8:37](/luke/8-37 "Luke 8:37 - The People's Fear"), stemmed from several factors. Firstly, they were overwhelmed by the sheer, incomprehensible power displayed by Jesus. Witnessing a "legion" of demons expelled and a herd of 2,000 swine drowned was a terrifying and unsettling event that disrupted their understanding of the world. Secondly, there was a significant economic loss; the destruction of their swine herd represented a substantial financial blow. Their fear was not one of reverent awe leading to worship, but rather a discomfort with the divine power that threatened their security and normalcy, leading them to ask Jesus to leave their region.

**What does "in his right mind" signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "in his right mind" translates the Greek word _sōphronéō_ (G4993), which means to be of sound mind, sane, or moderate. In the context of the Gerasene demoniac, it signifies a complete and miraculous restoration of his mental faculties, rationality, and self-control. Previously, he was described as wild, uncontrollable, and tormented by a multitude of demons. His being "in his right mind" indicates not just the absence of demonic influence but the presence of a fully restored, coherent, and peaceful mental state, allowing him to function as a rational human being. It highlights the holistic nature of Jesus' healing, encompassing spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic transformation of the Gerasene demoniac in [Luke 8:35](/luke/8-35 "Luke 8:35 - The Gerasene Demoniac Healed") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This miracle is a powerful microcosm of Christ's broader mission: to deliver humanity from the bondage of sin and death, which are the ultimate demonic forces. Just as the man was freed from the dominion of a "legion" and restored to sanity, Christ's atoning work on the cross and His resurrection provide deliverance from the power of darkness, enabling all who believe to be "transferred from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of his beloved Son" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). The man's being "clothed, and in his right mind" foreshadows the spiritual clothing of righteousness provided by Christ ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation")) and the renewal of the mind that comes through the Holy Spirit ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewal of Your Mind")). Jesus, the Son of God, 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")), and this encounter perfectly illustrates His triumph over evil and His power to bring complete restoration and new life to those who were once lost and bound. He is the Great Physician who heals not only physical and mental ailments but also the deepest spiritual brokenness, offering true peace and wholeness to all who come to His feet.

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 10:39

And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

1 John 3:8

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Psalms 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Acts 22:3

¶ I am verily a man [which am] a Jew, born in Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, [and] taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Hebrews 2:14

¶ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Hebrews 2:15

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Luke 8:27

And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in [any] house, but in the tombs.