Luke 8:35

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Luke 8:35 provides a powerful snapshot of the transformative power of Jesus Christ, focusing on the dramatic change in the Gerasene demoniac after his encounter with the Lord. This verse highlights the immediate and visible effects of divine deliverance, contrasting the man's former chaotic state with his newfound peace and sanity.

Context

This verse follows one of Jesus' most remarkable miracles: the casting out of a legion of demons from a man who lived among the tombs, terrorizing the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes, depending on the Gospel account). The demons, at their own request, were allowed to enter a herd of swine, which then rushed down a steep bank into the lake and drowned. The swineherds fled and spread the news, prompting the local inhabitants to come and witness the aftermath. Their immediate concern was the economic loss of the swine, overshadowing the miraculous restoration of a human life.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Transformation: The central theme is the radical change brought about by Jesus. The man, previously naked, violent, and out of his mind, is now "clothed, and in his right mind." This signifies complete spiritual and mental restoration, showcasing Jesus' power to heal the broken and set the captive free.
  • Discipleship and Submission: Finding the man "sitting at the feet of Jesus" is a posture of a disciple, ready to learn and submit. It contrasts sharply with his former uncontrollable state and speaks to the peace found in Christ's presence. This posture is also seen in Mary of Bethany sitting at Jesus' feet, prioritizing spiritual nourishment over worldly concerns.
  • The Authority of Jesus: The event clearly demonstrates Jesus' supreme authority over evil spirits and even over nature, as the demons obeyed His command. This power evokes a fearful reaction from the onlookers, who struggled to comprehend such a display of divine might.
  • Fear vs. Faith: The people's reaction – "and they were afraid" – reveals their apprehension in the face of Jesus' overwhelming power. Their fear was not one of reverence leading to worship, but rather a discomfort that led them to ask Jesus to depart (Luke 8:37). This contrasts with the man's desire to stay with Jesus, illustrating different responses to a divine encounter.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "in his right mind" translates the Greek sōphronounta (σωφρονοῦντα), which implies being of sound mind, exercising self-control, and being sensible. This word emphasizes the complete reversal of his previous mental state, highlighting not just the absence of demons but the presence of restored faculties and composure. The transformation from madness to mental clarity is a powerful testament to Jesus' healing touch.

Practical Application

Luke 8:35 offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's transforming power. Just as the Gerasene demoniac was utterly changed from a desperate, outcast individual to one who was "clothed, and in his right mind," Christ can bring peace, healing, and sanity to lives afflicted by spiritual darkness, mental anguish, or chaotic circumstances. The man's newfound position "sitting at the feet of Jesus" serves as an example of seeking spiritual nourishment and finding rest in His presence. It encourages us to prioritize spiritual well-being and surrender to Christ's authority, even when others around us may react with fear or misunderstanding to the profound work of God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
← Back