Luke 8:37

KJV

Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G2532} the whole {G537} multitude {G4128} of the country {G4066} of the Gadarenes {G1046} round about {G4066} besought {G2065} him {G846} to depart {G565} from {G575} them {G846}; for {G3754} they were taken {G4912} with great {G3173} fear {G5401}: and {G1161} he {G846} went up {G1684} into {G1519} the ship {G4143}, and returned back again {G5290}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then all the people of the Gerasene district asked him to leave them, for they had been seized with great fear. So he boarded the boat and returned.

Berean Standard Bible

Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to depart from them, because great fear had taken hold of them. So He got into the boat and started back.

American Standard Version

And all the people of the country of the Gerasenes round about asked him to depart from them; for they were holden with great fear: and he entered into a boat, and returned.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:37 recounts the immediate aftermath of Jesus' powerful exorcism in the region of the Gadarenes, where He cast a legion of demons from a man into a herd of swine, leading to their destruction in the lake. This verse captures the overwhelming and fearful reaction of the local populace, who, despite witnessing a profound miracle of liberation, prioritized their material security over the spiritual deliverance demonstrated by Jesus, ultimately pleading for Him to leave their territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the dramatic account of Jesus' encounter with the demon-possessed man in the country of the Gadarenes. Preceding this, [Luke 8:22-25](/luke/8-22-25 "Luke 8:22-25 - Jesus Calms the Storm") describes Jesus calming a violent storm, demonstrating His authority over nature. Immediately upon arriving on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, He is met by a man possessed by a "legion" of demons. The narrative in [Luke 8:26-36](/luke/8-26-36 "Luke 8:26-36 - The Gerasene Demoniac") details the intense spiritual battle, Jesus' command over the demons, their request to enter a herd of swine, and the subsequent drowning of the pigs. The swineherds, having witnessed this, fled to the city and surrounding countryside to report the events. Luke 8:37 then describes the reaction of the people who came out to investigate, setting the stage for Jesus' departure and the subsequent commission of the healed man in [Luke 8:38-39](/luke/8-38-39 "Luke 8:38-39 - The Healed Man's Mission").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The region of the Gadarenes (or Gerasenes, depending on manuscript tradition, both referring to cities in the Decapolis, a league of ten Hellenistic cities) was predominantly Gentile, as evidenced by the presence of a large herd of swine, which were unclean animals according to Jewish law ([Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - Unclean Animals")). This Gentile context is crucial, as it highlights Jesus' ministry extending beyond the Jewish population. The people's fear was not merely a reaction to the supernatural, but also to the significant economic loss incurred by the destruction of the swine. In an agrarian society, such a loss could be devastating to a community's livelihood, making their request for Jesus to depart understandable from a purely pragmatic, albeit spiritually blind, perspective. Their response reflects a common human tendency to value material possessions and perceived stability over the disruptive, yet liberating, power of God.
* **Key Themes:** This passage contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. One prominent theme is **Jesus' absolute authority over demonic forces**, demonstrating His divine power to liberate those enslaved by evil, a central aspect of His messianic mission ([Luke 4:36](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - Jesus' Authority Over Demons")). Another is the **contrast between spiritual deliverance and material concerns**. The Gadarenes' "great fear" stemmed from economic loss rather than awe or reverence for the miracle, illustrating a tragic prioritization of worldly security over spiritual truth. This also highlights the theme of **rejection of Jesus**, as the people actively "besought him to depart," mirroring instances where Jesus' presence challenged established norms or comfort zones, leading to His rejection by many ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Finally, Jesus' willingness to depart, despite His power, subtly underscores the theme of **divine respect for human free will**, even when that will leads to spiritual detriment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **multitude (Greek, _plēthos'_):** From G4128, meaning "a fulness, i.e. a large number, throng, populace." This term emphasizes that it was not just a few individuals, but a significant portion of the local population that came out to confront Jesus, indicating a widespread and communal reaction to the events.
* **besought (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** From G2065, meaning "to interrogate; by implication, to request." While it can mean to ask a question, here it signifies an earnest plea or strong urging, underscoring the urgency and collective nature of their desire for Jesus to leave their region.
* **fear (Greek, _phóbos'_):** From G5401, meaning "alarm or fright." Combined with "great" (G3173, _mégas_), it describes an intense, overwhelming terror that seized and controlled the multitude. This was not a reverent awe of God's power, but a profound dread stemming from the disruptive and costly nature of Jesus' miracle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them;":** Following the reports of the swineherds, the entire populace from the surrounding region of Gadara came out to Jesus. Their collective action was to earnestly plead with Him to leave their territory. This indicates a unified and urgent desire for Jesus' departure, driven by the events they had just witnessed.
* **"for they were taken with great fear:":** The reason for their urgent request was an overwhelming, intense terror that gripped them. This fear was not a holy dread leading to repentance or worship, but a profound fright at the disruption Jesus' power had caused, particularly the economic devastation of the swine herd. It suggests a fear of the unknown, of uncontrolled divine power, and of further potential losses.
* **"and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.":** In response to their plea, Jesus complied. He boarded the vessel He had used to cross the sea and immediately departed from the Gadarene region, returning to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. This demonstrates Jesus' respect for human autonomy, even when it leads to their rejection of Him.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:37 employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Irony**: The very one who brought liberation and healing to a tormented man is asked to leave by the community. They reject the source of spiritual freedom because of material loss, highlighting a tragic inversion of values. There is also a strong **Contrast** between Jesus' immense power, which effortlessly casts out a legion of demons, and the people's abject fear and desire for Him to depart. This contrast underscores humanity's often-flawed response to divine intervention, prioritizing comfort and security over spiritual truth. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Foreshadowing**, as this rejection by the Gadarenes subtly prefigures the broader rejection Jesus would face from many throughout His ministry, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. The "great fear" that grips them is a powerful **Motif** that recurs when people encounter the raw, untamed power of God, often leading to a desire for distance rather than embrace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Gadarenes' response in Luke 8:37 serves as a poignant theological lesson on the human reaction to divine power and the kingdom of God. Their "great fear" was not born of reverence or awe, but of a profound discomfort with the disruption Jesus brought—a disruption that challenged their economic stability and their understanding of the world. This illustrates a common human tendency to prefer predictable comfort and material security over the transformative, sometimes unsettling, presence of God. Their plea for Jesus to depart highlights the tragic reality that while Jesus offers ultimate liberation and life, many will choose to reject Him when His presence threatens their perceived control or worldly priorities. This passage challenges believers to examine their own hearts, asking whether they truly welcome Jesus' transformative work, even when it requires sacrifice or discomfort.

* [Matthew 8:34](/matthew/8-34 "Matthew 8:34 - The People's Fear and Request")
* [Acts 16:39](/acts/16-39 "Acts 16:39 - The Magistrates' Request for Paul and Silas to Depart")
* [John 6:66](/john/6-66 "John 6:66 - Many Disciples Turn Away")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the Gadarenes' rejection of Jesus in Luke 8:37 offers a profound mirror for self-examination. It compels us to consider our own responses when confronted with the radical, often disruptive, power of God in our lives. Are we, like the Gadarenes, so attached to our comforts, our routines, or our material possessions that we would ask Jesus to depart when His presence challenges them? The "great fear" they experienced was not a fear of God's goodness, but a fear of the unknown, of loss, and of a power beyond their control. This can manifest in our lives as resistance to spiritual growth that requires letting go of old habits, fear of stepping out in faith, or reluctance to embrace a calling that seems too costly. True faith invites Jesus into every area of our lives, even the uncomfortable ones, trusting that His presence brings ultimate good, even if it means temporary disruption or loss. This passage calls us to prioritize the spiritual liberation and eternal life offered by Christ over any earthly security or comfort.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great fears" or material concerns in my life might lead me to subtly, or even overtly, ask Jesus to depart from certain areas?**
* **How do I react when God's work in my life or in the world disrupts my comfort zone or challenges my established norms?**
* **In what ways might I be prioritizing perceived security or worldly possessions over the transformative presence of Christ?**
* **What would it look like to truly welcome Jesus into the "uncomfortable" or "costly" areas of my life, trusting in His ultimate good?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Gadarenes ask Jesus to leave, especially after witnessing such a powerful miracle?**

Answer: The Gadarenes asked Jesus to leave primarily because they were "taken with great fear." This fear was not one of reverent awe, but a profound dread stemming from the immense economic loss they had just incurred—the destruction of their entire herd of swine. While Jesus had liberated a man from a legion of demons, this spiritual deliverance was overshadowed by their material concerns. They prioritized their livelihood and perceived stability over the presence of the Son of God and the spiritual freedom He offered. Their reaction highlights a common human tendency to reject divine intervention when it disrupts comfort or causes material loss, as seen in other instances where Jesus' presence challenged the status quo ([Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12-13 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:37, though a narrative of rejection, powerfully underscores the nature of Christ's mission and His ultimate fulfillment. The Gadarenes' fear-driven plea for Jesus to depart tragically foreshadows the broader rejection He would face from humanity, culminating in His crucifixion. Yet, in His willingness to depart, Jesus demonstrates His profound respect for human agency, even when it leads to self-inflicted spiritual detriment. This act of withdrawal, however, is not a defeat but a strategic move in His redemptive plan. It highlights that the Kingdom of God is not imposed by force but offered in grace, requiring a willing reception. Ultimately, Jesus' departure from the Gadarenes allows the newly healed man to become a witness to the Gentiles in that region, spreading the good news of God's mercy ([Luke 8:39](/luke/8-39 "Luke 8:39 - The Healed Man Proclaims Jesus")). This foreshadows the Great Commission, where Jesus, after His own "departure" through ascension, sends His disciples to proclaim the gospel to all nations, even to those who initially reject Him ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). Thus, the rejection in Gadara, far from being an end, becomes a catalyst for the expansion of Christ's redemptive work, demonstrating that even human fear and rejection cannot thwart God's sovereign purposes to bring salvation to the world ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")).

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

Acts 16:39

And they came and besought them, and brought [them] out, and desired [them] to depart out of the city.

Luke 8:28

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, [thou] Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

Luke 10:16

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

Deuteronomy 5:25

Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.

Luke 9:5

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

Luke 10:10

But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

Luke 10:11

Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.