Luke 8:37

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Luke 8:37 describes the immediate aftermath of Jesus' powerful miracle in the region of the Gadarenes (or Gerasenes, depending on the manuscript tradition), where He cast a legion of demons out of a man into a herd of swine, causing them to drown. This verse highlights the surprising and fearful reaction of the local population.

Context

Prior to this verse, Jesus had crossed the Sea of Galilee into the country of the Gadarenes. There, He encountered a man possessed by many demons who lived among the tombs. In a dramatic display of divine authority, Jesus commanded the demons to leave the man. At their request, He allowed them to enter a large herd of swine, which then rushed down a steep bank into the lake and drowned. The swineherds, witnessing this incredible event and the destruction of their livelihood, fled to the city and the surrounding countryside to report what had happened. This verse records the response of the people who came out to see for themselves.

Key Themes

  • Fear and Misunderstanding: The primary reaction of the Gadarenes was "great fear." This wasn't reverent awe, but a profound dread, likely stemming from the immense power Jesus displayed and the economic loss they incurred. They were more concerned with their material possessions (the swine) than with the spiritual deliverance of the demon-possessed man or the presence of the Son of God. This highlights a common human tendency to prioritize comfort and material security over divine intervention and spiritual truth.
  • Rejection of Jesus: Because of their fear, the entire multitude "besought him to depart from them." This is a stark example of people rejecting Jesus despite witnessing His undeniable power and compassion. Their fear led them to push away the very source of life and healing. This contrasts sharply with the man who was healed, who desired to stay with Jesus (Luke 8:38).
  • Jesus' Respect for Free Will: Despite His power, Jesus does not force Himself upon those who do not want Him. He honors their request and departs, demonstrating His respect for human autonomy, even when it leads to their spiritual detriment.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "taken with great fear" translates the Greek phobos megas (φόβος μέγας), emphasizing an intense, overwhelming terror. It suggests a fear that seized and controlled them, rather than a rational assessment of the situation. The word "besought" (from the Greek parakaleo) indicates an earnest plea or strong urging, underscoring the urgency of their desire for Jesus to leave.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that not everyone will welcome the presence of Jesus, even when His power is evident. Often, fear of the unknown, fear of change, or fear of losing material comfort can overshadow the recognition of God's miraculous work. We are challenged to examine our own hearts: Do we welcome Jesus and His transformative power, even when it disrupts our comfort zones or challenges our worldly priorities? Or do we, like the Gadarenes, ask Him to depart because His presence makes us uncomfortable or threatens our perceived security? The story encourages us to choose faith over fear, and to embrace the kingdom of God over earthly concerns. For another perspective on not fearing, consider the encouragement in Isaiah 41:10.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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