Luke 8:38

KJV

Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} the man {G435} out of {G575} whom {G3739} the devils {G1140} were departed {G1831} besought {G1189} him {G846} that he might be {G1511} with {G4862} him {G846}: but {G1161} Jesus {G2424} sent {G630} him {G846} away {G630}, saying {G3004},

Complete Jewish Bible

The man from whom the demons had gone out begged that he might go with him; but Yeshua sent him away, saying,

Berean Standard Bible

The man whom the demons had left begged to go with Jesus. But He sent him away, saying,

American Standard Version

But the man from whom the demons were gone out prayed him that he might be with him: but he sent him away, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:38 captures a pivotal moment following the miraculous deliverance of the Gerasene demoniac, where the newly freed man, overwhelmed with gratitude and a profound desire for continued fellowship, earnestly pleaded with Jesus to remain in His presence. However, Jesus, with divine wisdom and a distinct purpose, redirected the man's immediate desire, commissioning him instead to return to his home and bear witness to the mighty works of God. This interaction powerfully illustrates the tension between personal devotion and divine commission, highlighting Jesus' sovereign authority, His compassionate care, and the transformative power of a personal testimony.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 8:38 immediately follows the dramatic and widely known account of Jesus' encounter with the demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes, depending on the manuscript tradition). Prior to this, Jesus had demonstrated His authority over nature by calming a storm on the Sea of Galilee ([Luke 8:22-25](/luke/8-22-25 "Luke 8:22-25 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), setting the stage for His subsequent display of power over demonic forces. The man, previously living among tombs, naked, and uncontrollably violent, was instantly restored to sanity and peace by Jesus' command. The demons, identified as "Legion," were cast into a herd of swine, which then rushed into the lake and drowned ([Luke 8:26-33](/luke/8-26-33 "Luke 8:26-33 - The Gerasene Demoniac")). The local townspeople, witnessing this astonishing event and fearing Jesus' immense power, asked Him to leave their region ([Luke 8:37](/luke/8-37 "Luke 8:37 - The Townspeople's Fear")). It is against this backdrop of fear and rejection from the community that the delivered man's response of profound gratitude and desire for fellowship with Jesus stands in stark contrast, setting up the divine redirection of his mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The region of the Gerasenes/Gadarenes was a Gentile area, part of the Decapolis (a league of ten cities, mostly Hellenistic). This geographical detail is significant because it highlights Jesus' ministry extending beyond Jewish territories, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel. The presence of a large herd of swine indicates a non-Jewish population, as pigs were unclean animals according to Jewish law. Demon possession was a recognized, albeit terrifying, phenomenon in the ancient world, often attributed to evil spirits or divine judgment. Individuals afflicted like the Gerasene demoniac were typically ostracized, living on the fringes of society, often in tombs, which were considered ritually unclean. Jesus' willingness to enter this Gentile, unclean territory and engage directly with such an outcast underscored His radical compassion and His mission to bring light to those in spiritual darkness, regardless of their social or religious standing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, nestled within the broader narrative of [Luke 8](/luke/8 "Luke 8 - Parables, Miracles, and Discipleship"), contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Jesus' absolute authority** over all spiritual forces, including the most formidable demonic powers. The immediate and complete deliverance of the man demonstrates that even a "legion" of demons is no match for Christ's command. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **radical transformation** through divine intervention. The man's shift from a tormented, uncontrollable outcast to a sane, clothed, and grateful follower exemplifies the profound change that occurs when one encounters Jesus. Thirdly, the man's desire to remain with Jesus introduces the theme of **devotion and fellowship**, a natural response to experiencing God's grace. Finally, Jesus' subsequent command to the man to return home and testify introduces the crucial theme of **discipleship and mission**, emphasizing that following Christ often involves being a witness in one's own sphere of influence rather than always physically accompanying Him. This narrative reinforces the idea that the power of personal testimony is a vital component of spreading the good news, especially to those who have witnessed one's former state, as seen in the man's obedience in [Luke 8:39](/luke/8-39 "Luke 8:39 - The Man's Testimony").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **devils (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term refers to "a dæmonic being" or "a deity." In the New Testament, it consistently denotes evil spirits or demons, often associated with torment and opposition to God's will. The use of the plural here, following the narrative of a "legion" of demons, emphasizes the profound spiritual bondage from which the man was delivered, highlighting the immense power of Christ over a multitude of such entities.
* **besought (Greek, _déomai'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to bind oneself," signifies a deep and earnest plea, a petition, or a fervent prayer. It conveys the man's profound desire and urgent request to remain in Jesus' presence, born out of gratitude, newfound peace, and a longing for continued security and fellowship with his deliverer. It's not a casual request but one born of deep emotional and spiritual attachment.
* **sent him away (Greek, _apolýō'_):** This verb means "to free fully," "to release," "to dismiss," or "to send away." In this context, it denotes a clear, authoritative command from Jesus. It is not a rejection of the man's devotion but a strategic redirection of his energy and gratitude towards a specific mission. Jesus' "sending away" is an act of commissioning, empowering the man to be a witness rather than merely a follower.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the man out of whom the devils were departed":** This clause immediately identifies the subject as the recently delivered Gerasene demoniac, emphasizing his prior state of severe demonic possession and the miraculous nature of his liberation. The departure of the demons signifies a complete and irreversible transformation, marking the man as a recipient of profound divine intervention.
* **"besought him that he might be with him":** This reveals the man's immediate and heartfelt response to his deliverance. His earnest plea to remain with Jesus stems from a deep sense of gratitude, newfound peace, and a desire for continued fellowship and security in the presence of his savior. It is a natural human reaction to profound spiritual and physical healing.
* **"but Jesus sent him away, saying,":** This final clause introduces a divine counter-action to the man's request. The conjunction "but" signals a contrast between the man's desire and Jesus' will. Jesus' act of "sending away" is not a dismissal born of indifference, but an authoritative commissioning. It highlights Jesus' sovereign plan for the man's life, which involves a specific mission of testimony rather than perpetual physical proximity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, juxtaposing the man's heartfelt desire for personal fellowship with Jesus' divine mandate for public witness. This creates a moment of **narrative tension**, as the reader anticipates how Jesus will respond to this earnest plea. The immediate transformation of the man, from a wild, naked, demon-possessed outcast to a sane, clothed individual desiring to follow Jesus, serves as powerful **characterization** of both the man's new state and Jesus' transformative power. Furthermore, the scene is rich in **symbolism**: the man's desire to "be with him" symbolizes the natural human longing for intimacy with God, while Jesus' "sending him away" symbolizes the call to active discipleship and evangelism, where personal experience becomes a public testimony.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates the dynamic interplay between personal devotion and divine commission. While the man's desire to remain with Jesus is a beautiful and natural expression of gratitude and newfound spiritual intimacy, Jesus' redirection reveals a higher purpose: that the recipient of God's grace is also called to be a herald of that grace. This emphasizes that true discipleship is not merely about personal comfort or proximity to the Master, but about actively participating in His mission to the world. God's deliverance often comes with a divine assignment, transforming the delivered into a witness, thereby extending the reach of His kingdom. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that our personal transformation is often intended to be a public testimony, impacting those in our own spheres of influence.

* [John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Peter's Confession")
* [Mark 5:19-20](/mark/5-19-20 "Mark 5:19-20 - The Man's Testimony")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:38 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. The man's immediate and fervent desire to "be with" Jesus after his deliverance is a powerful model of gratitude and devotion. It reminds us that a genuine encounter with Christ's saving power should naturally cultivate a deep longing for His presence and fellowship. Yet, Jesus' response challenges our assumptions about what "following Him" always entails. Sometimes, the most impactful way to follow Jesus is not to physically stay with Him, but to be sent by Him back into the very contexts from which we were delivered. This teaches us that our personal transformation is not just for our own benefit, but is a powerful testimony intended to be shared. Our homes, workplaces, and communities become our mission fields, and our personal story of what God has done for us becomes a compelling witness to His power and grace. This passage encourages us to embrace God's unique calling for our lives, even when it differs from our immediate desires, trusting that His plan for us is always for His glory and the good of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does your gratitude for God's deliverance manifest in your desire to be with Him?**
* **In what ways might God be "sending you away" to be a witness in your current sphere of influence, rather than fulfilling a personal desire to be elsewhere?**
* **What is your personal testimony of what God has done for you, and how might you share it effectively with those who know you best?**
* **How can you reconcile your personal desires for spiritual growth and fellowship with God's call to mission and service?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus send the man away instead of allowing him to follow Him?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to send the man away was not a rejection of his devotion but a strategic commissioning for a greater purpose. While the man desired to remain in Jesus' immediate presence, Jesus had a specific mission for him: to return to his home and family and declare "how great things God had done for him" ([Luke 8:39](/luke/8-39 "Luke 8:39 - The Man's Obedience and Testimony")). This Gentile region, the Decapolis, was not a primary area of Jesus' direct ministry, making the man's personal testimony a uniquely powerful and effective means of spreading the good news there. It demonstrates that true discipleship often involves being a witness in one's own context, rather than always physically accompanying Jesus, and highlights the power of a transformed life as a living sermon.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:38, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, profoundly points to Christ's identity and mission. Jesus' authority over the "legion" of demons, which had tormented the man, foreshadows His ultimate victory over all powers of darkness, as prophesied in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") and fully realized through His death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The man's desire to "be with him" reflects the universal human longing for redemption and fellowship with God, a longing that is perfectly fulfilled in Christ, who makes it possible for us to draw near to God ([Hebrews 7:19](/hebrews/7-19 "Hebrews 7:19 - A Better Hope")). Furthermore, Jesus' commissioning of the man to return home and testify is a microcosm of the Great Commission given to all believers ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Just as the Gerasene demoniac was transformed and sent, so too are believers transformed into new creations in Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power for Witness")). Thus, this passage not only reveals Jesus as the compassionate Deliverer but also as the sovereign Lord who commissions His redeemed ones to participate in His ongoing mission of proclaiming the kingdom of God.

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 9:13

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

Acts 9:16

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Mark 5:18

And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.

Mark 5:20

And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all [men] did marvel.

Philippians 1:23

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

Psalms 32:7

¶ Thou [art] my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Isaiah 63:7

¶ I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, [and] the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.