Luke 8:38

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

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},

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

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

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

Context

Luke 8:38 follows the dramatic account of Jesus casting out a "legion" of demons from a man in the country of the Gadarenes (or Gerasenes), a Gentile region. This man, previously living in tombs, naked, and uncontrollably violent, was transformed instantly by Jesus' power. The demons, by their own request, were sent into a herd of swine, which then rushed into the lake and drowned. The local townspeople, witnessing this astonishing event and fearing Jesus' immense power, asked Him to leave their region (Luke 8:37). Amidst this fear and rejection by the community, the delivered man's response stands in stark contrast.

Key Themes

  • Desire for Fellowship: The man, having experienced profound liberation and healing, immediately desired to remain with Jesus. This highlights a natural and grateful response to divine grace and deliverance, wanting to stay close to the one who brought such radical transformation.
  • Divine Commission Over Personal Preference: Despite the man's earnest plea, Jesus had a different, specific mission for him. This demonstrates that God's plans for our lives may sometimes differ from our immediate desires, even good ones. Jesus' instruction reveals a call to witness where one is, rather than always physically following Him.
  • The Power of Personal Testimony: Jesus commissions the man to return to his home and recount what God had done for him. This emphasizes the immense power of a personal testimony in evangelism, especially among those who knew the individual's prior condition. This man became a powerful, living witness in the Decapolis region (Mark 5:20), a Gentile area.
  • Jesus' Authority and Compassion: The entire episode underscores Jesus' absolute authority over demonic forces and His compassion for the afflicted, even those considered outcasts.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "besought him" comes from the Greek word parakaleo (ฯ€ฮฑฯฮฑฮบฮฑฮปฮญฯ‰), which carries a range of meanings including "to call alongside," "to appeal to," "to entreat," "to comfort," or "to exhort." Here, it signifies a deep and earnest plea, a profound desire to be in Jesus' presence. The phrase "sent him away" is from apolyo (แผ€ฯ€ฮฟฮปฯฯ‰), meaning "to release," "to dismiss," or "to send away." It denotes a clear and authoritative command from Jesus, not a rejection, but a redirection.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that true gratitude for salvation and deliverance often manifests as a desire to draw closer to Christ. Secondly, it teaches that our calling to serve God may not always align with our initial expectations or desires. Sometimes, God calls us to be a witness right where we are, in our own homes and communities, among those who know us best. Our personal story of transformation in Christ can be a profound testament to His power and grace, just as it was for the Gerasene demoniac. This man's obedience in Luke 8:39 serves as a model for sharing our faith.

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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

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

  • Isaiah 63:7

    ยถ 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.
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