Luke 8:39

KJV

Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Return {G5290} to {G1519} thine own {G4675} house {G3624}, and {G2532} shew {G1334} how great things {G3745} God {G2316} hath done {G4160} unto thee {G4671}. And {G2532} he went his way {G565}, and published {G2784} throughout {G2596} the whole {G3650} city {G4172} how great things {G3745} Jesus {G2424} had done {G4160} unto him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Go back to your home and tell how much God has done for you." He went away proclaiming throughout the whole town how much Yeshua had done for him.

Berean Standard Bible

“Return home and describe how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and proclaimed all over the town how much Jesus had done for him.

American Standard Version

Return to thy house, and declare how great things God hath done for thee. And he went his way, publishing throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done for him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:39 concludes the powerful narrative of Jesus' encounter with the Gerasene demoniac, revealing a unique commission for the newly healed man. Instead of joining Jesus' immediate disciples, he is commanded to return to his home and community to testify about the "great things God hath done" for him. The verse then records the man's immediate and fervent obedience, noting a significant shift in his proclamation: he "published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him," underscoring Jesus' divine identity and the transformative power of His work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 8:39 serves as the powerful conclusion to the account of Jesus' healing of the Gerasene demoniac, which spans [Luke 8:26-39](/luke/8-26-39 "Luke 8:26-39 - The Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac"). Immediately preceding this verse, the man, now fully restored to his right mind, pleads with Jesus to allow him to remain with Him ([Luke 8:38](/luke/8-38 "Luke 8:38 - The healed man's desire to follow Jesus")). This request is denied, and Jesus issues a counter-intuitive command: rather than follow Him physically, the man is to return home and bear witness. This stands in stark contrast to many other instances where Jesus instructed those He healed to keep silent about their miraculous recovery, such as the leper in [Mark 1:44](/mark/1-44 "Mark 1:44 - Jesus instructs a healed leper to keep silent"). The unique directive here emphasizes the man's role as a missionary to his own people, particularly in a Gentile region where direct witness was crucial. The narrative highlights Jesus' authority over demonic forces and His compassionate restoration of human dignity, setting the stage for the man's subsequent evangelistic mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Luke 8:26-39](/luke/8-26-39 "Luke 8:26-39 - The Gerasene Demoniac") take place in the "country of the Gerasenes" (or Gergesenes), a region generally identified with the Decapolis, a federation of ten Hellenistic cities primarily east of the Sea of Galilee. This was predominantly a Gentile area, unlike much of Galilee and Judea where Jesus ministered. The local inhabitants, upon witnessing the destruction of their swine and the man's healing, reacted with fear and asked Jesus to leave ([Luke 8:37](/luke/8-37 "Luke 8:37 - The fear of the Gerasenes")). In this context, Jesus' command for the healed man to return home makes profound sense. As a local resident, the man possessed unique credibility and access to his own community, which was largely unfamiliar with Jesus. His testimony would be a powerful, indigenous witness to the power of God in a region resistant to Jesus' direct presence. Furthermore, the man's previous state of living among tombs and being uncontrollable would have made him a well-known, feared, and ostracized figure, making his transformation all the more impactful.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereign authority of Jesus** over all spiritual forces, including the most formidable demonic legions. Secondly, it redefines the nature of **discipleship and witness**, demonstrating that following Jesus does not always entail physical proximity but can mean being sent back into one's own sphere of influence as a living testimony. This highlights the theme of **personal testimony** as a potent means of evangelism, where a transformed life speaks volumes. Thirdly, the subtle but significant shift from "God" to "Jesus" in the man's proclamation reveals the **divine identity of Jesus**, affirming that Jesus' actions are intrinsically the actions of God. This points to Jesus as the embodiment of God's saving power. Finally, the command to "return to thine own house" emphasizes the principle of **local mission**, suggesting that the most effective witness often begins within one's immediate family and community before extending further, a principle echoed later in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnessing in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shew (Greek, _diēgéomai'_):** This verb means "to relate fully," "to declare," or "to tell." It implies a detailed and comprehensive recounting of events, not merely a brief mention. Jesus instructs the man to provide a thorough account of his experience, emphasizing the magnitude and depth of God's intervention in his life. The command is for a full, personal narrative of transformation.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** This refers to the supreme Divinity. Jesus' initial instruction for the man to declare what "God" had done aligns with the Jewish understanding that all true miracles and acts of deliverance originate from God. It frames the healing within a monotheistic worldview, crediting the ultimate source of power.
* **published (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** This word signifies "to herald (as a public crier)," "to proclaim," or "to preach." It denotes a public, authoritative, and widespread declaration, much like a town crier making an official announcement. The man's action goes beyond simply "showing" or "telling" a story; he actively and publicly proclaims the message, indicating a fervent and comprehensive effort to make known what Jesus had done.
* **Jesus (Greek, _Iēsoûs'_):** This is the Greek form of the Hebrew name "Joshua," meaning "Yahweh saves" or "the Lord is salvation." The man's shift from proclaiming what "God" had done to specifically what "Jesus" had done is profoundly significant. It reveals his immediate understanding and conviction that Jesus is not merely an agent of God, but God's very presence and power acting directly, making His actions synonymous with divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee."**: This is Jesus' direct command to the healed man. The instruction to "return to thine own house" is crucial, indicating that his primary mission field is his immediate family and community. This contrasts with the man's desire to follow Jesus physically, demonstrating Jesus' strategic wisdom in commissioning a local, credible witness. The phrase "shew how great things God hath done unto thee" emphasizes the magnitude of the miracle and the divine source of his deliverance. It is a call to personal testimony, highlighting the transformative power of God's intervention in an individual's life.
* **"And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him."**: This clause details the man's immediate and zealous obedience. The phrase "he went his way" indicates prompt action. His act of "publishing" (kērýssō) suggests a public, widespread, and fervent proclamation, not a private sharing. The most striking element is the shift from "God hath done" (Jesus' instruction) to "Jesus had done" (the man's actual proclamation). This subtle yet profound change reveals the man's deep conviction regarding Jesus' divine identity. He understood that the "great things" wrought by God were directly manifested through the person and power of Jesus, affirming Jesus' unique authority and deity. His testimony became a powerful witness to Jesus' transformative power in a region that had previously reacted with fear.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the contrast between Jesus' instruction to declare "how great things God hath done" and the man's actual proclamation of "how great things Jesus had done." This subtle yet profound shift highlights the theological truth of Jesus' divine identity, where His actions are synonymous with God's actions. **Command and Obedience** is a central theme, as Jesus issues a clear directive ("Return... and shew"), and the man responds with immediate and zealous compliance ("And he went his way, and published"). This demonstrates the transformative power of Jesus' word and the man's overflowing gratitude. **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis** is conveyed through the repeated phrase "how great things," stressing the immense and extraordinary nature of the miracle. This is further amplified by the man "publishing throughout the whole city," indicating the widespread impact and public nature of his testimony. The "house" can be seen as **Symbolism** for one's immediate sphere of influence, emphasizing the importance of local witness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:39 stands as a pivotal verse, revealing profound theological truths about the nature of God's work, the identity of Jesus, and the call to discipleship. It illustrates that God's redemptive power is not confined to specific geographical locations or to those who physically follow Jesus. Instead, it can be powerfully demonstrated through transformed lives in every community. The man's testimony, where he equates "God hath done" with "Jesus had done," is a powerful early affirmation of Jesus' divine authority and co-equality with God. It foreshadows the New Testament's consistent portrayal of Jesus as the one through whom God acts decisively for salvation. This verse also establishes a foundational principle for Christian mission: that personal testimony, born of gratitude and experience, is a potent and necessary form of evangelism, often beginning in one's immediate sphere of influence.
* [Mark 5:19-20](/mark/5-19-20 "Mark 5:19-20 - Parallel account of Jesus' command and the man's obedience")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The call to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth")
* [Matthew 10:32](/matthew/10-32 "Matthew 10:32 - Confessing Christ before others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the Gerasene demoniac and Jesus' unique commission to him in Luke 8:39 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today. Like this man, every follower of Christ has experienced "great things" that God, through Jesus, has done in their lives – the forgiveness of sins, deliverance from spiritual bondage, the gift of new life, and the promise of eternal hope. This verse challenges us to consider our own "house" and immediate sphere of influence – our families, friends, workplaces, and neighborhoods – as our primary mission field. Our personal testimony, born of a heart overflowing with gratitude, is a powerful and authentic witness that can resonate deeply with those who know us best. It reminds us that while some are called to distant lands, all are called to be faithful witnesses right where they are, proclaiming the transformative power of Jesus with the same fervor and conviction as the man from Gerasa. Our lives, changed by Christ, are living sermons that point others to the One who does "great things."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great things" has God, through Jesus, done in your life that you can share with others?**
* **Who is in your "own house" or immediate sphere of influence that needs to hear your personal testimony of Jesus' work?**
* **In what ways can you "publish" (proclaim widely) what Jesus has done for you, beyond just quiet sharing?**
* **How does the man's immediate and enthusiastic obedience challenge your own willingness to share your faith?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus tell this man to "shew" what God had done, when He often told others to be silent?**

Answer: Jesus' instruction in [Luke 8:39](/luke/8-39 "Luke 8:39 - Jesus' command to the healed Gerasene demoniac") is a significant departure from His common practice of commanding silence (often referred to as the "Messianic Secret") after performing miracles, as seen in passages like [Mark 1:44](/mark/1-44 "Mark 1:44 - Jesus instructs a healed leper to keep silent") or [Matthew 12:16](/matthew/12-16 "Matthew 12:16 - Jesus warns people not to make Him known"). The primary reason for this difference lies in the geographical and cultural context. The Gerasene region was part of the Decapolis, a largely Gentile area. In Jewish territories, Jesus often sought to manage expectations about His messianic identity, avoiding political uprisings or premature confrontation with religious authorities, and allowing His true mission (suffering servant, not conquering king) to unfold. In contrast, in the Gentile Decapolis, there was no pre-existing messianic expectation to misinterpret. The people were largely ignorant of Him, and a public, credible witness was desperately needed. The healed man, a local resident, became Jesus' first missionary to this Gentile region, uniquely positioned to testify to his own community about the power of God manifested through Jesus.

**What is the significance of the man saying "Jesus had done" instead of "God had done"?**

Answer: The subtle yet profound shift from Jesus' command to declare "how great things God hath done unto thee" to the man's actual proclamation of "how great things Jesus had done unto him" is highly significant. It is not a contradiction but a powerful theological statement about Jesus' divine identity. The man, having directly experienced Jesus' unparalleled power over a legion of demons, intuitively understood that Jesus' actions were not merely those of a prophet or a man empowered by God, but were, in essence, the very actions of God Himself. This highlights the New Testament's consistent teaching that Jesus is God incarnate, and that His works are God's works. The man's testimony thus becomes an early and spontaneous confession of Jesus' deity, affirming that the "great things" of salvation and deliverance are accomplished through the person and ministry of Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the Gerasene demoniac, culminating in [Luke 8:39](/luke/8-39 "Luke 8:39 - The Gerasene Demoniac's Testimony"), powerfully foreshadows and embodies the Christ-centered mission of the church. Jesus' triumph over the "Legion" of demons is a vivid demonstration of His ultimate victory over the powers of darkness and sin, a victory fully realized in His death and resurrection. Just as He delivered this man from overwhelming spiritual bondage, so too does Christ offer complete liberation to all who are enslaved by sin and death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus")). The man's commission to "shew how great things God hath done unto thee" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). The man's immediate and fervent response, proclaiming "how great things Jesus had done unto him," perfectly illustrates the heart of the Gospel message: it is Jesus, the Son of God, who accomplishes the "great things" of salvation, redemption, and new life. Every believer, like the Gerasene demoniac, has a personal testimony of Christ's transformative power, a story of deliverance from darkness into His marvelous light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called out of darkness into His marvelous light")). Thus, Luke 8:39 serves as a microcosm of the entire Christian mission, rooted in Christ's sovereign power, expressed through personal witness, and aimed at proclaiming His glorious works to the world.

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

1 Timothy 5:8

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Luke 17:15

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

Luke 17:18

There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

Deuteronomy 10:21

He [is] thy praise, and he [is] thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.

John 4:29

Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

Mark 1:45

But he went out, and began to publish [it] much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

Daniel 4:34

¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation: