Luke 8:40

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people [gladly] received him: for they were all waiting for him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, that, when {G1722} Jesus {G2424} was returned {G5290}, the people {G3793} gladly received {G588} him {G846}: for {G1063} they were {G2258} all {G3956} waiting for {G4328} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yeshua got back, the crowd welcomed him; for they were all expecting him.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed Him, for they had all been waiting for Him.

American Standard Version

And as Jesus returned, the multitude welcomed him; for they were all waiting for him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:40 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' Galilean ministry, highlighting the stark contrast in reception He experienced. Having just been rejected by the Gerasenes, Jesus returns to the western side of the Sea of Galilee, likely Capernaum, where He is met with overwhelming enthusiasm and eager anticipation by a large crowd. This verse sets the immediate stage for two significant miracles: the raising of Jairus's daughter and the healing of the woman with a chronic blood issue, underscoring the pressing needs and profound hope that drew people to Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 8:40 serves as a crucial transitional verse, marking Jesus' return from the Gentile region of the Gerasenes to the Jewish territory of Galilee. Immediately preceding this, Jesus had performed a dramatic exorcism, casting a legion of demons into a herd of pigs, an event that terrified the local populace and led them to implore Him to leave their region [Luke 8:26-39](/luke/8-26-39 "Luke 8:26-39 - The Gerasene Demoniac"). The eager welcome described in verse 40 stands in stark opposition to this rejection, setting the narrative for Jesus' continued ministry among those who sought Him. The verse directly introduces the interwoven accounts of Jairus, a synagogue ruler, pleading for his dying daughter, and the woman with an issue of blood, who seeks healing by touching Jesus' garment [Luke 8:41-56](/luke/8-41-56 "Luke 8:41-56 - Jairus's Daughter and the Woman with an Issue of Blood").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' ministry was primarily centered in Galilee, a region known for its diverse population and vibrant Jewish life, though often viewed with some disdain by the religious elite in Jerusalem. Capernaum, a bustling fishing town on the Sea of Galilee, served as Jesus' adopted home base, and it is likely the location of this return. The crowds gathering to meet Him reflect the widespread impact of His teachings and miracles throughout the region. People, particularly the sick, marginalized, and those seeking spiritual guidance, would travel considerable distances to hear Him and experience His power. Their "waiting for him" indicates a culture where news of a powerful teacher and healer spread rapidly, fostering deep anticipation for His presence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader narrative of Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it highlights the **varied responses to Jesus**, showcasing a stark contrast between the fear-driven rejection by the Gerasenes and the eager, hopeful reception by the Galilean crowds. Secondly, it underscores **Jesus' established reputation and authority**; His fame had preceded Him, creating an environment of profound expectation. The people were not merely curious but actively "waiting for him," signifying a deep-seated need and belief in His ability to provide help and hope, a theme consistent with earlier accounts of His popularity, such as when crowds pressed in to hear the word of God [Luke 5:1](/luke/5-1 "Luke 5:1 - Jesus Teaches from Peter's Boat") or when His fame spread throughout the region [Luke 5:15](/luke/5-15 "Luke 5:15 - Jesus' Spreading Fame"). Finally, the verse emphasizes **divine timing and human readiness**, illustrating how God often works through those who are open and prepared to receive His intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gladly received (Greek, _apodéchomai'_):** This word (G588) comes from `apó` (from) and `déchomai` (to take, receive). It means "to take fully, i.e., welcome (persons), approve (things)." It conveys a sense of warm acceptance, enthusiastic welcome, and readiness to embrace. The people did not merely tolerate Jesus' presence; they received Him with open arms and eager hearts, indicating a deep level of approval and joy at His return.
* **for (Greek, _gár'_):** This particle (G1063) is properly used for "assigning a reason." It connects the two clauses of the verse, explaining *why* the people gladly received Jesus. It indicates that their warm welcome was not coincidental but directly resulted from their prior state of anticipation. It functions as a causal conjunction, providing the rationale for their enthusiastic reception.
* **waiting for (Greek, _prosdokáō'_):** This word (G4328) is derived from `prós` (to, toward) and `dokeúō` (to watch). It means "to anticipate (in thought, hope, or fear); by implication, to await." In this context, it speaks of an active, hopeful expectation. The people were not passively waiting; they were actively looking forward to Jesus' arrival, perhaps gathered at the shore, demonstrating a posture of readiness and longing for His presence and ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned":** This opening phrase, common in Luke's narrative, signals a significant transition in the story. "It came to pass" (Greek: _ginomai_) often introduces a new event or development. Jesus' "return" (Greek: _hypostréphō_) specifically refers to His crossing back over the Sea of Galilee from the Gentile region of the Gerasenes, where He had been asked to leave, back to the Jewish side, likely Capernaum. This return marks a deliberate shift in His ministry's geographical focus and the audience He encounters.
* **"the people [gladly] received him":** Upon His arrival, a large "multitude" or "throng" (Greek: _óchlos_) immediately welcomed Jesus. The adverb "gladly" (from _apodéchomai_) emphasizes the enthusiastic and joyous nature of their reception. This was not a reluctant or indifferent welcome but one characterized by genuine warmth, approval, and eagerness, highlighting their positive disposition towards Him.
* **"for they were all waiting for him":** This clause provides the reason for the people's enthusiastic reception. The conjunction "for" (Greek: _gár_) directly links their glad reception to their prior state of anticipation. The phrase "all waiting for him" (Greek: _pâs_ and _prosdokáō_) indicates that the entire crowd shared this common posture of active expectation. They had gathered specifically for His return, demonstrating a collective longing for His presence, teaching, and healing power, likely having heard of His deeds and anticipating further miracles.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise narrative in this verse employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the eager reception of Jesus by the Galilean crowds stands in stark opposition to the fear-driven rejection He experienced from the Gerasenes immediately prior [Luke 8:37](/luke/8-37 "Luke 8:37 - The Gerasenes Ask Jesus to Leave"). This highlights the varied human responses to the divine presence. There is also a strong element of **Anticipation** and **Expectation**, as the phrase "they were all waiting for him" creates a sense of collective longing and readiness, building narrative tension for the miracles that are about to unfold. The verse functions as a **Narrative Bridge**, smoothly transitioning the story from one significant event to the next, while simultaneously setting the stage for the dramatic interventions Jesus is about to perform in the lives of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:40 powerfully illustrates the principle of divine readiness and human receptivity. Just as the Galilean crowds eagerly awaited Jesus, demonstrating a posture of spiritual hunger and expectation, so too is the divine presence often most profoundly experienced where there is a prepared heart. This verse serves as a theological statement about the nature of God's interaction with humanity: while He is sovereign, His blessings often flow into lives that are open, anticipating, and willing to "gladly receive" what He offers. It underscores that spiritual breakthrough frequently follows a period of longing and active waiting, contrasting sharply with those who, out of fear or self-interest, prefer to remain distant from God's transformative power.

* [Luke 5:15](/luke/5-15 "Luke 5:15 - Jesus' Spreading Fame and Growing Crowds")
* [Luke 8:41](/luke/8-41 "Luke 8:41 - Jairus Pleads with Jesus")
* [Psalm 62:5](/psalms/62-5 "Psalm 62:5 - My Soul Waits for God Alone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:40 invites us to examine the posture of our own hearts towards Jesus. Are we living with a similar eagerness and anticipation for His presence and work in our lives, or have we become complacent or even resistant? The Galilean crowds demonstrate a profound spiritual hunger, a readiness to receive, which stands in stark contrast to the Gerasenes' desire for Jesus to depart. This verse challenges us to cultivate a spirit of active expectation, recognizing that God is always at work and desires to meet us in our deepest needs. Our receptivity to His Word, His Spirit, and His transformative power is crucial for experiencing the fullness of His grace. Just as the crowds were waiting for Jesus to return, we, as believers, are called to live with a hopeful anticipation for His continued work in the world and in our personal journeys, preparing our hearts to "gladly receive" whatever He brings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you actively "waiting for" Jesus to act, and what does that waiting look like in practice?**
* **How does your posture of "receiving" Jesus compare to the "gladly received" attitude of the crowds in Luke 8:40? Are there any barriers to fully receiving Him?**
* **What might it mean to cultivate a deeper sense of anticipation for God's presence and work in your daily life?**
* **How can the contrast between the Gerasenes' rejection and the Galileans' welcome inform your understanding of different responses to the Gospel in the world today?**

### FAQ
**Why were the people "waiting for him" so eagerly?**

Answer: The people were eagerly waiting for Jesus primarily because of His established reputation as a powerful teacher and healer. News of His miracles—such as calming the storm [Luke 8:22-25](/luke/8-22-25 "Luke 8:22-25 - Jesus Calms the Storm"), healing the sick, and casting out demons—had spread widely throughout Galilee. Many had experienced His compassion and power firsthand or had heard compelling testimonies. Their anticipation was rooted in a deep-seated hope that He could address their physical ailments, spiritual needs, and societal struggles, making His return a highly anticipated event for those seeking divine intervention.

**What is the significance of the contrast between the Gerasenes' reaction and the Galileans' reaction?**

Answer: The contrasting reactions highlight a profound theological truth about human responses to God's presence and power. The Gerasenes, after witnessing Jesus' immense power in casting out demons and the subsequent economic loss of their pigs, reacted with fear and asked Him to leave their region [Luke 8:37](/luke/8-37 "Luke 8:37 - The Gerasenes Ask Jesus to Depart"). Their concern for material possessions and comfort outweighed their openness to God's transformative work. In stark contrast, the Galileans, who were often burdened by sickness, poverty, and Roman occupation, responded with eager welcome and anticipation. This contrast underscores that while some may reject Jesus out of fear or self-interest, others, often those in need, welcome Him with open hearts, recognizing Him as their source of hope and salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:40, with its depiction of a people eagerly waiting for and gladly receiving Jesus, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate longing of humanity for their Savior and the welcoming of His redemptive work. Just as the crowds anticipated Jesus' physical return to bring healing and hope, so too does the entire biblical narrative point to Christ as the one for whom all creation groans and waits [Romans 8:19-22](/romans/8-19-22 "Romans 8:19-22 - Creation Groans for Redemption"). The "glad reception" of Jesus by the Galileans prefigures the spiritual reception of Christ by all who believe in Him, welcoming Him not merely as a healer but as the Lord and Savior who brings eternal life [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Receiving Christ, Becoming Children of God"). This verse also subtly points to Jesus' future return, when He will be received not by a local crowd, but by all nations, as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, fulfilling the ultimate hope of His church [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him"). The spiritual readiness of the crowd in Luke 8:40 serves as an enduring call for believers to cultivate a similar posture of eager anticipation for Christ's ongoing work in the world and His glorious second coming, living lives prepared to receive Him fully.

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

Mark 5:21

¶ And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.

Matthew 9:1

¶ And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

Mark 6:20

For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

Luke 19:6

And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

Luke 5:1

¶ And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

Luke 19:37

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

Luke 19:38

Saying, Blessed [be] the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.