Luke 8:40

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Luke 8:40

Luke 8:40 marks a significant transition point in Jesus' ministry narrative. Immediately prior to this verse, Jesus had crossed the Sea of Galilee to the region of the Gerasenes, where He performed the dramatic miracle of casting a legion of demons out of a man into a herd of pigs (Luke 8:26-39). Following this event, the local people, fearing His power and the economic loss, implored Him to leave. In stark contrast, upon His return to the Jewish side of Galilee, likely Capernaum, the crowds were not asking Him to leave but were eagerly awaiting His arrival. This verse sets the stage for two more profound miracles that immediately follow: the raising of Jairus's daughter and the healing of the woman with an issue of blood.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Anticipation and Eager Welcome: The phrase "the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him" underscores the profound anticipation and positive reception Jesus consistently received from many in Galilee. This wasn't a casual gathering but a deliberate waiting, indicating deep interest and expectation.
  • Jesus' Established Reputation: The crowd's eagerness speaks volumes about Jesus' prior ministry. His teachings, healings, and miracles had created a widespread reputation, making His return a highly anticipated event. People had experienced or heard of His power and compassion and longed for more of His presence.
  • Contrast in Reception: This verse highlights a striking contrast with the Gerasene reaction. While one region asked Jesus to depart, another eagerly awaited His return, demonstrating the varied responses people had to the presence and power of God in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "gladly received him" comes from the Greek word apodéchomai (ἀποδέχομαι), which means to welcome heartily, to receive with approval and readiness. It conveys a sense of warm acceptance and enthusiasm. The subsequent clause, "for they were all waiting for him," uses the Greek prosdekhomai (προσδέχομαι), meaning to expect, to look forward to, or to wait for with anticipation. Together, these terms vividly paint a picture of a populace ready and eager for Jesus' presence and ministry, reflecting their faith and hope in Him.

Related Scriptures

This verse encapsulates the public's general response to Jesus' ministry in Galilee, often characterized by large crowds and intense interest. For example, earlier in Luke's Gospel, we see Jesus' fame spreading, and people coming from all regions to hear Him and be healed (Luke 5:15). The eager reception here directly leads into the narrative of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, immediately seeking Jesus' help for his dying daughter (Luke 8:41), further illustrating the pressing needs and high expectations of the crowd.

Practical Application

Luke 8:40 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual readiness and anticipation. Just as the people of Galilee eagerly awaited Jesus' return, believers today are called to live with a similar posture of expectation for God's work in their lives and in the world. It prompts us to consider: Are we "waiting for" Jesus with open hearts and minds, ready to "gladly receive" what He has for us? This verse encourages a posture of receptivity to God's Word and His Spirit, recognizing that true spiritual blessing often flows into lives that are prepared and desiring of His presence.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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