Matthew 8:28

KJV

¶ And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he {G846} was come {G2064} to {G1519} the other side {G4008} into {G1519} the country {G5561} of the Gergesenes {G1086}, there met {G5221} him {G846} two {G1417} possessed with devils {G1139}, coming {G1831} out of {G1537} the tombs {G3419}, exceeding {G3029} fierce {G5467}, so that {G5620} no {G3361} man {G5100} might {G2480} pass {G3928} by {G1223} that {G1565} way {G3598}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yeshua arrived at the other side of the lake, in the Gadarenes' territory, there came out of the burial caves two men controlled by demons, so violent that no one dared travel on that road.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, He was met by two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.

American Standard Version

And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, there met him two possessed with demons, coming forth out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man could pass by that way.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following His majestic demonstration of authority over the natural world by calming the storm, Jesus and His disciples arrive in the Gentile region of the Gergesenes. Here, His divine power is immediately confronted by the spiritual realm as two men, severely afflicted by demonic possession, emerge from the tombs, exhibiting extreme ferocity and rendering the area impassable. This dramatic encounter sets the stage for a profound display of Christ's supreme sovereignty over all forces of evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This account in [Matthew 8:28](/matthew/8-28 "Matthew 8:28 - Jesus Encounters Demoniacs in Gergesenes") immediately follows Jesus' powerful demonstration of authority over nature by calming a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, as recorded in [Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm"). The narrative transition is critical, showcasing that Jesus' authority is not limited to the physical world but extends seamlessly into the spiritual realm, directly confronting the forces of darkness. The sudden appearance of the demon-possessed men upon their arrival highlights the immediate and pervasive nature of the spiritual battle Jesus engages in.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "country of the Gergesenes" (or Gadarenes/Gerasenes in parallel accounts) was a region predominantly inhabited by Gentiles, located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. This area was known for its pig farming, an occupation considered unclean by Jewish law, further emphasizing its Gentile character. The mention of the men "coming out of the tombs" is significant; tombs were considered places of ritual impurity and were often associated with death, decay, and demonic activity in ancient Jewish thought. Individuals afflicted by severe mental or spiritual illness were sometimes outcast and forced to live in such desolate places, reinforcing their isolation and the profound extent of their suffering.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' Universal Authority**, demonstrating that His power transcends geographical boundaries (moving into Gentile territory) and extends over all spiritual forces, not just natural elements. Secondly, it highlights **The Destructive Reality of Demonic Possession**, portraying the men as "exceeding fierce" and a danger to society, illustrating how evil spirits can utterly devastate human lives and create environments of fear and isolation. This theme is consistent with other Gospel accounts of exorcisms, such as the one described in [Mark 1:21-28](/mark/1-21-28 "Mark 1:21-28 - Jesus Teaches with Authority and Exorcises a Demon"). Lastly, it sets the stage for a **Divine Confrontation and Deliverance**, emphasizing Jesus' active pursuit of those in bondage, signifying His mission to bring liberation and restoration to even the most desperate situations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gergesenes (Greek, _Gergesēnós'_):** This term refers to the inhabitants of a region on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. While Matthew specifically names "Gergesenes" (G1086), parallel accounts in Mark and Luke refer to "Gadarenes" or "Gerasenes." This geographical nuance points to a Gentile region, likely associated with the city of Gadara or Gerasa, known for its non-Jewish population and practices, such as pig farming. Jesus' entry into this territory signifies His mission extending beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel.
* **possessed with devils (Greek, _daimonízomai'_):** The Greek word (G1139) denotes being under the power or influence of a demon or evil spirit. This is not merely a physical or mental illness, but a state where an individual is vexed, controlled, or tormented by malevolent spiritual entities. The KJV's "devils" here refers to subordinate demons, not Satan himself, highlighting the direct spiritual warfare Jesus is engaging in.
* **fierce (Greek, _chalepós'_):** This adjective (G5467) describes something as difficult, dangerous, or furious. In this context, it vividly portrays the violent and uncontrollable nature of the demon-possessed men. Their "exceeding fierce" disposition underscores the extreme danger they posed to others, making the road impassable and instilling fear in the local population.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes":** This clause establishes Jesus' deliberate journey across the Sea of Galilee into a region known for its Gentile inhabitants and practices. His willingness to enter this "unclean" territory signals the universal scope of His redemptive mission, extending salvation and deliverance beyond the Jewish people.
* **"there met him two possessed with devils":** Immediately upon arrival, Jesus is confronted by two individuals under the direct control of evil spirits. Matthew's account is unique in specifying "two" men, whereas Mark and Luke mention only one. This immediate encounter highlights the pervasive presence of spiritual darkness in the region and the direct challenge it poses to Jesus' divine authority.
* **"coming out of the tombs":** This detail paints a stark picture of the men's desolate existence. Living among tombs signifies their complete social ostracization, their association with ritual impurity, and their deep entanglement with death and spiritual defilement. It emphasizes the extreme nature of their bondage and the profound depths from which Jesus would deliver them.
* **"exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way":** This final clause underscores the severe impact of demonic possession not only on the individuals but also on the community. Their extreme ferocity made the road impassable, creating a barrier of fear and danger. This highlights the disruptive and destructive power of evil, which isolates individuals and hinders normal life, setting the stage for Jesus to bring order and freedom.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Imagery** to convey the desperate state of the demon-possessed men, particularly with the phrase "coming out of the tombs," which evokes a sense of death, impurity, and social alienation. The description of them as "exceeding fierce" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme danger and fear they instilled, suggesting their presence completely blocked the way. There is a strong **Contrast** between the serene authority Jesus just displayed over the storm and the chaotic, violent nature of the demonic forces He now confronts, highlighting the breadth of His power. This encounter also serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the dramatic exorcism that immediately follows, which will further demonstrate Jesus' ultimate victory over the powers of darkness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:28 powerfully underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and Jesus' supreme authority over all malevolent forces. His intentional journey into the Gentile region of the Gergesenes, a place of ritual impurity and demonic strongholds, reveals the universal scope of His redemptive mission. He does not shy away from the darkest corners of human suffering or the most entrenched spiritual opposition. The immediate confrontation with these "exceeding fierce" demoniacs demonstrates that Jesus actively seeks out and confronts evil, not merely as a healer of physical ailments, but as the sovereign Lord who liberates humanity from the dominion of darkness. This encounter prefigures His ultimate victory over sin, death, and the devil, establishing His kingdom where light dispels all shadows.

* [Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "Mark 5:1-20 - The Gerasene Demoniac")
* [Luke 8:26-39](/luke/8-26-39 "Luke 8:26-39 - The Gerasene Demoniac")
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 8:28 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that Jesus' authority is not confined by geographical boundaries, cultural norms, or the severity of spiritual bondage. No place is too dark, no situation too desperate, and no person too "fierce" or far gone for His redemptive power. Just as He willingly entered the Gergesenes, a place of impurity and danger, Christ continues to meet us in our own "tombs"—our places of isolation, brokenness, and spiritual oppression. This passage calls us to acknowledge the reality of spiritual warfare in our world and in our lives, but more importantly, to place our unwavering trust in Christ's ultimate victory. We are encouraged to bring our deepest struggles, our most "impassable ways," and our most "fierce" inner battles to Him, knowing that He has the power to deliver, restore, and transform. His compassion extends even to those considered outcast and beyond hope, offering freedom where there was only bondage.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or in the world around me do I perceive "fierce" spiritual opposition or seemingly "impassable ways"?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to enter the "country of the Gergesenes" challenge my own comfort zones in reaching out to those on the margins or in difficult circumstances?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the extent of Jesus' authority, and how can I more fully trust in that authority when facing my own fears or spiritual challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why does Matthew say "Gergesenes" while Mark and Luke say "Gadarenes" or "Gerasenes"?**

Answer: The variation in names for the region (Gergesenes in Matthew, Gadarenes in Mark 5:1 and Luke 8:26, and Gerasenes in some manuscripts of Mark and Luke) reflects the geographical complexities of the area east of the Sea of Galilee. Gadara was a prominent Hellenistic city about six miles southeast of the Sea, while Gerasa was a much larger city further inland (about 30 miles southeast). Gergesa, or the "country of the Gergesenes," likely refers to a smaller, more localized town or district closer to the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, where the tombs and the subsequent miracle involving the pigs took place. Matthew's specific mention of "Gergesenes" might be a more precise geographical reference to the immediate vicinity of the event, or it could be a variant tradition used by him. Regardless of the precise name, all Gospel accounts agree on the general location east of the Sea of Galilee, a predominantly Gentile area, where Jesus demonstrated His authority over demonic forces.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 8:28, with its dramatic introduction of demon-possessed men emerging from tombs in a Gentile land, profoundly points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' journey into the "country of the Gergesenes" is not merely a geographical shift but a theological statement: He is the Messiah whose saving power extends beyond the boundaries of Israel to embrace all nations. This encounter with the "fierce" demoniacs foreshadows His ultimate mission to confront and decisively defeat the forces of darkness that hold humanity captive. The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as the "stronger man" who comes to bind the "strong man" (Satan) and plunder his house ([Matthew 12:29](/matthew/12-29 "Matthew 12:29 - Binding the Strong Man")). His authority over these demons is a tangible demonstration of His victory over sin and death, which culminated in His crucifixion and resurrection. Through His death, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). He came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Purpose of Christ's Coming")), liberating those who were held in bondage by fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Jesus Frees from Fear of Death")). The healing and restoration of these outcast men prefigures the new creation and the complete liberation of humanity from the dominion of darkness, bringing them into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Deliverance from Darkness")), a work that will be fully realized at His glorious return.

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 5:1

¶ And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

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.

Luke 8:26

And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

Luke 8:39

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.

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Matthew 4:24

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Genesis 15:21

And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.