Matthew 8:28

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Matthew 8:28 KJV introduces a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, immediately following His demonstration of power over nature by calming the storm. Here, His authority extends to the spiritual realm, confronting forces of evil.

Context

Having just calmed the raging Sea of Galilee, Jesus and His disciples arrive "to the other side" in the region of the Gergesenes. This area, east of the Sea of Galilee, was predominantly Gentile territory. The immediate encounter upon landing is with two men who are severely possessed by devils, described as "exceeding fierce," highlighting the profound spiritual darkness and danger present in that place. Their habitation "coming out of the tombs" further emphasizes their desolate and unclean state, as tombs were associated with impurity and death.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Unquestionable Authority: This verse powerfully demonstrates Christ's supreme authority not only over creation but also over all spiritual forces of evil. He intentionally goes to a place where such darkness reigns, signifying His mission to conquer all forms of oppression.
  • The Destructive Nature of Demonic Possession: The description of the men as "exceeding fierce" and making the way impassable illustrates the profound and disruptive power of demonic influence. It highlights how evil spirits can utterly devastate human lives and create an environment of fear and isolation.
  • Divine Encounter: Despite the fierce reputation of these men and the danger they posed, they are drawn to Jesus. This sets the stage for a miraculous confrontation that showcases Jesus' power to deliver and restore.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV mentions the "country of the Gergesenes." It's worth noting that other Gospel accounts (Mark 5:1 and Luke 8:26) refer to this region as the "country of the Gadarenes" or "Gerasenes." While there are geographical nuances among these names, all refer to the same general region east of the Sea of Galilee where a significant event of exorcism took place. Matthew's specific mention of "Gergesenes" might refer to a smaller, more localized town within the broader region, or it could be a variant used by Matthew to describe the area where the incident occurred. The term "possessed with devils" (Greek: daimonizomenoi) indicates that the men were under the control or influence of evil spirits, not necessarily Satan himself, but his subordinate demonic forces.

Practical Application

Matthew 8:28 reminds us that Jesus' power is not limited by geography, culture, or the severity of spiritual bondage. No place is too dark, and no person is too far gone for His redemptive power. This encounter encourages believers to recognize the reality of spiritual warfare and to trust in Christ's ultimate victory over all evil. Just as He met these men in their desolate state, Christ continues to meet individuals in their deepest struggles, offering freedom and restoration. The full extent of this deliverance is seen in the verses that follow, where Jesus casts out the demons. See Matthew 8:32 for the immediate outcome of this encounter.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 5:1 (20 votes)

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

  • Mark 5:20 (20 votes)

    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 (20 votes)

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

  • Luke 8:39 (20 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

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