Matthew 8:29

KJV

And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, they cried out {G2896}, saying {G3004}, What {G5101} have we {G2254} to do with {G2532} thee {G4671}, Jesus {G2424}, thou Son {G5207} of God {G2316}? art thou come {G2064} hither {G5602} to torment {G928} us {G2248} before {G4253} the time {G2540}?

Complete Jewish Bible

They screamed, "What do you want with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?"

Berean Standard Bible

“What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?”

American Standard Version

And behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 8:29, two demon-possessed men, upon encountering Jesus in the region of the Gergesenes, immediately recognize His divine identity and authority. They cry out, acknowledging Him as the "Son of God" and expressing fear that He has come to inflict their predetermined torment "before the time," revealing their supernatural knowledge of both His person and their certain future judgment. This dramatic confrontation powerfully illustrates Jesus' absolute sovereignty over all spiritual forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This encounter immediately follows Jesus' powerful demonstration of authority over creation by calming a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, as recounted in [Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm"). Having just displayed His mastery over the physical elements, Jesus arrives on the eastern shore, a Gentile region, only to be met by an even more profound challenge: two exceedingly fierce demon-possessed men. These men, who lived among the tombs and were so violent that no one could pass by, represent the epitome of spiritual bondage and chaos. Their sudden, desperate cry in [Matthew 8:29](/matthew/8-29 "Matthew 8:29 - Demons Recognize Jesus") is their immediate, compelled reaction to the presence of the Son of God, setting the stage for Jesus' decisive act of exorcism. Parallel accounts of this event are found in [Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "Mark 5:1-20 - The Gerasene Demoniac") and [Luke 8:26-39](/luke/8-26-39 "Luke 8:26-39 - The Demoniac Healed").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting in the region of the Gergesenes (also known as Gadara or the Gadarenes in parallel accounts) is significant. This area, east of the Sea of Galilee, was predominantly Gentile, indicated by the presence of a large herd of pigs, which were unclean animals to Jews. Jewish culture held a strong belief in the existence of demons and their ability to possess individuals, causing various physical and mental afflictions. People believed that tombs were often associated with unclean spirits, making the dwelling place of these men particularly ominous. Exorcism was practiced, but often involved elaborate rituals; Jesus' simple command demonstrates a unique and inherent authority. The demons' question about "the time" reflects a common apocalyptic expectation within Jewish thought regarding a final judgment for evil forces, a concept they, as spiritual beings, clearly understood and feared.

* **Key Themes:** The encounter in [Matthew 8:29](/matthew/8-29 "Matthew 8:29 - Jesus' Authority Over Demons") powerfully underscores several core themes. Foremost is **Jesus' absolute divine authority**, demonstrating His sovereignty not only over nature but also over the unseen spiritual realm. Even malevolent spirits are compelled to acknowledge and submit to His power, highlighting that no force, whether physical or supernatural, can withstand Him. This leads directly to the theme of **demonic recognition of Christ's identity**. Unlike many humans who struggled to comprehend Jesus' true nature, the demons immediately identify Him as "the Son of God." This supernatural confession serves as undeniable testimony to Jesus' divine personhood, a truth they cannot deny. Furthermore, the demons' plea, "art thou come hither to torment us before the time?", introduces the theme of **anticipation of future judgment**. Their awareness of a predetermined "time" for their ultimate punishment underscores the certainty of divine justice and the eschatological victory of God over all evil, a truth echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The final judgment of Satan and the wicked"). Finally, this passage vividly portrays the reality of **spiritual warfare**, affirming that while forces of evil are active, they are ultimately subservient to Christ, who has disarmed principalities and powers, triumphing over them (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil Powers")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to see," this word is used as an imperative, functioning as an interjection to draw attention to something sudden, surprising, or significant. In this context, it emphasizes the immediate and startling nature of the demons' outcry, highlighting the profound impact of Jesus' presence on them.
* **Cried out (Greek, _krázō'_):** This primary verb literally means "to croak" (like a raven) or "to scream." It denotes a loud, often desperate, terrified, or vehement vocalization. Here, it conveys the intensity of the demons' fear and their involuntary, uncontrolled reaction to Jesus, indicating a profound sense of alarm and distress.
* **Torment (Greek, _basanízō'_):** From the root word for "touchstone" (used to test metals), this verb means "to torture," "to vex," or "to cause severe pain or distress." In the New Testament, it frequently describes intense suffering, particularly in an eschatological context, referring to the punishment of the wicked. The demons' use of this word reveals their deep-seated dread of the destined, agonizing judgment awaiting them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, they cried out, saying":** This opening phrase sets a dramatic tone, emphasizing the sudden and forceful nature of the demons' reaction. The "behold" (idoú) draws the reader's attention to the immediate, public, and compelled recognition of Jesus by these malevolent spirits, highlighting the undeniable power emanating from Him. Their "crying out" (krázō) signifies a desperate, terrified shriek rather than a calm address, underscoring their distress and the involuntary nature of their confession.
* **"What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God?":** This is a powerful, two-part statement. The first part, "What have we to do with thee?" (Greek: _Ti hēmin kai soi?_), is an idiomatic expression conveying hostile disassociation. It essentially means, "Why are you interfering with us?" or "Leave us alone!" It's a plea for non-interference from a position of acknowledged inferiority and fear. The second part, "Jesus, thou Son of God," is a profound and unsolicited confession of Jesus' divine identity. This title, "Son of God," affirms His unique relationship with the Father and His divine nature, making it all the more striking that this declaration comes from the mouths of demons, who possess supernatural knowledge and are compelled to speak truth in His presence.
* **"art thou come hither to torment us before the time?":** This question reveals the demons' acute awareness of their future and certain judgment. They understand that a specific, predetermined "time" (kairós), an appointed season for their ultimate and final punishment, awaits them. Their fear is that Jesus, by His sovereign power, has arrived to initiate this torment prematurely, indicating their recognition of His authority to hasten or execute divine judgment at will. This statement underscores the certainty of their condemnation and their powerlessness before Christ.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the demons, agents of spiritual darkness, are the first to clearly articulate Jesus' divine identity as "Son of God," a truth that many human characters in the Gospels struggle to grasp or confess. This creates **dramatic irony**, where the audience is aware of Jesus' true nature, and the demons' compelled confession further emphasizes it. The phrase "before the time" functions as **foreshadowing**, hinting at a future, certain eschatological judgment for evil, a theme that reverberates throughout biblical prophecy. Furthermore, the scene presents a stark **contrast** between the chaotic, violent nature of the demon-possessed men and the calm, inherent authority of Jesus, who effortlessly commands the spiritual realm. The demons' terrified cries against Jesus' serene presence vividly illustrate the ultimate power differential.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:29 offers profound theological insights into the nature of Christ, the reality of spiritual evil, and the certainty of divine judgment. The demons' immediate recognition of Jesus as "the Son of God" serves as a powerful, albeit unwilling, testimony to His inherent divinity and supreme authority. This encounter demonstrates that Jesus' power extends beyond the physical realm to the spiritual, asserting His sovereignty over all principalities and powers. The demons' fear of "torment before the time" underscores a crucial biblical truth: there is an appointed day of judgment for all evil, and spiritual beings are acutely aware of this divine timetable. This passage assures believers that evil forces, though real and active, are ultimately subservient to Christ and are destined for certain defeat, providing immense comfort and confidence in the face of spiritual opposition.

* [James 2:19](/james/2-19 "James 2:19 - Demons believe and tremble")
* [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil, the beast, and the false prophet cast into the lake of fire")
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's triumph over principalities and powers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, the encounter in Matthew 8:29 provides profound reassurance and a call to deeper trust in Jesus' absolute sovereignty. It reminds us that no spiritual force, no matter how fierce or malevolent, can stand against the authority of Christ. We are not to fear demonic power, for it is ultimately subject to Him and has a predetermined end. This passage strengthens our faith in Jesus' ultimate victory over evil and the certainty of future justice, empowering us to live without fear of spiritual oppression. It encourages us to recognize and trust in Jesus' supreme authority in every area of our lives, knowing that He has the power to deliver us from all forms of spiritual bondage and to guide us through any spiritual conflict. Our confidence rests not in our own strength, but in the one whom even demons acknowledge and fear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the demons' compelled recognition of Jesus as "Son of God" deepen your understanding of His divine nature and authority?**
* **What comfort or challenge do you find in the demons' awareness of a "time" for their ultimate judgment?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to more fully surrender to Jesus' sovereign authority, trusting in His power over all spiritual forces?**

### FAQ

**Why did the demons call Jesus "Son of God"?**

Answer: The demons called Jesus "Son of God" because, as spiritual beings, they possessed supernatural knowledge and an undeniable awareness of His true divine identity. Unlike many humans who struggled to comprehend Jesus' nature, the demons immediately recognized Him for who He truly was—the divine Son of God. They were compelled by His inherent authority to acknowledge this truth, even as they sought to distance themselves from Him. This confession, though forced, serves as a powerful testimony to Jesus' deity, even from His adversaries.

**What does "before the time" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "before the time" (Greek: _pro kairou_) refers to a specific, predetermined, and appointed time for the demons' ultimate and final judgment and eternal punishment. The demons, possessing knowledge of God's eschatological plan, were aware that a definitive day of reckoning awaited them. Their question expresses their fear that Jesus, by His sovereign power, had come to initiate this torment prematurely, signaling their recognition that He had the authority to hasten or execute divine judgment at will, even before the full consummation of the ages.

**What is the significance of this encounter for believers today?**

Answer: This encounter is profoundly significant for believers today as it offers immense assurance and reinforces Jesus' absolute sovereignty. It teaches us that Jesus Christ holds supreme authority over all spiritual forces, including those of evil. We are reminded that we do not need to fear demonic power because it is ultimately subject to Him and has a predetermined end. The passage strengthens our faith in Jesus' ultimate victory over all darkness and the certainty of future justice, encouraging us to trust in His power to deliver us from all spiritual oppression and to walk in the freedom He provides. It underscores that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, and that in Christ, we are more than conquerors ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle is Not Against Flesh and Blood")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter in Matthew 8:29, where demons acknowledge Jesus as the "Son of God" and fear His power to "torment us before the time," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross and His glorious resurrection. The demons' compelled confession foreshadows the universal acknowledgment of Christ's sovereignty, as every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Their fear of premature judgment points directly to the cross, where Jesus, by His death and resurrection, disarmed principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil Powers")). He did not come to torment them "before the time" in the immediate sense, but His first advent *inaugurated* the "time" of God's kingdom, setting in motion the defeat of Satan and his forces. The "time" they feared is now a certainty because of Christ's finished work, which guarantees their final destruction in the lake of fire ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire")). Thus, the demons' cries in Matthew 8:29 serve as an early, involuntary echo of the ultimate victory of the Lamb of God, who came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Came to Destroy the Works of the Devil")) and who will return as the righteous judge ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Fixed a Day of Judgment")).

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 1:24

Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

Luke 4:34

Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, [thou] Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

James 2:19

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Mark 5:7

And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, [thou] Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

Luke 8:28

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, [thou] Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

2 Peter 2:4

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Matthew 4:3

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.