Matthew 8:30

KJV

And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} there was {G2258} a good way off {G3112} from {G575} them {G846} an herd {G34} of many {G4183} swine {G5519} feeding {G1006}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding.

Berean Standard Bible

In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding.

American Standard Version

Now there was afar off from them a herd of many swine feeding.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 8:30 serves as a crucial descriptive detail within the narrative of Jesus's encounter with the Gadarene demoniacs, setting the immediate scene for the dramatic expulsion of a legion of demons. This verse precisely locates a large herd of swine at a considerable distance from where Jesus and the afflicted men stood, a seemingly simple observation that carries profound implications for understanding the cultural context, the nature of the demonic request that follows, and the powerful demonstration of Christ's authority over spiritual forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the larger narrative found in [Matthew 8:28-34](/matthew/8-28-34 "Matthew 8:28-34 - Jesus Casts Out Demons in Gadara"). Immediately preceding it, Jesus has crossed the Sea of Galilee into the region of the Gadarenes, where He is met by two fiercely demon-possessed men. In [Matthew 8:29](/matthew/8-29 "Matthew 8:29 - The Demons' Plea"), the demons recognize Jesus's divine authority and plead with Him, asking if He has come to torment them "before the time." Matthew 8:30 then introduces the presence of the swine, which becomes the object of the demons' subsequent request in [Matthew 8:31](/matthew/8-31 "Matthew 8:31 - Demons Request Entry into Swine"), leading to their dramatic destruction in [Matthew 8:32](/matthew/8-32 "Matthew 8:32 - The Swine Drown"). The verse thus functions as a vital descriptive bridge, providing the necessary element for the unfolding of Jesus's miraculous display of power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of this event is the region of the Gadarenes (or Gergesenes, as in some manuscripts and parallel accounts), located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. This area was part of the Decapolis, a region heavily influenced by Hellenistic (Greek) culture, and therefore populated by a significant Gentile presence. For a Jewish audience, the presence of "many swine" is a highly significant detail. Under Mosaic Law, pigs were explicitly designated as [unclean animals](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - Unclean Animals") and forbidden for consumption ([Deuteronomy 14:8](/deuteronomy/14-8 "Deuteronomy 14:8 - Dietary Laws")). The very act of raising swine would have been anathema to devout Jews. Their presence here strongly indicates a non-Jewish or Hellenized community, underscoring the universal scope of Jesus's ministry, which extended beyond the traditional boundaries of Jewish territory and custom.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 8:30 contributes to several key themes within the broader narrative of [Matthew 8](/matthew/8 "Matthew 8 - Miracles of Jesus"). Firstly, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Jesus's supreme authority over all creation**, including demonic forces. Even the demons, despite their power, are confined by Jesus's will and must seek His permission to act, even concerning animals. Secondly, the presence of the swine highlights the **cultural and religious boundary-crossing** inherent in Jesus's ministry. His willingness to minister in a Gentile-dominated, ritually "unclean" area foreshadows the universal reach of the Gospel. Finally, this verse serves as a crucial element in the **setting of the stage for a powerful miracle**, providing the specific "vehicle" through which Jesus's authority over the demonic realm will be spectacularly demonstrated to the onlookers, including the terrified herdsmen mentioned in [Matthew 8:33](/matthew/8-33 "Matthew 8:33 - Herdsmen Flee").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **makrán (Greek, _makrán'_):** This word, translated as "a good way off," signifies a considerable distance. It is the feminine accusative singular of `makrós` (long), implying "at a long distance." Its inclusion emphasizes that the herd was not immediately adjacent to Jesus and the demoniacs, providing a visual separation that allows for the demons' specific request to enter the swine, rather than simply being cast out into the abyss. This distance also facilitates the dramatic spectacle of the pigs rushing down the steep bank.
* **agélē (Greek, _agélē'_):** Meaning "herd" or "drove," this term specifically refers to a group of animals being driven or led. The use of this word, combined with "many swine," paints a vivid picture of a substantial number of pigs, amplifying the scale of the subsequent event. The sheer size of the herd makes the eventual destruction even more impactful, highlighting the immense number of demons expelled and the devastating power they wielded.
* **choîros (Greek, _choîros'_):** This word directly translates to "hog" or "swine." Its presence is culturally loaded for a Jewish audience. As previously noted, swine were considered ritually unclean animals under Jewish law. The explicit mention of "swine" immediately signals a Gentile context for the narrative, underscoring the location's non-Jewish character and subtly preparing the reader for the broader implications of Jesus's ministry extending beyond the Jewish people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was a good way off from them":** This phrase establishes the spatial relationship between Jesus, the demoniacs, and the herd of swine. The distance ("a good way off") is significant, indicating that the pigs were not directly in the immediate vicinity but visible enough to be noted and to become the object of the demons' request. This detail contributes to the narrative's realism and sets up the dramatic movement of the pigs.
* **"an herd of many swine":** This clause describes the specific group of animals present. The emphasis on "many swine" highlights the large number of animals, which will later correspond to the multitude of demons expelled from the two men. The choice of "swine" (pigs) is culturally crucial, immediately signaling a Gentile context for the events, as pigs were ritually unclean for Jews.
* **"feeding":** This final word describes the activity of the swine, indicating they were grazing or pasturing. This detail paints a mundane, everyday scene, which contrasts sharply with the supernatural drama about to unfold. The pigs are engaged in a normal activity, unaware of the spiritual battle raging nearby and their imminent role in a divine demonstration of power.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 8:30 employs several literary devices, notably **Setting**, **Foreshadowing**, and **Symbolism**. The verse primarily functions to establish the **Setting**, precisely locating the herd of swine relative to Jesus and the demoniacs. This detail is not incidental; it is crucial for the subsequent narrative, providing the physical element necessary for the demons' request and the ensuing miracle. The presence of the pigs also serves as **Foreshadowing**. It subtly hints at the dramatic events to come, specifically the demons' request to enter the swine and their subsequent destruction, which will vividly demonstrate Jesus's authority. Furthermore, the "herd of many swine" carries significant **Symbolism**. For a Jewish audience, pigs symbolized ritual impurity and Gentile territory. Their presence immediately signals that this event is occurring outside traditional Jewish boundaries, subtly foreshadowing the universal scope of Jesus's mission to cleanse and redeem all peoples, including Gentiles, from spiritual bondage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:30, though brief, is theologically rich, serving as a critical setup for understanding the nature of spiritual warfare and Christ's absolute sovereignty. The mere presence of the swine, considered unclean by Jewish law, highlights the setting in a Gentile region, underscoring Jesus's willingness to extend His ministry beyond the geographical and cultural confines of Israel. This detail reinforces the truth that Jesus's power transcends all boundaries—ethnic, religious, and even the natural realm. The subsequent events, where demons beg for permission to enter these unclean animals, powerfully illustrate that even the forces of evil operate strictly under God's permissive will, unable to act without divine consent. This demonstrates Jesus's complete dominion over all spiritual powers, a fundamental theological truth.

* [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 - Jesus Heals a Demoniac")
* [Leviticus 11:7-8](/leviticus/11-7-8 "Leviticus 11:7-8 - Laws Concerning Unclean Animals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 8:30, while a seemingly minor detail, invites us to reflect on the meticulous nature of God's narrative and the profound implications hidden within seemingly simple observations. The presence of the swine, and their distance, reminds us that God often prepares the scene for His mighty works in ways we might not immediately perceive. It encourages us to look beyond the surface of biblical texts, seeking the deeper cultural, theological, and spiritual truths embedded within every detail. This verse also implicitly highlights Jesus's unparalleled authority, even over the most powerful demonic forces, who could not even touch animals without His explicit permission. This should instill in us a profound sense of security and trust in Christ's sovereignty over all spiritual battles in our lives and in the world. It calls us to recognize that no evil is beyond His control, and He is fully capable of delivering us from any form of spiritual oppression or influence, even when it seems overwhelming.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the seemingly simple detail of the "herd of many swine feeding" contribute to the overall power and message of Jesus's encounter with the demoniacs?**
* **What does the presence of pigs in this region tell us about the scope of Jesus's ministry, and how might that encourage us in our own witness?**
* **In what ways does this verse, when viewed in context, affirm Jesus's absolute authority over all spiritual forces, and how does that truth bring you comfort or challenge?**

### FAQ

**Why were there pigs in this region if Jesus was ministering to Jews?**

Answer: The presence of "an herd of many swine" in the region of the Gadarenes (or Gergesenes) is a crucial detail indicating that this area was predominantly Gentile or heavily influenced by Hellenistic culture. For Jews, pigs were considered ritually unclean animals according to [Mosaic Law](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - Unclean Animals") and were not to be eaten or even raised. Therefore, the existence of a large pig herd strongly suggests a non-Jewish population, highlighting that Jesus's ministry extended beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel and reached out to Gentiles, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel message found in passages like [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission").

**What is the significance of the swine being "a good way off" from Jesus and the demoniacs?**

Answer: The detail that the herd was "a good way off" (Greek: _makrán_) is significant for several reasons. Narratively, it provides the necessary physical distance for the demons to request permission to enter the swine and for the subsequent dramatic event of the pigs rushing down the bank into the sea ([Matthew 8:32](/matthew/8-32 "Matthew 8:32 - The Swine Drown")). Theologically, it subtly underscores Jesus's control; the demons had to identify a specific, available "destination" for their expulsion, and that destination was not immediately at hand, emphasizing that their actions were entirely contingent on Jesus's will and permission. It also prevents any implication that the pigs were somehow directly involved in the demonic possession itself, merely serving as a nearby, available alternative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 8:30, by setting the scene with the "herd of many swine," points powerfully to Christ's comprehensive redemptive work. The presence of ritually unclean animals in a Gentile region foreshadows Jesus's mission to cleanse and include all peoples, not just Israel, into God's kingdom. Just as Jesus's authority was so absolute that even a "legion" of demons had to beg for permission to enter these pigs, so too does He possess ultimate dominion over all spiritual darkness and impurity that afflicts humanity. The subsequent destruction of the swine in the sea, a powerful act of judgment and cleansing, prefigures the ultimate defeat of Satan and his forces, a victory secured through Christ's death and resurrection. Through His atoning work, Jesus provides the ultimate cleansing from sin and spiritual bondage, making those who were once "unclean" and alienated, like the Gentile region depicted, pure and reconciled to God, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant where all who believe, regardless of background, are welcomed into His flock ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Other Sheep")). His ministry to the demoniacs in this Gentile territory, culminating in their liberation and the dramatic judgment on the demons, serves as a vivid illustration of His power to deliver humanity from the dominion of darkness and transfer them into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")).

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 5:11

Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.

Leviticus 11:7

And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he [is] unclean to you.

Deuteronomy 14:8

And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it [is] unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.

Isaiah 66:3

He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

Luke 8:32

And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

Isaiah 65:3

A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick;

Isaiah 65:4

Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels;