Matthew 8:30

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

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

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

In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding.

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

Context of Matthew 8:30

Matthew 8:30 is a pivotal verse within the narrative of Jesus's encounter with the two demon-possessed men in the region of the Gergesenes (or Gadarenes, as in parallel accounts like Mark 5:1 and Luke 8:26). Immediately preceding this verse, the demons within the men acknowledge Jesus's divine authority and plead with Him not to torment them before their appointed time (Matthew 8:29). This verse, "And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding," sets the stage for the demons' subsequent request and the dramatic demonstration of Jesus's power over evil spirits. The presence of swine, considered unclean animals under Mosaic Law, strongly suggests that this region was inhabited by or heavily influenced by Gentiles, as Jews would not typically raise pigs.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Setting the Scene for Deliverance: The verse simply describes the physical environment, but its true significance lies in preparing the audience for the incredible miracle that follows. The swine become the vehicle for the demons' expulsion, powerfully illustrating Jesus's authority.
  • Jesus's Authority Over Demonic Forces: While not directly demonstrating authority, the presence of the swine highlights the demons' desperation and their eventual need for Jesus's permission to act, even concerning animals. This subtly underscores Christ's supreme power over all spiritual realms.
  • Cultural and Religious Context: The "herd of many swine" is a crucial detail. For a Jewish audience, pigs represented ritual impurity (Deuteronomy 14:8). Their presence indicates a non-Jewish or Hellenized area, which is consistent with the region of the Gergesenes/Gadarenes, located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. This detail adds depth to the cultural setting of Jesus's ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a good way off" translates the Greek ἀπὸ μακρᾶς (apo makras), meaning "from afar" or "at a distance." It simply indicates that the herd was not immediately adjacent to where Jesus and the demoniacs were, allowing for the demons' request to enter them and the subsequent dramatic event. The word for "swine" is χοίρων (choirōn), reinforcing the imagery of these ritually unclean animals.

Practical Application and Significance

Matthew 8:30, though brief, contributes significantly to the powerful narrative of Jesus's dominion over evil. It reminds us that even seemingly mundane details in the biblical text can carry profound implications for understanding the context and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

  • God's Control Over All Things: This verse, in conjunction with the subsequent verses (Matthew 8:31-32), demonstrates that even the forces of evil operate within the boundaries of God's permissive will. They could not even enter the pigs without Jesus's consent.
  • The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: The presence of the swine, and their later destruction, serves as a stark visual of the tangible effects of spiritual battles and the immense power of Jesus to overcome demonic oppression.
  • Jesus's Ministry Beyond Jewish Borders: The setting in a Gentile-influenced region with swine hints at the universal scope of Jesus's mission, foreshadowing the future spread of the gospel to all nations.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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;

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