Matthew 8:31

So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.

So {G1161} the devils {G1142} besought {G3870} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, If {G1487} thou cast {G1544} us {G2248} out {G1544}, suffer {G2010} us {G2254} to go away {G565} into {G1519} the herd {G34} of swine {G5519}.

The demons begged him, "If you are going to drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs."

So the demons begged Jesus, “If You drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”

And the demons besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine.

Context

This verse is part of the dramatic account of Jesus' encounter with two fiercely demon-possessed men in the region of the Gergesenes (or Gadarenes in parallel accounts like Mark 5:1 and Luke 8:26). Prior to this, the demons had already recognized Jesus as the 'Son of God' and questioned His timing for their torment (Matthew 8:29). Faced with inevitable expulsion, they make a desperate plea, demonstrating their recognition of Jesus' supreme authority.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Absolute Authority Over Demonic Forces: The demons' plea confirms Jesus' undisputed authority over all spiritual forces. They do not merely suggest but 'beseech' Him, acknowledging His power to command their expulsion. This demonstrates that even malevolent spirits are subject to the will of God, as Christ embodies divine power.
  • Demonic Intelligence and Malice: The demons are not mindless; they are intelligent beings capable of communication, recognition, and strategy. Their request to enter the herd of swine reveals a desire for continued embodiment, even in unclean animals, and a malicious intent to cause destruction.
  • The Unclean and the Law: Swine were considered unclean under Mosaic Law, making their choice particularly significant. The demons' preference for unclean hosts, and the subsequent destruction of the herd, highlights the destructive and defiling nature of evil spirits.

Linguistic Insights

The term "besought" comes from the Greek word parakaleo (παρακαλέω), meaning to earnestly plead, entreat, or implore. This emphasizes the desperation and submission of the demons to Jesus' command. The "devils" here are daimonia (δαιμόνια), referring to evil spirits or demons, distinct from Satan himself, yet part of his kingdom of darkness.

Practical Application

This passage offers profound reassurance to believers: Christ's supreme authority over all spiritual opposition is undeniable. It underscores that while demonic forces are real and active, their power is limited and completely subordinate to Jesus. We are reminded that through faith in Christ, we are empowered to resist evil (James 4:7) and that our ultimate victory is secured in Him, who has already triumphed over every principality and power (Colossians 2:15). It calls us to trust in His sovereignty and not to fear the unseen spiritual realm, knowing that He is greater than any force against us.

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.

  • Revelation 20:1

    ¶ And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

  • Revelation 20:2

    And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

  • Mark 5:12

    And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.

  • Luke 8:30

    And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

  • Luke 8:33

    Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

  • 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.

  • Revelation 12:12

    ¶ Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

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