Matthew 8:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 8:31, the demonic entities, recognizing Jesus' absolute authority and their impending expulsion, desperately plead with Him to permit them to enter a nearby herd of swine rather than be cast out into the abyss. This pivotal moment underscores Christ's undeniable power over the spiritual realm, demonstrating that even malevolent forces are utterly subservient to His divine will and must seek His permission for their actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of powerful demonstrations of Jesus' authority in Matthew's Gospel, specifically following His sermon on the mount and preceding His call of Matthew. Chapter 8 highlights Jesus' power over disease, nature, and, critically here, demonic forces. The immediate context is the dramatic encounter with two demon-possessed men in the region of the Gergesenes (or Gadarenes, as in the parallel accounts of [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 Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac")). The demons had already acknowledged Jesus as the "Son of God" and questioned His timing for their torment ([Matthew 8:29](/matthew/8-29 "Matthew 8:29 - Demons Recognize Jesus")). Their plea in verse 31 is a direct response to Jesus' implied command to leave the men, revealing their fear of being disembodied and their recognition of His supreme power to command their fate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, the region of the Gergesenes/Gadarenes, was a Gentile area on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, explaining the presence of swine, which were considered unclean animals under Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - Unclean Animals")). For Jewish readers, the presence of swine would immediately signal a non-kosher environment, further emphasizing the defiling nature of the demons and the dramatic contrast with Jesus' holiness. The Jewish understanding of demons involved malevolent spirits that could possess individuals, causing physical and mental distress. The idea of demons seeking to inhabit animals was not entirely foreign in ancient thought, reflecting a desire for continued physical presence and influence, even if in an "unclean" host. This incident would have profoundly impacted the local populace, who, though Gentile, would have been shocked by the sudden destruction of their livelihood.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 8:31 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel. Foremost is **Jesus' Absolute Authority Over Demonic Forces**, demonstrating that even the most formidable spiritual adversaries are utterly subject to His command. The demons' "beseeching" Him is an act of submission, not negotiation. This passage also highlights the **Nature of Demonic Entities** as intelligent, malevolent beings capable of communication, recognition, and strategic thought, yet ultimately limited by divine sovereignty. Their choice of swine and the subsequent destruction reveal their **Destructive and Defiling Nature**, reinforcing the spiritual truth that evil seeks to corrupt and destroy, even when confined to animals. Finally, the narrative subtly introduces the theme of **Cost of Discipleship and Divine Intervention**, as the local community, valuing their economic stability over divine deliverance, would later ask Jesus to leave their region ([Matthew 8:34](/matthew/8-34 "Matthew 8:34 - The Reaction of the Gergesenes")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **devils (Greek, _daímōn'_):** From a root meaning "to distribute fortunes," this term refers to a supernatural spirit of a bad nature, an evil spirit or demon. In the New Testament, these are malevolent entities, distinct from Satan himself but part of his kingdom, who oppose God and afflict humanity. Their designation here emphasizes their nature as spiritual beings, not mere illnesses, and their recognition of Jesus' power.
* **besought (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** Derived from "para" (beside) and "kaleo" (to call), meaning "to call near," this verb signifies to invite, invoke, implore, entreat, or beseech earnestly. It conveys a strong sense of urgency, desperation, and humble pleading. The demons are not demanding but earnestly requesting, underscoring their complete submission to Jesus' authority and their recognition that their fate rests entirely in His hands.
* **suffer (Greek, _epitrépō'_):** From "epi" (upon) and the base of "tropē" (a turning), meaning "to turn over" or "transfer," this verb denotes to allow, permit, or give leave/liberty. The demons are asking for permission, not asserting a right. This word powerfully illustrates Jesus' absolute control; He has the power to grant or deny their request, demonstrating His sovereign will over their actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the devils besought him, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the demons' posture of supplication. The conjunction "So" (Greek, _dé_) indicates a continuation or consequence of the preceding interaction, implying that their plea is a direct response to Jesus' implicit or explicit command to depart from the men. The act of "beseeching" (Greek, _parakaléō_) highlights their recognition of Jesus' superior authority and their desperate desire to avoid immediate judgment or an undesired state of disembodiment. They are not negotiating from a position of strength but pleading from one of subjugation.
* **"If thou cast us out,"**: This conditional clause reveals the demons' understanding of their impending fate. They acknowledge Jesus' power to "cast them out" (Greek, _ekbállō_), which implies not just removal from the men but expulsion from the region or even into a state of torment. Their "if" is not a question of Jesus' ability but an acknowledgment of the certainty of His action. They recognize that their time is up and that their expulsion is inevitable under His command.
* **"suffer us to go away into the herd of swine."**: This is the specific request of the demons. Rather than being cast into the abyss or a disembodied state, they ask for permission (Greek, _epitrépō_) to enter the "herd of swine" (Greek, _agélē choîros_). This reveals their desire for continued embodiment, even in unclean animals, and their inherent malicious intent. Their choice of swine, unclean animals according to Jewish law, also subtly highlights their defiling nature and their preference for hosts that are anathema to purity. The request itself is a testament to Jesus' absolute sovereignty; they cannot act without His explicit allowance.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is evident as the demons, supernatural beings, immediately recognize Jesus' divine identity and authority ("Son of God" in [Matthew 8:29](/matthew/8-29 "Matthew 8:29 - Demons Recognize Jesus")) and submit to Him, while many human observers and even His disciples still struggle to fully grasp who He is. This highlights the spiritual insight of even malevolent forces compared to the often-blindness of humanity. **Symbolism** is also present in the choice of the "herd of swine." As unclean animals under Mosaic Law, they symbolize impurity and the defiling nature of the demonic. The subsequent destruction of the herd by drowning in the sea can be seen as a symbolic cleansing or a vivid illustration of the destructive power of evil when unleashed, even within a limited scope. Finally, the narrative uses **Contrast** to emphasize Jesus' supreme power: He, the pure and holy Son of God, effortlessly commands the unclean spirits, who are forced to beg for permission to act, demonstrating the vast chasm between divine authority and demonic subjugation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:31 powerfully affirms the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ over all creation, including the spiritual realm. This encounter demonstrates that demonic forces are not autonomous but are entirely subject to God's will, embodied in Christ. Their desperate plea for permission, rather than defiance, underscores their understanding of His ultimate authority and their inability to resist His commands. This provides profound assurance to believers that no spiritual power, however malevolent, can operate outside the boundaries permitted by God. It reminds us that spiritual warfare is real, but the victory is already secured in Christ, who has triumphed over every principality and power.

* [James 4:7](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil"): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities"): "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."
* [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil"): "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the demon-possessed men and the swine offers a profound and practical lesson for believers today. It unequivocally establishes Christ's supreme authority over all spiritual opposition, reminding us that no demonic force, no matter how formidable or terrifying, can stand against His command. This truth should instill in us a deep sense of peace and security, knowing that our Lord is infinitely more powerful than any evil that may confront us. In a world where spiritual darkness often feels overwhelming, this passage calls us to place our unwavering trust in Jesus' sovereignty. It encourages us to resist fear and anxiety concerning unseen spiritual battles, understanding that Christ has already disarmed and triumphed over every hostile power. Our role is not to fear demons, but to submit to God and, in Christ's authority, resist the devil, knowing he must flee. This passage empowers us to live boldly, assured of Christ's protective hand and ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the demons' desperate plea for permission deepen your understanding of Jesus' absolute authority?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender fear to Christ's sovereign power over spiritual forces?**
* **What does this passage teach you about the nature of evil and its ultimate limitations?**
* **How can the assurance of Christ's victory over demonic powers strengthen your faith and empower your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus allow the demons to enter the swine?**

Answer: Jesus allowed the demons to enter the swine for several profound reasons. First, it served as a powerful, undeniable demonstration of His absolute authority over demonic forces. The demons' request for permission, and His granting of it, showcased that they could do nothing without His express will. Second, the subsequent destruction of the herd, where the swine rushed down the steep bank and drowned in the sea ([Matthew 8:32](/matthew/8-32 "Matthew 8:32 - The Drowning of the Swine")), vividly illustrated the destructive and defiling nature of evil. It showed that even when confined, demonic presence leads to chaos and ruin. This dramatic event also served to remove the demonic presence entirely from the region, albeit at a cost. Furthermore, it may have been a judgment on the local inhabitants for raising unclean animals, or a means to prompt a decision regarding Jesus' presence, as they ultimately asked Him to leave ([Matthew 8:34](/matthew/8-34 "Matthew 8:34 - The Gergesenes Ask Jesus to Depart")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter in Matthew 8:31, where demons plead for permission from Jesus, powerfully foreshadows and illuminates Christ's ultimate victory over the forces of darkness. This moment reveals Jesus not merely as a healer, but as the divine Son of God who possesses inherent authority over all spiritual adversaries. His allowing the demons to enter the swine, leading to their destruction, is a microcosm of His greater mission: to "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")). On the cross, Jesus disarmed "principalities and powers," making a public spectacle of them and triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). His resurrection and ascension confirm His supreme reign, establishing Him as the Head over "all principality and power and might and dominion" ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Supremacy")). Thus, Matthew 8:31 is not just a historical event, but a prophetic glimpse into the comprehensive victory Christ secured for humanity, demonstrating that He is indeed the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and utterly defeats the power of the enemy ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Believers, united with Christ, share in this victory and are empowered to resist the devil, knowing that he has already been conquered by their Lord ([James 4:7](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil")).

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

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.