Matthew 8:32

And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.

And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Go {G5217}. And {G1161} when they were come out {G1831}, they went {G565} into {G1519} the herd {G34} of swine {G5519}: and {G2532}, behold {G2400}, the whole {G3956} herd {G34} of swine {G5519} ran violently {G3729} down {G2596} a steep place {G2911} into {G1519} the sea {G2281}, and {G2532} perished {G599} in {G1722} the waters {G5204}.

"All right, go!" he told them. So they came out and went into the pigs, whereupon the entire herd rushed down the hillside into the lake and drowned.

“Go!” He told them. So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and died in the waters.

And he said unto them, Go. And they came out, and went into the swine: and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep into the sea, and perished in the waters.

Context of Matthew 8:32

This pivotal verse concludes the dramatic account of Jesus casting out demons from two men in the region of the Gadarenes (or Gergesenes, depending on the manuscript tradition). Immediately preceding this, the demons, recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, pleaded with Him not to torment them and requested permission to enter a nearby herd of swine. Jesus' simple, powerful command, "Go," initiates the extraordinary event described here, showcasing His unparalleled authority over spiritual forces.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Unquestionable Authority: The most prominent theme is Jesus' absolute power over evil spirits. His single word, "Go," demonstrates that demons are not autonomous but are subject to His divine will. They cannot act without His permission, and they must obey His commands. This highlights Jesus' sovereignty over all spiritual forces and His ability to deliver from even the most severe demonic possession.
  • The Destructive Nature of Demonic Influence: Once permitted to enter the swine, the demons immediately drive the entire herd to a violent, self-destructive end. This vividly illustrates the inherent chaos, violence, and ultimate aim of destruction that characterizes demonic activity. Their presence brings about death and loss, contrasting sharply with the life and peace Jesus offers.
  • Value of Human Life Over Material Possessions: The loss of a large herd of swine, a significant economic asset to the local community, underscores the immense value Jesus places on human deliverance. He prioritizes freeing two men from torment over the financial interests of the swineherds, demonstrating that spiritual liberation and human well-being far outweigh material wealth. This event also highlights the fear and misunderstanding of the local populace, who were more concerned about their pigs than the healed men.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "Go" is hypagete (ὑπάγετε), an imperative form meaning "depart" or "go away." It is a direct command, not a negotiation or suggestion, underscoring Jesus' absolute authority. This concise word conveys the immediate and unquestioning obedience of the demons. The word "perished" (Greek: apoleto - ἀπώλετο) signifies complete destruction or loss, emphasizing the definitive end of the swine and the definitive expulsion of the demons from the men.

Practical Application

Matthew 8:32 offers profound encouragement and insight for believers today. It reinforces the truth that Jesus Christ has triumphed over all spiritual powers and authorities. We are reminded that evil, though real and destructive, operates only within the bounds of God's sovereign permission. This verse provides assurance that in Christ, we have authority over the enemy's schemes, and we can trust in His power for deliverance and protection. It also challenges us to consider what we value most: human flourishing and spiritual freedom, or worldly possessions and comfort, aligning our priorities with God's.

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 5:13

    And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

  • Acts 4:28

    For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

  • 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.

  • Acts 2:23

    Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

  • Revelation 20:7

    And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

  • 1 Kings 22:22

    And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade [him], and prevail also: go forth, and do so.

  • Job 1:10

    Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

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