Matthew 8:34

And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought [him] that he would depart out of their coasts.

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, the whole {G3956} city {G4172} came out {G1831} to {G1519} meet {G4877} Jesus {G2424}: and {G2532} when they saw {G1492} him {G846}, they besought {G3870} him that {G3704} he would depart {G3327} out of {G575} their {G846} coasts {G3725}.

At this, the whole town came out to meet Yeshua. When they saw him, they begged him to leave their district.

Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region.

And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart from their borders.

Matthew 8:34 describes a pivotal moment immediately following Jesus' powerful demonstration of authority over demonic forces in the region of the Gadarenes (or Gergesenes, depending on manuscript traditions). This verse highlights the unexpected reaction of the local populace to a profound miracle.

Context

The events leading up to this verse are dramatic. Jesus had just encountered two demon-possessed men in a burial ground. After a brief exchange, Jesus cast the demons out of them, allowing them to enter a large herd of pigs. The pigs then rushed down a steep bank into the Sea of Galilee and drowned (Matthew 8:32). The swineherds, witnessing this catastrophic loss, fled to the city and reported everything, including the liberation of the demoniacs.

Upon hearing the news, "the whole city came out to meet Jesus." This phrase indicates a widespread, collective response. However, their purpose was not one of celebration or awe at the spiritual deliverance, but rather a profound discomfort and fear. They "besought him that he would depart out of their coasts," essentially asking Jesus to leave their territory.

Key Themes

  • Fear and Self-Interest vs. Faith: The people of the city reacted with fear and concern for their economic livelihood (the loss of the pigs) rather than with wonder or gratitude for the spiritual deliverance of the two men. Their material loss overshadowed the miraculous power of Jesus over evil. This stands in stark contrast to others who approached Jesus with great faith.
  • Rejection of Divine Presence: This verse presents an early and direct instance of people asking Jesus to leave. Despite witnessing His undeniable power, they preferred His absence over the disruption His presence caused to their established order and comfort. This theme of rejection would sadly recur throughout Jesus' ministry, culminating in His crucifixion (John 1:11).
  • Misplaced Priorities: The Gadarenes valued their swine more than the spiritual well-being and deliverance of their fellow citizens. Their request for Jesus to depart reveals a prioritizing of worldly possessions and comfort over the profound spiritual reality and the presence of the Son of God.

Linguistic Insights

The word "besought" (KJV) comes from the Greek term parekaloun (παρεκάλουν), which implies a strong plea or entreaty, sometimes even an urgent request. It was not a casual suggestion but a deliberate and earnest appeal for Jesus to leave. The term "coasts" refers to their region or territory, emphasizing their desire for Jesus to completely exit their area of influence.

Practical Application

Matthew 8:34 challenges us to examine our own priorities. Do we welcome Jesus into every "coast" of our lives, even when His presence might disrupt our comfort zones, challenge our values, or reveal areas needing change? Are we more concerned with material loss or worldly security than with the spiritual transformation and freedom that Christ offers? This verse serves as a sober reminder that genuine faith often requires a willingness to surrender our earthly possessions and embrace God's power, even when it comes with a cost.

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.

  • Luke 5:8

    When Simon Peter saw [it], he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

  • Acts 16:39

    And they came and besought them, and brought [them] out, and desired [them] to depart out of the city.

  • Luke 8:37

    Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

  • Luke 8:39

    Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

  • Job 21:14

    Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

  • Mark 5:17

    And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.

  • Mark 5:18

    And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.

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