### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Gadarēnós**, represented by `{{G1046}}`, identifies a **Gadarene or inhabitant of Gadara**, a town located east of the Jordan. This term appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, where it is used to name the people of a specific geographical region encountered by Jesus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1046}}` is used exclusively to set the location for a significant event. Jesus and his disciples arrive "into the country of the **Gadarenes**" after crossing the sea [[Mark 5:1]]. Luke’s account specifies that this region "is over against Galilee" [[Luke 8:26]], providing clear geographical context. The people of this country, the **Gadarenes**, react to Jesus' presence and actions with "great fear" [[Luke 8:37]]. This fear prompts the "whole multitude" of the region to beseech him to depart from them, after which he boards a ship and returns back again [[Luke 8:37]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and significance of the Gadarenes' territory and the events that occurred there:
* `{{G1056}}` **Galilaía** (Galilæa... a region of Palestine): This provides a key geographical reference point, as the country of the Gadarenes is explicitly described as being "over against **Galilee**" [[Luke 8:26]].
* `{{G5561}}` **chṓra** (a space of territory): This word defines the area inhabited by the Gadarenes, appearing in the phrases "the **country** of the Gadarenes" [[Mark 5:1]] and "at the **country** of the Gadarenes" [[Luke 8:26]].
* `{{G5401}}` **phóbos** (alarm or fright): This describes the crucial reaction of the inhabitants to Jesus' power. The multitude of the Gadarenes "were taken with great **fear**" and asked him to leave [[Luke 8:37]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{G1046}}` is centered on the encounter between Jesus and the people of this specific region.
* **Ministry Beyond Boundaries:** The term marks a deliberate journey by Jesus across the **sea** `{{G2281}}` to the "other side" `{{G4008}}`, extending his ministry into a distinct territory beyond the familiar confines of Galilee [[Mark 5:1]].
* **A Community's Response:** The identity of the **Gadarenes** is defined by their collective reaction. The "whole multitude of the country of the **Gadarenes**" `{{G4128}}` is united in their response of great **fear** `{{G5401}}`, which leads them to request Jesus' departure [[Luke 8:37]].
* **Geographical Marker:** The term establishes the "country of the **Gadarenes**" as a specific place where a powerful display of divine authority results not in widespread belief, but in fear and the rejection of Jesus' presence.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1046}}` is more than a simple geographical label. It pinpoints the setting of a unique event in Jesus' ministry, highlighting his travels to regions outside of his usual circuits. The term is intrinsically tied to a narrative about the collision of divine power and human fear, where an entire community, the **Gadarenes**, asks Jesus to leave their land. It serves as a stark reminder of how encounters with the divine can provoke fear as well as faith.
TRV