### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Γεργεσηνός (Gergesēnós, `{{G1086}}`) is a proper adjective denoting an inhabitant or a person from the region of the Gergesenes. Its etymology traces directly to the Hebrew גִּרְגָּשִׁי (Girgashite, `{{H1622}}`), one of the ancient Canaanite tribes listed among the inhabitants of the land promised to Israel (e.g., [[Genesis 10:16]]; [[Deuteronomy 7:1]]). Semantically, therefore, "Gergesene" carries a dual significance: it identifies a specific geographical locality, likely on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, and simultaneously points to an ethnic identity rooted in the pre-Israelite history of Palestine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term "Gergesēnós" (`{{G1086}}`) appears in the New Testament primarily in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in the account of Jesus casting out demons from two men (or one man, depending on the Gospel) into a herd of pigs.
* [[Matthew 8:28]] explicitly uses "Gergesenes" (Γεργεσηνῶν) to describe the region where Jesus encountered the demon-possessed individuals. This reading is favored by some textual critics for its geographical precision, as the ancient city of Gergesa (modern Kursi) is situated directly on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, providing the necessary steep bank for the pigs to rush into the water.
* In contrast, [[Mark 5:1]] and [[Luke 8:26]] present textual variants, often reading "Gerasenes" (Γερασηνῶν) or "Gadarenes" (Γαδαρηνῶν). Gerasa (modern Jerash) was a major city of the Decapolis, located considerably inland, while Gadara (modern Umm Qais) was also a Decapolis city, closer to the Sea of Galilee but still several miles southeast.
The scholarly consensus often reconciles these readings by suggesting that "Gergesenes" refers to the immediate vicinity of the miracle, while "Gerasenes" or "Gadarenes" might refer to the broader territory under the administrative influence of those larger cities. The presence of pigs in the narrative strongly indicates a Gentile region, as pork was an unclean food for Jews, underscoring the setting outside of strictly Jewish territory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew גִּרְגָּשִׁי (Girgashite, `{{H1622}}`), which connects this New Testament location to the ancient history of the land. The Girgashites were one of the seven nations whose land God promised to dispossess before Israel (e.g., [[Joshua 3:10]], [[Joshua 24:11]]). Other related geographical terms include:
* **Gerasenes (Γερασηνῶν):** Referring to the territory of Gerasa, a prominent Decapolis city.
* **Gadarenes (Γαδαρηνῶν):** Referring to the territory of Gadara, another significant Decapolis city.
Beyond geographical and ethnic identification, the word "Gergesēnós" is conceptually linked to the broader theme of *Canaanite peoples*, representing the pre-Israelite inhabitants of the land, often associated with idolatry and spiritual darkness in the Old Testament narrative. In the New Testament context, it is inextricably tied to the concept of *demonic possession* and Christ's supreme *authority over spiritual forces*.
### Theological Significance
The account in the region of the Gergesenes holds profound theological significance.
1. **Christ's Universal Authority:** The setting in a predominantly Gentile region underscores Jesus' authority extending beyond the confines of Jewish territory and tradition. His power to cast out a "legion" of demons demonstrates His absolute sovereignty not only over physical ailments but also over the most formidable spiritual forces of darkness, signifying the universal scope of His redemptive mission.
2. **Confrontation with Evil:** The encounter represents a direct confrontation between the Kingdom of God, embodied in Christ, and the kingdom of darkness. The sheer number of demons ("legion") highlights the intensity of the spiritual battle and the overwhelming power of Jesus to overcome it.
3. **Spiritual Liberation:** The deliverance of the demon-possessed men is a powerful illustration of the liberating power of the Gospel. Jesus brings spiritual freedom to those enslaved by evil, a freedom that transcends ethnic and geographical boundaries, even in a region historically associated with ancient paganism.
4. **Human Response to Divine Power:** The reaction of the local populace, who were more concerned with the economic loss of their pigs than with the miraculous deliverance of their fellow citizens, serves as a sobering commentary on human priorities. Their request for Jesus to leave reveals a spiritual blindness and a rejection of divine intervention when it comes with a perceived cost, providing a stark lesson on the nature of faith and the potential for human resistance to God's saving work.
### Summary
The term "Gergesēnós" (`{{G1086}}`), derived from the ancient Hebrew "Girgashite" (`{{H1622}}`), identifies the region and its inhabitants on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus performed a powerful exorcism. Primarily found in [[Matthew 8:28]], it describes the setting for the casting out of a "legion" of demons into a herd of pigs. While textual variants like "Gerasenes" and "Gadarenes" exist, "Gergesenes" points to a specific locale congruent with the narrative details. Theologically, this episode profoundly demonstrates Christ's absolute authority over demonic powers, His universal mission extending to Gentile lands, and the often-complex human response to divine intervention. It stands as a compelling testament to the liberating and transformative power of the Kingdom of God.
TRV