The Greek word krēmnós, represented by G2911, refers to an overhanging place or a precipice. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. This term specifically denotes a steep bank or cliff, a feature of the landscape central to a singular, dramatic event recorded in the Gospels.
In its biblical usage, G2911 is exclusively found in the parallel accounts of Jesus casting demons into a herd of swine. The steep place is the setting for the herd's destruction. In Matthew's account, the "whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished" Matthew 8:32. Similarly, Mark describes how "the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea" and were choked Mark 5:13. Luke's narrative follows the same pattern, stating the herd "ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked" Luke 8:33. In all three instances, the krēmnós is the critical location where the destructive power of the exorcised demons is made manifest.
Several related words are key to understanding the context surrounding the steep place:
- G3729 hormáō (to start, spur or urge on, i.e. (reflexively) to dash or plunge): This verb captures the violent, unstoppable momentum with which the herd "ran violently" down the precipice Mark 5:13.
- G34 agélē (a drove): This noun identifies the "herd" of swine, the collective entity that plunges to its destruction from the steep place Luke 8:33.
- G2281 thálassa (the sea): This word denotes the body of water at the bottom of the krēmnós, the final destination where the herd perished Matthew 8:32. In Luke's account, the equivalent destination is the lake G3041 Luke 8:33.
The narrative weight of G2911 is tied to its role in a powerful display of spiritual authority and consequence.
- A Point of No Return: The steep place serves as the physical threshold for the herd's immediate and total destruction. It marks a swift, irreversible descent into ruin.
- The Consequence of Demonic Presence: The plunge from the krēmnós illustrates the destructive nature of the unclean spirits. Their final act, once cast into the swine, is to drive them to their death over the precipice Mark 5:13.
- A Tangible Climax: The steep place is the stage for the physical climax of a spiritual confrontation. It is where the supernatural event of exorcism culminates in a visible and catastrophic outcome, demonstrating Jesus' authority Matthew 8:32.
In summary, G2911 is a precise geographical term for a precipice. Though its usage is rare, it is memorable for its singular context in the Gospels. It functions as the exact location of the destruction of the herd of swine, transforming a simple landscape feature into a powerful symbol of a final, violent plunge resulting from a spiritual cleansing.
TRV