### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀγέλη (G34), transliterated as *agélē*, fundamentally signifies a "drove" or "herd." Its etymological root lies in the verb ἄγω (*agō*, `{{G71}}`), meaning "to lead," "to bring," or "to drive." This etymological connection is crucial, as it implies a collection of animals that are led or driven as a collective unit. While Strong's notes a comparison to ἄγγελος (*angelos*, `{{G32}}`, "messenger"), the semantic link for ἀγέλη is primarily to the action of driving or leading, resulting in a gathered group, rather than the agent of leading. In its most common usage, ἀγέλη refers specifically to a group of livestock or other animals, emphasizing their collective identity under some form of guidance or movement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, ἀγέλη occurs seven times, exclusively within the Synoptic Gospels, and always in reference to the same event: the herd of pigs into which Jesus casts a legion of demons.
* In [[Matthew 8:30]], [[Matthew 8:31]], and [[Matthew 8:32]], the word describes the "large herd of pigs" (*ἀγέλη χοίρων πολλῶν*) feeding nearby. The demons request permission to enter this ἀγέλη, and upon entering, the entire herd rushes down the steep bank into the sea and drowns.
* Similarly, [[Mark 5:11]] and [[Mark 5:13]] recount the same event, emphasizing the size of the ἀγέλη and its subsequent destruction.
* [[Luke 8:32]] and [[Luke 8:33]] complete the set of occurrences, providing the parallel account of the demons entering the ἀγέλη of pigs and their demise in the lake.
The consistent contextual usage of ἀγέλη for a herd of pigs highlights its literal meaning and underscores the dramatic nature of the exorcism. The collective action of the entire herd, driven by the demonic forces, serves as a powerful visual of the demons' destructive intent and the extent of Jesus' authority over them. The word emphasizes the sheer number of animals involved and their unified, calamitous fate.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to ἀγέλη is its root verb, ἄγω (`{{G71}}`), "to lead" or "to drive." This connection reinforces the understanding of a herd as a group that is moved or directed, often by an external force. Another related term is ποιμνη (*poimnē*, `{{G4167}}`), which specifically denotes a "flock" of sheep, often carrying a more positive connotation in biblical theology (e.g., God's people as His flock). While both refer to groups of animals, ἀγέλη is more general for a "drove" and, in the New Testament, is distinctly associated with pigs, which were considered unclean animals under Mosaic Law ([[Leviticus 11:7]]). The verb βόσκω (*boskō*, `{{G1006}}`), "to feed" or "to tend," is also frequently found in conjunction with ἀγέλη in the biblical narratives, describing the activity of the swineherds ([[Matthew 8:30]], [[Mark 5:14]], [[Luke 8:32]]). The concept of "unclean animals" is crucial for understanding the theological implications of ἀγέλη in its New Testament context.
### Theological Significance
The ἀγέλη of pigs in the Synoptic Gospels holds profound theological significance. Firstly, its destruction serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' absolute authority over the demonic realm. The demons, unable to resist Christ's command, are compelled to enter the herd, leading to their immediate and dramatic demise. This event unequivocally establishes Jesus' sovereignty even over the forces of spiritual darkness and the natural world. Secondly, the choice of pigs, an animal considered unclean by Jewish law, is highly symbolic. The unclean spirits find their "home" in unclean animals, and both are then removed from the land, suggesting a divine act of cleansing or judgment. This narrative underscores the radical nature of Jesus' ministry, which confronts and purifies defilement. Finally, the loss of the ἀγέλη represents a significant economic cost to the local community, highlighting that spiritual deliverance and the establishment of God's kingdom can come with tangible consequences, often leading to mixed reactions from those who witness Christ's power ([[Matthew 8:34]]).
### Summary
The Greek word ἀγέλη (G34) denotes a "drove" or "herd," rooted in the concept of being led or driven. Its exclusive New Testament usage in the Synoptic Gospels refers to the "herd of pigs" into which Jesus casts demons ([[Matthew 8:30]], [[Mark 5:11]], [[Luke 8:32]]). This consistent application underscores the word's literal meaning as a collective of animals, particularly in a context of being moved or influenced. Theologically, the ἀγέλη of pigs serves as a pivotal element in demonstrating Christ's supreme authority over demonic forces and the destructive nature of evil. The narrative also carries symbolic weight, with the unclean animals serving as a vessel for unclean spirits, both ultimately vanquished by divine power. The incident involving the ἀγέλη vividly illustrates the transformative, and at times costly, impact of Jesus' ministry on both the spiritual and material realms.
TRV