Luke 8:33
Then went the deuils out of the man, and entred into the swine: and the herd ran violently downe a steepe place into the lake, and were choked. Luke 8:33 (KJV)
This verse is part of the account of Jesus’ encounter with a man possessed by demons in the region of the Gadarenes (or Gerasenes). Luke 8:26‑39 records that Jesus and His disciples sailed across the Sea of Galilee and arrived in the country of the Gadarenes, near the city of Gadara. As He stepped ashore, He met a man from the city who had been possessed by demons for a long time, living among the tombs, isolated and tormented.
In verse 29 the man identified himself as “Legion,” indicating that many demons possessed him. Jesus then commanded the unclean spirit to come out. The demons recognized Jesus and begged Him not to torment them or send them into the abyss. In verse 33 Jesus granted their request to enter a nearby herd of swine. The demons entered the swine, and the entire herd rushed down a steep slope into the Sea of Galilee and drowned.
Several important points arise from this passage:
- Power over evil spirits – The verse highlights Jesus’ authority over demonic forces. With a single command He cast out the demons, demonstrating divine power and mastery of the spiritual realm.
- Demon possession and restoration – The man’s condition shows the destructive nature of possession: torment, isolation, and a life among the dead. Through Jesus’ intervention he was liberated, clothed, and restored to his right mind, sitting at Jesus’ feet (verse 35). This transformation illustrates Jesus’ ability to deliver individuals from evil and bring wholeness.
- The fate of the swine – After being cast out, the demons entered the herd, and the swine’s destruction underscores the destructive impact of evil. The narrative, however, focuses primarily on the man’s restoration rather than the loss of the animals.
- Regional response – The herdsmen, witnessing the drowning of the swine, reported the event to the surrounding people. Their reaction was fear; they asked Jesus to leave their region (verse 37). This contrast between the community’s fear and rejection of Jesus’ power and the gratitude of the delivered man underscores the varied human responses to divine intervention.
