King James Version

What Does Luke 8:26 Mean?

Luke 8:26 in the King James Version says “And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.”

Luke 8:26 · KJV

Context

24

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

25

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another , What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

26

And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

27

And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.

28

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

Read Luke 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. This verse introduces one of the most dramatic exorcisms in the Gospels. The phrase "country of the Gadarenes" (Greek chōran tōn Gerasēnōn, χώραν τῶν Γερασηνῶν) locates the event in Gentile territory. Matthew calls it "Gergesenes" (8:28), Mark "Gadarenes" (5:1)—both referring to the Decapolis region east of the Sea of Galilee. The phrase "over against Galilee" (antiperan tēs Galilaias, ἀντιπέραν τῆς Γαλιλαίας) means "opposite" or "across from," emphasizing Jesus' intentional crossing from Jewish to Gentile territory.

This geographical detail is theologically significant. Jesus deliberately enters pagan territory where Jewish law held no sway, where swine were raised (forbidden to Jews, Leviticus 11:7), and where demon possession appeared more overt. The crossing itself demonstrates Christ's mission extending beyond Israel to all nations (Luke 2:32, 24:47). His authority over demons would be displayed not merely in synagogues but in pagan strongholds.

The dramatic storm just survived (vv. 22-25) makes the arrival more significant—Jesus commanded them through perilous waters to reach this specific place, for this specific person. Divine providence orchestrates circumstances to bring salvation to one man whom society had abandoned. The verb "arrived" (katepleusan, κατέπλευσαν) suggests purposeful landing after difficult voyage, not accidental beaching.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Decapolis was a confederation of ten Greek-speaking cities established after Alexander the Great's conquests, predominantly Gentile with Roman governance. Gadara (modern Umm Qais, Jordan) was one of these cities, located about six miles southeast of the Sea of Galilee. The territory included rural areas with steep hillsides descending to the lake—precisely the geography described in verse 33 where swine rushed down into water.

First-century Jewish-Gentile relations were fraught with tension. Observant Jews avoided Gentile territories to prevent ritual defilement. That Jesus intentionally enters this region demonstrates His mission's universal scope. The presence of pig herds confirms Gentile territory—Jews would never raise swine. Archaeological evidence confirms extensive Gentile settlement in this region during the first century, with temples to Greek and Roman gods.

Early church tradition identified this miracle as occurring near Kursi (Gergesa) on the eastern shore, where steep cliffs descend directly to the water. The location's isolation made it suitable for the demoniac's exile. For Luke's Gentile audience (Theophilus, Acts 1:1), this account demonstrated that Christ's saving power extended beyond Jewish boundaries to the entire world.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus intentionally cross treacherous waters to reach Gentile territory for one demon-possessed man?
  2. How does this geographical movement from Jewish to Gentile territory anticipate the gospel's expansion to all nations?
  3. What does Jesus' willingness to enter ritually defiling territory teach about His priorities and mission?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κατέπλευσαν2 of 12

“they arrived”

G2668

to sail down upon a place, i.e., to land at

εἰς3 of 12

“at”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν4 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χώραν5 of 12

“the country”

G5561

room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)

τῶν6 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Γαδαρηνῶν,7 of 12

“of the Gadarenes”

G1046

a gadarene or inhabitant of gadara

ἥτις8 of 12

“which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐστὶν9 of 12

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀντιπέραν10 of 12

“over against”

G495

on the opposite side

τῆς11 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Γαλιλαίας12 of 12

“Galilee”

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 8:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 8:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 5:1-20Matthew 8:28-34

Places in This Verse

Galilee 1Region · Modern: Galilee · 32.76°N, 35.53°E78 verses across 10 books
GerasaSettlement · Modern: Jerash · 32.27°N, 35.89°E3 verses across 2 books
View all places in Luke 8 →

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 8 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes