King James Version

What Does Luke 8:28 Mean?

Luke 8:28 in the King James Version says “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, Jesu... — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 8:28 · KJV


Context

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.

29

(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

30

And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This dramatic encounter reveals demonic theology and terror. "When he saw Jesus, he cried out" (idōn ton Iēsoun anakraxas, ἰδὼν τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἀνακράξας)—the demons immediately recognized Christ's identity and authority. The verb "cried out" (ἀνακράξας) indicates a shriek or scream of terror. "Fell down before him" (prosepesen autō, προσέπεσεν αὐτῷ) describes involuntary prostration—not worship but compelled submission before superior power.

"With a loud voice" (phōnē megalē, φωνῇ μεγάλῃ) emphasizes the violent, public nature of this confrontation. The demon's question, "What have I to do with thee?" (Ti emoi kai soi, Τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί)—literally "What to me and to you?"—is a Semitic idiom meaning "Why do you interfere with me?" Remarkably, the demon correctly identifies Jesus: "Son of God most high" (Huie tou Theou tou hypsistou, Υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ὑψίστου). Demons possess accurate theology—they know Jesus is God's Son (James 2:19).

"I beseech thee, torment me not" (deomai sou, mē me basanisēs, δέομαί σου, μή με βασανίσῃς) reveals demonic terror of judgment. The verb "torment" (βασανίσῃς) refers to torture, punishment, or judgment. Demons know their ultimate fate (Matthew 8:29), and Christ's presence triggers fear of premature judgment. This verse demonstrates that intellectual knowledge of Christ's identity provides no salvation—demons believe and tremble (James 2:19) yet remain unredeemed.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The title "God most high" (Theos hypsistos) was used by both Jews and Gentiles in the first century. Genesis 14:18-20 uses it for Melchizedek's God; Daniel uses it for Yahweh (Daniel 3:26, 4:2). Gentiles also used the title for Zeus or the supreme deity. That a demon in Gentile territory uses this title may indicate the universal recognition of Yahweh's supremacy, even in pagan regions.

Jewish exorcism in the first century involved complex rituals, incantations, and use of divine names (Acts 19:13-16). Jesus needed none of these—His mere presence compelled demonic submission. The demon's plea "torment me not" echoes Jewish belief that demons would ultimately be judged and punished. Intertestamental literature (1 Enoch, Jubilees) describes fallen angels bound in darkness awaiting final judgment.

Early church fathers noted this passage's significance—demons have correct theology but lack saving faith. Intellectual assent to Jesus' identity differs categorically from trusting surrender. Modern applications warn against presuming that knowledge about Jesus equates to relationship with Jesus. Orthodox belief without regenerate heart leads to damnation, not salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does demonic theology (correct belief without saving faith) warn against mere intellectual Christianity?
  2. What does the demon's immediate recognition and terror of Jesus teach about Christ's authority over spiritual forces?
  3. Why do demons fear torment while unconverted humans often feel no such fear, and what does this reveal about spiritual blindness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ἰδὼν1 of 27

he saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 27

When

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸν3 of 27
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦ4 of 27

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ5 of 27

and

G2532

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

ἀνακράξας6 of 27

he cried out

G349

to scream up (aloud)

προσέπεσεν7 of 27

fell down before

G4363

to fall towards, i.e., (gently) prostrate oneself (in supplication or homage), or (violently) to rush upon (in storm)

αὐτῷ8 of 27

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ9 of 27

and

G2532

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

φωνῇ10 of 27

voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλῃ11 of 27

with a loud

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

εἶπεν12 of 27

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Τί13 of 27

What

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐμοὶ14 of 27

have I

G1698

to me

καὶ15 of 27

and

G2532

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

σοί16 of 27

thee

G4671

to thee

Ἰησοῦ17 of 27

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

υἱὲ18 of 27

thou Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ19 of 27
G3588

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

θεοῦ20 of 27

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τοῦ21 of 27
G3588

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

ὑψίστου22 of 27

most high

G5310

highest, i.e., (masculine singular) the supreme (god), or (neuter plural) the heavens

δέομαί23 of 27

I beseech

G1189

to beg (as binding oneself), i.e., petition

σου24 of 27

thee

G4675

of thee, thy

μή25 of 27

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

με26 of 27

me

G3165

me

βασανίσῃς27 of 27

torment

G928

to torture


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 8:28 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 8:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study