King James Version

What Does Luke 8:30 Mean?

Luke 8:30 in the King James Version says “And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 8:30 · KJV

Context

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.

31

And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

32

And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. Jesus' question, "What is thy name?" (Ti soi onoma estin, Τί σοι ὄνομα ἐστιν), establishes personal engagement—even with one so degraded, Jesus treats him as a person worth addressing. The answer reveals the horrifying extent of possession: "Legion" (Legiōn, Λεγιών). A Roman legion numbered 4,000-6,000 soldiers. Whether literally thousands of demons or using "Legion" metaphorically for "many," the term conveys overwhelming demonic occupation.

The explanation clarifies: "because many devils were entered into him" (hoti eisēlthei daimonia polla eis auton, ὅτι εἰσῆλθει δαιμόνια πολλὰ εἰς αὐτόν). The verb "entered" (εἰσῆλθει) describes invasion, taking possession from within. "Many devils" (δαιμόνια πολλὰ) indicates not mere harassment but massive internal occupation—a fortress of evil spirits inhabiting one human being. This explains his superhuman strength (v. 29), violent seizures, total personality fragmentation, and utter degradation.

Theologically, this verse reveals the depths of human bondage to evil and the capacity of fallen humanity to be thoroughly enslaved by demonic forces. Yet even "Legion"—perhaps the most severely possessed individual in Scripture—was not beyond Christ's saving power. The name also carries political overtones. Roman legions occupied Palestine, oppressing God's people. That Jesus would cast out "Legion" and destroy them (in swine) may symbolize His ultimate victory over all oppressive powers, both spiritual and political.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman legions were the backbone of imperial military might, feared throughout the ancient world for their discipline, brutality, and effectiveness. A full legion comprised approximately 5,000-6,000 soldiers, though auxiliary forces could double that number. For first-century Jews living under Roman occupation, "legion" evoked images of military oppression, taxation, crucifixion, and foreign domination.

That a demon would identify using a Roman military term in Gentile territory (the Decapolis) is significant. The region had been heavily Romanized, with significant military presence. Some scholars suggest the political symbolism is intentional—Jesus demonstrates power over both demonic and imperial forces. The destruction of "Legion" in unclean animals (pigs) that drown in water may echo Exodus 14-15 where Pharaoh's army drowned in the Red Sea.

Jewish exorcism traditions sometimes asked demons their names, believing knowledge of the name granted power over the spirit. Jesus' question follows this pattern but demonstrates that His authority doesn't derive from knowing names—He has inherent power over all demonic forces. Early church writers (Origen, Augustine) noted that this most extreme case of possession yielding to Christ's word proved no spiritual bondage is too strong for divine grace to break.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the name "Legion" reveal about the severity of demonic oppression and the extent of Satan's destructive power?
  2. How does Jesus' ability to cast out thousands of demons with a word demonstrate His absolute authority over evil?
  3. What comfort does this extreme case of deliverance offer to those struggling with seemingly insurmountable spiritual bondage?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἐπηρώτησεν1 of 20

“asked”

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

δὲ2 of 20

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτόν3 of 20

“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

ὁ4 of 20
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς5 of 20

“Jesus”

G2424

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

λέγων,6 of 20

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Τί7 of 20

“What”

G5101

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

σοι8 of 20

“thy”

G4671

to thee

ἐστιν9 of 20

“is”

G2076

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

ὄνομά10 of 20

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

ὁ11 of 20
G3588

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

δὲ12 of 20

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν13 of 20

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Λεγεών·14 of 20

“Legion”

G3003

a "legion", i.e., roman regiment (figuratively)

ὅτι15 of 20

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δαιμόνια16 of 20

“devils”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

πολλὰ17 of 20

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

εἰσῆλθεν18 of 20

“were entered”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς19 of 20

“into”

G1519

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

αὐτόν20 of 20

“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

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 8:30 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 8:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 26:53Luke 8:2Matthew 8:29Mark 16:9Mark 5:9

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