King James Version

What Does Luke 8:31 Mean?

Luke 8:31 in the King James Version says “And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 8:31 · KJV

Context

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.

33

Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. The demons' plea reveals their desperation and fear. "They besought him" (parekaloun auton, παρεκάλουν αὐτόν) uses the imperfect tense, indicating repeated, urgent begging. The demons recognize Jesus' absolute authority—they cannot resist His command, only plead for mercy regarding their destination. "That he would not command them to go out into the deep" (hina mē epitaxē autois eis tēn abysson apelthein, ἵνα μὴ ἐπιτάξῃ αὐτοῖς εἰς τὴν ἄβυσσον ἀπελθεῖν) reveals their greatest fear.

"The deep" (abysson, ἄβυσσον) is the Greek abyssos, meaning bottomless pit or abyss—the place of demonic confinement and torment. This term appears in Revelation 9:1-11, 20:1-3 as the prison where Satan and demons are bound. The demons' terror of the abyss indicates awareness of their coming judgment (2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6 describe angels bound in chains of darkness). They prefer any earthly habitation—even swine—to premature consignment to their place of punishment.

This verse reveals several theological truths: (1) Demons recognize Christ's authority to consign them to judgment; (2) They fear the abyss—their ultimate destiny; (3) They prefer temporary earthly activity to eternal confinement; (4) Even in rebellion, demons must acknowledge divine sovereignty. Their plea also demonstrates that Christ's victory over Satan and demons is already secured—they await only the execution of sentence already pronounced.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish apocalyptic literature (1 Enoch, Jubilees, Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs) extensively describes the abyss as the prison for fallen angels and demons. These texts, widely read in first-century Judaism, portrayed the abyss as a place of darkness, chains, and torment where rebellious spirits awaited final judgment. The concept derives from Genesis 6:1-4's enigmatic passage about "sons of God" and the Nephilim, interpreted in Jewish tradition as describing angelic rebellion.

2 Peter 2:4 states God "cast down the angels that sinned, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment." Jude 6 describes angels who "kept not their first estate" being "reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." Revelation portrays Satan himself being cast into the abyss for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-3), then released briefly before final judgment.

The demons' fear of premature consignment to the abyss reflects Matthew 8:29's parallel account where demons ask, "Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?" They recognize an appointed schedule for judgment but fear Christ might advance it. Early Christian theology developed the concept of intermediate states—demons currently have limited earthly activity but await final judgment and eternal punishment in hell.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the demons' terror of the abyss teach about the reality and certainty of divine judgment?
  2. How does this verse demonstrate that Satan and demons are already defeated enemies awaiting final sentencing?
  3. Why do demons prefer temporary earthly activity in swine over their ultimate destiny, and what does this reveal about the nature of hell?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

“And”

G2532

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

παρεκάλει2 of 11

“they besought”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

αὐτοῖς3 of 11

“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

ἵνα4 of 11
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ5 of 11
G3361

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

ἐπιτάξῃ6 of 11

“command”

G2004

to arrange upon, i.e., order

αὐτοῖς7 of 11

“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

εἰς8 of 11

“into”

G1519

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

τὴν9 of 11
G3588

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

ἄβυσσον10 of 11

“the deep”

G12

depthless, i.e., (specially) (infernal) "abyss"

ἀπελθεῖν11 of 11

“to go out”

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

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 8:31 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 8:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 25:41Revelation 20:14-15Revelation 20:1-3Revelation 19:20Job 2:5Revelation 9:1-2

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