King James Version

What Does Luke 8:34 Mean?

Luke 8:34 in the King James Version says “When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.”

Luke 8:34 · KJV

Context

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.

34

When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

35

Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

36

They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

Read Luke 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. The swineherds become unwitting evangelists. "When they that fed them saw what was done" (idontes de hoi boskontes to gegonosemeron, ἰδόντες δὲ οἱ βόσκοντες τὸ γεγονὸς) emphasizes eyewitness testimony—they didn't hear rumors but personally observed the entire event: demon-possessed man's confrontation with Jesus, demons' plea, swine's possessed stampede, 2,000 animals drowning. The participle "saw" (ἰδόντες) indicates careful observation, not casual glancing.

"They fled" (ephygon, ἔφυγον) reveals their terror. Whether fleeing physical danger (demonic power, Jesus' authority) or economic consequences (they just lost their employers' valuable herd), fear drove them away. "And went and told it in the city and in the country" (apēngeilan eis tēn polin kai eis tous agrous, ἀπήγγειλαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν καὶ εἰς τοὺς ἀγρούς) shows comprehensive proclamation—urban and rural areas both received the news. The verb "told" (ἀπήγγειλαν) means to report, announce, proclaim—they spread the news everywhere.

Their testimony serves God's purposes despite their fear and possibly hostile intent (reporting property destruction). Unwitting witnesses spread news of Christ's power throughout the Decapolis—Gentile territory previously unreached by His ministry. This pattern recurs in Scripture: God uses even hostile witnesses to advance His kingdom (Acts 5:33-42, Philippians 1:12-18). The swineherds' report would bring crowds to investigate, setting stage for the healed demoniac's powerful testimony (v. 39).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Decapolis consisted of ten Gentile cities (Damascus, Philadelphia, Raphana, Scythopolis, Gadara, Hippos, Dion, Pella, Gerasa, Canatha) established as Greek colonies after Alexander's conquests. These cities maintained Greek culture, language, and religion despite Roman rule. News traveling from rural areas to cities was common—swineherds would report to owners (likely wealthy urban dwellers who invested in commercial farming).

First-century communication relied on oral testimony. Eyewitnesses held special authority—their accounts carried weight in legal and religious contexts. That multiple swineherds witnessed the event strengthened credibility. Jewish law required two or three witnesses to establish facts (Deuteronomy 19:15)—here, numerous witnesses observed the entire sequence, preventing later denial or rationalization.

The swineherds' proclamation prepared the region for Jesus' return. Mark 5:20 records that the healed demoniac "began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel." When Jesus returned to Decapolis (Mark 7:31), crowds thronged Him—the groundwork laid by these unwitting witnesses and the transformed demoniac bore fruit. Early church missionary strategy often followed similar patterns: initial witness, local testimony, subsequent ministry building on established awareness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use even fearful, potentially hostile witnesses to spread news of His mighty works?
  2. What does the swineherds' immediate, comprehensive proclamation teach about the impact of witnessing divine power?
  3. How should Christians view 'negative publicity' or hostile reports that nonetheless spread knowledge of Christ's authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἰδόντες1 of 17

“them 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 17

“When”

G1161

but, and, etc

οἱ3 of 17
G3588

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

βόσκοντες4 of 17

“they that fed”

G1006

to pasture; by extension to, fodder; reflexively, to graze

τὸ5 of 17
G3588

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

γεγενημένον6 of 17

“what was done”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἔφυγον7 of 17

“they fled”

G5343

to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish

καὶ8 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

ἀπελθόντες9 of 17

“went”

G565

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

ἀπήγγειλαν10 of 17

“and told”

G518

to announce

εἰς11 of 17

“in”

G1519

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

τὴν12 of 17
G3588

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

πόλιν13 of 17

“the city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

καὶ14 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

εἰς15 of 17

“in”

G1519

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

τοὺς16 of 17
G3588

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

ἀγρούς17 of 17

“the country”

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

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 8:34 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 8:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 5:14Matthew 28:11Acts 19:16-17Matthew 8:33

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