King James Version

What Does Luke 8:36 Mean?

Luke 8:36 in the King James Version says “They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 8:36 · KJV

Context

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.

37

Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

38

Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Additional eyewitness testimony reinforces the miracle's credibility. "They also which saw it" (apēngeilan de autois hoi idontes, ἀπήγγειλαν δὲ αὐτοῖς οἱ ἰδόντες) identifies another group of witnesses beyond the swineherds—likely Jesus' disciples and others present at the exorcism. "Told them" (ἀπήγγειλαν) indicates formal testimony, official report. "By what means" (pōs, πῶς) shows they explained the process, methodology, sequence of events—not merely that healing occurred but how it happened.

"He that was possessed of the devils was healed" (esōthē ho daimonistheis, ἐσώθη ὁ δαιμονισθείς) uses the verb sōzō (σῴζω), meaning saved, healed, delivered—the same term used for eternal salvation. This physical deliverance from demons illustrates spiritual salvation from sin. The passive voice "was healed" emphasizes divine action—he didn't heal himself; Jesus healed him. The perfect passive participle "that was possessed" (ὁ δαιμονισθείς) indicates his previous condition: one who had been thoroughly demonized.

Luke's inclusion of this verse emphasizes the importance of testimony and evidence. The gospel rests on eyewitness accounts (Luke 1:1-4, Acts 1:3, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 2 Peter 1:16, 1 John 1:1-3). Multiple witnesses observing and reporting the same event establishes reliability. This miracle wasn't performed in secret but publicly, with numerous observers able to verify every detail. Such evidence should compel belief, yet verse 37 shows many still reject despite overwhelming proof.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century legal and historical standards required eyewitness testimony for establishing facts. Jewish law mandated two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6, 19:15, Matthew 18:16, 2 Corinthians 13:1). Roman legal proceedings similarly valued eyewitness accounts over hearsay. Luke, writing as historian (Luke 1:1-4), carefully documents multiple witnesses—swineherds, disciples, Jesus, the healed man himself, and "they which saw it."

The Greek term apēngeilan (reported, declared, announced) appears frequently in Luke-Acts describing testimony about Jesus' works (Luke 8:47, 9:36, Acts 4:23, 12:14). Luke emphasizes verifiable, testified facts—not myths or legends but documented events with named witnesses and specific details. This historical method builds confidence in the gospel's reliability.

Early church apologists (Justin Martyr, Origen, Eusebius) defended Christianity by appealing to eyewitness testimony documented in Gospels and Acts. They argued that Christianity, unlike pagan myths, was rooted in verifiable historical events witnessed by multiple people who testified publicly, often at cost of persecution or death. Modern apologetics continues using eyewitness testimony as evidence for resurrection and miracles. Luke's careful documentation provides foundation for this evidential approach.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the emphasis on multiple eyewitnesses strengthen confidence in the miracle's historical reliability?
  2. What does Luke's careful documentation of testimony teach about the relationship between faith and evidence?
  3. Why does God provide overwhelming evidence for His works, yet many still reject despite proof?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ἀπήγγειλαν1 of 10

“it told”

G518

to announce

δὲ2 of 10
G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοῖς3 of 10

“them”

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

καὶ4 of 10

“They also”

G2532

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

οἱ5 of 10
G3588

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

ἰδόντες6 of 10

“which 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

πῶς7 of 10

“by what means”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

ἐσώθη8 of 10

“was healed”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

ὁ9 of 10
G3588

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

δαιμονισθείς10 of 10

“he that was possessed of the devils”

G1139

to be exercised by a daemon

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 8:36 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 8:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 4:24

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