King James Version

What Does Luke 8:39 Mean?

Luke 8:39 in the King James Version says “Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published through... — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

Luke 8:39 · KJV


Context

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,

39

Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

40

And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

41

And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus commands the healed demoniac: 'Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee.' Typically Jesus commanded healed people not to publicize miracles (Mark 1:44, 5:43), but here He commands proclamation. The phrase 'how great things God hath done' emphasizes divine action—testimony focuses on God's work, not personal experience. 'Return to thine own house' sends him back to family and community as living witness. His obedience is recorded: 'he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.' His testimony prepared Decapolis for later gospel reception.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The healed man had been possessed by Legion—many demons (v. 30)—living among tombs, naked, violent, isolated. Jesus cast demons into swine, which drowned (v. 32-33). The local people, fearing economic loss and supernatural power, begged Jesus to leave (v. 37). Jesus' command sent the healed man as missionary to his own people—the Decapolis, a largely Gentile region. His testimony was uniquely powerful—everyone knew his previous condition, making his transformation undeniable. This pattern continues—effective witnesses testify what God did for them, credibly because others observed their previous condition. Personal testimony authenticates gospel claims.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus send the healed demoniac home to testify when He usually commanded silence about miracles?
  2. What does the man's testimony 'how great things God hath done' teach about focusing witness on God's work rather than personal experience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
Ὑπόστρεφε1 of 24

Return

G5290

to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)

εἰς2 of 24

to

G1519

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

τὸν3 of 24
G3588

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

οἶκόν4 of 24

house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

σου5 of 24

thine own

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ6 of 24

And

G2532

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

διηγοῦ7 of 24

shew

G1334

to relate fully

ὅσα8 of 24

how great things

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἐποίησεν9 of 24

had done

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

σοι10 of 24

unto thee

G4671

to thee

11 of 24
G3588

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

θεός12 of 24

God

G2316

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

καὶ13 of 24

And

G2532

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

ἀπῆλθεν14 of 24

he went his way

G565

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

καθ'15 of 24

throughout

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὅλην16 of 24

the whole

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τὴν17 of 24
G3588

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

πόλιν18 of 24

city

G4172

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

κηρύσσων19 of 24

and published

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

ὅσα20 of 24

how great things

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἐποίησεν21 of 24

had done

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

αὐτῷ22 of 24

unto 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

23 of 24
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς24 of 24

Jesus

G2424

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


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 8:39 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 8:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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