King James Version

What Does Matthew 8:28 Mean?

Matthew 8:28 in the King James Version says “And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, comi... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

Matthew 8:28 · KJV


Context

26

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

27

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

28

And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

29

And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

30

And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The mention of 'two possessed with devils' in the country of the Gergesenes introduces the dramatic exorcism that follows. Matthew mentions two demoniacs while Mark and Luke focus on one (perhaps the more prominent). Their dwelling among tombs and exceeding fierceness demonstrates the dehumanizing effects of demonic possession—isolation from community, dwelling with death, and violence. This illustrates Satan's work of theft, killing, and destruction (John 10:10).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Gergesenes (also called Gadarenes or Gerasenes in parallel accounts) lived in the Decapolis, a predominantly Gentile region east of Galilee. The presence of pigs (verse 30) confirms the Gentile setting, as Jews considered swine unclean. This mission to Gentile territory prefigures the gospel's expansion beyond Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the demoniacs' condition teach about Satan's goal of dehumanizing and destroying those under his power?
  2. How does this Gentile exorcism demonstrate that Christ's power extends beyond ethnic Israel to all nations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
Καὶ1 of 30

And

G2532

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

ἐλθόντι2 of 30

was come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

αὐτῷ3 of 30

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

εἰς4 of 30

into

G1519

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

τὸ5 of 30
G3588

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

πέραν6 of 30

the other side

G4008

through (as adverb or preposition), i.e., across

εἰς7 of 30

into

G1519

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

τὴν8 of 30
G3588

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

χώραν9 of 30

the country

G5561

room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)

τῶν10 of 30
G3588

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

Γεργεσηνῶν,11 of 30

of the Gergesenes

G1086

a gergesene (i.e., girgashite) or one of the people from palestine

ὑπήντησαν12 of 30

there met

G5221

to go opposite (meet) under (quietly), i.e., to encounter, fall in with

αὐτῷ13 of 30

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

δύο14 of 30

two

G1417

"two"

δαιμονιζόμενοι15 of 30

possessed with devils

G1139

to be exercised by a daemon

ἐκ16 of 30

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν17 of 30
G3588

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

μνημείων18 of 30

the tombs

G3419

a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)

ἐξερχόμενοι19 of 30

coming

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

χαλεποὶ20 of 30

fierce

G5467

difficult, i.e., dangerous, or (by implication) furious

λίαν21 of 30

exceeding

G3029

much (adverbially)

ὥστε22 of 30

so that

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

μὴ23 of 30

no

G3361

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

ἰσχύειν24 of 30

might

G2480

to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)

τινὰ25 of 30

man

G5100

some or any person or object

παρελθεῖν26 of 30

pass

G3928

to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert

διὰ27 of 30

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς28 of 30
G3588

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

ὁδοῦ29 of 30

way

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

ἐκείνης30 of 30

that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 8:28 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 Matthew 8:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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