King James Version

What Does Matthew 8:30 Mean?

Matthew 8:30 in the King James Version says “And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 8:30 · KJV


Context

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.

31

So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.

32

And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The presence of 'a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding' confirms this is Gentile territory, as Jews considered swine unclean and wouldn't raise them. The detail sets up the demons' request to enter the pigs, demonstrating both Christ's absolute authority over demons and the destructive nature of demonic power. That demons prefer embodiment in unclean animals to disembodiment shows the horror of their existence under God's judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pigs were raised primarily for Gentile consumption in the Decapolis region. The presence of a large herd (Mark 5:13 says about 2000) indicates significant commercial operation. The herdsmen's livelihood would be destroyed by what follows, explaining their hostile reaction to Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the demons' preference for embodiment in pigs over disembodiment reveal about the misery of their judged condition?
  2. How does the subsequent destruction of the pigs demonstrate that demonic power always leads to destruction and chaos?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ἦν1 of 9

there was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δὲ2 of 9

And

G1161

but, and, etc

μακρὰν3 of 9

a good way off

G3112

at a distance (literally or figuratively)

ἀπ'4 of 9

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

αὐτῶν5 of 9

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

ἀγέλη6 of 9

an herd

G34

a drove

χοίρων7 of 9

swine

G5519

a hog

πολλῶν8 of 9

of many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

βοσκομένη9 of 9

feeding

G1006

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


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 8:30 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 8:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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