King James Version
Matthew 8:31 in the King James Version says “So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.”
Matthew 8:31 · KJV
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?
And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
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.
And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“besought”
G3870to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“saying”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
“to go away”
G565to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
“into”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
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.
Matthew 8:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Matthew 8:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge