King James Version

What Does Matthew 8:32 Mean?

Matthew 8:32 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 8:32 · KJV


Context

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.

33

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.

34

And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' permission 'Go' demonstrates His sovereign authority to command even demons, while the pigs' violent death reveals demonic destructiveness. The entire herd rushing into the sea and perishing shows that Satan's nature is theft, killing, and destruction. This dramatic sign authenticated the exorcism's reality to observers and illustrated the deadly power from which the demoniacs were delivered. The economic loss (2000 pigs) was significant but trivial compared to two souls freed from demonic bondage.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The destruction of approximately 2000 pigs (Mark 5:13) represented major economic loss for the owners, explaining why the Gadarenes later asked Jesus to leave (Matthew 8:34). This shows that some value profit over human souls—a perennial temptation in every age.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the pigs' destruction reveal about the nature and goals of demonic powers?
  2. How does the Gadarenes' preference for pigs over the Savior challenge materialistic values in contemporary culture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
καὶ1 of 32

And

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 32

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς3 of 32

unto 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

Ὑπάγετε4 of 32

Go

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

οἱ5 of 32
G3588

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

δὲ6 of 32

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐξελθόντες7 of 32

when they were come out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἀπῆλθον8 of 32

they went

G565

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

εἰς9 of 32

into

G1519

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

τὴν10 of 32
G3588

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

ἀγέλη11 of 32

herd

G34

a drove

τῶν12 of 32
G3588

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

χοίρων13 of 32

of swine

G5519

a hog

καὶ14 of 32

And

G2532

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

ἰδού,15 of 32

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ὥρμησεν16 of 32

ran violently

G3729

to start, spur or urge on, i.e., (reflexively) to dash or plunge

πᾶσα17 of 32

the whole

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

18 of 32
G3588

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

ἀγέλη19 of 32

herd

G34

a drove

τῶν20 of 32
G3588

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

χοίρων21 of 32

of swine

G5519

a hog

κατὰ22 of 32

down

G2596

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

τοῦ23 of 32
G3588

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

κρημνοῦ24 of 32

a steep place

G2911

overhanging, i.e., a precipice

εἰς25 of 32

into

G1519

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

τὴν26 of 32
G3588

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

θάλασσαν27 of 32

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

καὶ28 of 32

And

G2532

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

ἀπέθανον29 of 32

perished

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

ἐν30 of 32

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς31 of 32
G3588

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

ὕδασιν32 of 32

the waters

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively


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 8:32 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 8:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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