New Testament
Luke 8:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They sailed to the region of the Gadarenes, which is across the lake from Galilee.
Compare translations
And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.
What Luke 8:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus and his disciples arrive in the region of the Gadarenes after crossing a lake from Galilee. The Gadarenes were known for their Gentile population and were located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. This journey signifies a pivotal moment as Jesus begins to reach out to non-Jewish people, demonstrating that his message of salvation is for everyone, not just the Jews. The mention of the location also sets the stage for the miraculous events that follow, particularly the encounter with a man possessed by demons. This encounter highlights Jesus' authority over evil and his mission to bring healing and restoration. The contrast between the Jewish region of Galilee and the Gentile territory of the Gadarenes emphasizes the expanding reach of Jesus' ministry. Overall, this verse marks a significant transition in the narrative, showcasing Jesus' willingness to engage with those outside traditional Jewish boundaries.
How to apply Luke 8:26 to your life
This verse encourages us to embrace diversity and reach out to those who are different from us. Just as Jesus crossed cultural boundaries, we should be open to sharing love and compassion with everyone, regardless of their background. Our faith should inspire us to break down barriers and build connections with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Freeing a Man from Demons (Luke 8:26–39)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 8:26
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Fuller verse explanations
Explore what a verse means, what was happening around it, and how it connects to other Bible passages.
Plain Meaning
Jesus and His disciples crossed the lake and landed in the country of the Gadarenes. "Over against Galilee" means this region is on the opposite shore from Galilee, where they started. The verse simply reports that they arrived. It sets up what happens next: Jesus meets a man possessed by many devils.
Read It in Context
In verse 22, Jesus told His disciples to cross to the other side of the lake. The storm happened on the way. This verse marks the moment they reached the far shore.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Luke 8:26 and any verse in the Bible.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 8:26
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 8:26 mean?
Luke 8:26 describes Jesus and his disciples arriving in the region of the Gadarenes after crossing the Sea of Galilee. This moment signifies Jesus' outreach to Gentiles and sets the stage for his encounter with a demon-possessed man, highlighting his authority over evil.
What is the significance of the Gadarenes in Luke 8:26?
The Gadarenes were a Gentile region, which illustrates Jesus' mission to reach beyond the Jewish community. This location marks a pivotal point in his ministry, emphasizing the inclusivity of his message of salvation.
What happens after Luke 8:26?
After arriving in the Gadarenes, Jesus encounters a man possessed by demons, which leads to a miraculous healing. This event demonstrates Jesus' power over evil and his compassion for those suffering.
How does Luke 8:26 relate to Jesus' overall ministry?
Luke 8:26 highlights a key moment in Jesus' ministry where he crosses cultural boundaries to reach the marginalized. It emphasizes his authority and the expanding reach of his message, marking a transition in his outreach efforts.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.