New Testament
Luke 8:28
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When he saw Jesus, he screamed and threw himself down before him, shouting, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I'm begging you, don't torment me!"
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When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.
What Luke 8:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a man possessed by demons encounters Jesus. Upon seeing Him, the man reacts with fear and desperation, recognizing Jesus' authority as the Son of the Most High God. His cry reveals his awareness of Jesus' power to either help or harm him. The plea not to be tormented indicates the torment he experiences from the demons within him. This moment highlights the clash between divine authority and demonic oppression, showcasing Jesus' ability to confront evil. The man's actions—screaming and falling down—demonstrate both his fear and reverence for Jesus, acknowledging Him as a powerful figure. This encounter sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent actions to deliver the man from his suffering, illustrating the transformative power of Jesus' presence and authority over evil spirits.
How to apply Luke 8:28 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the authority of Jesus in our lives. Just as the man sought help from Jesus, we too can approach Him with our struggles and fears. It reminds us that Jesus has the power to deliver us from our own demons, whether they be sin, addiction, or despair.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Freeing a Man from Demons (Luke 8:26–39)
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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.
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Plain Meaning
The man controlled by devils sees Jesus and cries out. He falls to the ground and begs Jesus not to hurt him. The question "What have I to do with thee?" means: what do you want with me? The devils inside the man know exactly who Jesus is. They call him "Son of God most high" because they fear him and what he might do to them.
Read It in Context
Verse 27 says the man had been taken over by devils for a long time. He wore no clothes and lived among the tombs. Verse 29 says Jesus had already told the unclean spirit to leave. The cry "torment me not" is a direct response to that command.
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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 8:28 mean?
Luke 8:28 describes a man possessed by demons who recognizes Jesus' authority and pleads for mercy. His reaction shows both fear and reverence, highlighting the power of Jesus over evil.
What is the significance of the phrase 'Son of the Most High God' in Luke 8:28?
The phrase 'Son of the Most High God' signifies Jesus' divine authority and identity. It emphasizes the recognition of His power by the demon-possessed man, illustrating the spiritual battle between good and evil.
Why did the man in Luke 8:28 scream and fall down before Jesus?
The man screamed and fell down before Jesus out of fear and recognition of His power. This act demonstrates his desperation for help and acknowledgment of Jesus as a powerful figure capable of delivering him from torment.
How does Luke 8:28 relate to personal struggles today?
Luke 8:28 encourages individuals to seek help from Jesus in their own struggles, whether they involve sin, addiction, or despair. It reminds us that Jesus has the power to deliver us from our personal demons.
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