New Testament
Luke 8:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He said this because Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of him. The spirit had seized him many times before. Even when he was chained hand and foot, he would snap the chains and be driven by the demon into desolate places.
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(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)
What Luke 8:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Jesus commanding an unclean spirit to leave a man who had been tormented for a long time. The spirit had taken control of him, causing him to act violently and break free from chains that were meant to restrain him. This illustrates the power of evil and how it can dominate a person's life, leading them to isolation and despair. The man was often driven into desolate places, highlighting the destructive nature of the spirit. Jesus' authority over the unclean spirit shows that He can bring freedom and healing to those who are suffering. This moment emphasizes the struggle between good and evil, and the hope that exists in Jesus' ability to restore and liberate individuals from their afflictions.
How to apply Luke 8:29 to your life
This verse reminds us that Jesus has the power to free us from our struggles and the things that bind us. We can seek His help in our own battles against sin and despair, trusting that He can bring healing and restoration to our lives.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Freeing a Man from Demons (Luke 8:26–39)
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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
This verse is a parenthetical note explaining why the man reacted the way he did in verse 28. Jesus had already given the command for the spirit to leave. The verse then gives background on the man's condition: the spirit had seized him many times before. People had tried to restrain him with chains and fetters, but he broke free every time. When not restrained, the spirit drove him out into the wilderness alone.
Read It in Context
Verse 28 shows the man crying out to Jesus in fear. This verse steps back to explain that Jesus had already spoken the command to the spirit before that cry. It also fills in the man's history so the reader understands how severe and long-standing his condition was.
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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 8:29 mean?
Luke 8:29 describes Jesus commanding an unclean spirit to leave a man who had been tormented for a long time. The verse illustrates the man's struggle with the spirit's control, showcasing Jesus' authority to bring freedom and healing.
What is the meaning of the unclean spirit in Luke 8:29?
The unclean spirit in Luke 8:29 represents evil or demonic forces that can take control of a person, leading to destructive behavior and isolation. This highlights the spiritual battle between good and evil.
How does Luke 8:29 relate to spiritual warfare?
Luke 8:29 illustrates spiritual warfare by showing the conflict between Jesus and the unclean spirit. It highlights the reality of evil's influence and Jesus' authority to overcome it.
What can we learn from Luke 8:29?
From Luke 8:29, we learn that Jesus has the power to free us from our struggles and the things that bind us. It encourages us to seek His help in overcoming personal battles and finding healing.
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