New Testament
Luke 8:33
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The demons came out of the man and went into the pigs. The entire herd stampeded down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.
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Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.
What Luke 8:33 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus encounters a man possessed by demons. When He commands the demons to leave, they enter a herd of pigs nearby. The pigs, overwhelmed by the demons, rush down a steep bank and drown in the lake. This event illustrates the power of Jesus over evil spirits and the destructive nature of demonic influence. The pigs' violent reaction signifies the chaos that demons can cause, not just in individuals but also in their surroundings. The drowning of the pigs raises questions about the value of life and the consequences of spiritual battles. It also serves as a dramatic demonstration of Jesus' authority, showing that even the forces of darkness must obey Him. This story emphasizes the importance of spiritual freedom and the lengths to which Jesus goes to restore individuals from bondage, even if it means allowing a herd of pigs to perish. The local community's reaction to this event further highlights the clash between spiritual truth and societal values.
How to apply Luke 8:33 to your life
This passage encourages us to recognize the reality of spiritual battles in our lives. It reminds us to seek Jesus' help in overcoming personal struggles and to understand the importance of spiritual freedom. We should also be mindful of the impact our choices have on ourselves and others.
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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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
Jesus gave the demons permission to enter the pigs. The moment they did, the whole herd stampeded down the hillside into the lake and drowned. The man was free, but the herd was destroyed.
Read It in Context
The demons had begged Jesus not to send them into "the deep" (verse 31). Instead, they asked to enter a nearby herd of pigs, and Jesus allowed it. Verse 33 is the immediate result of that permission.
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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 8:33 mean?
Luke 8:33 describes an event where demons leave a man and enter a herd of pigs, causing the pigs to rush into a lake and drown. This illustrates Jesus' authority over evil spirits and the chaos that can result from demonic influence.
What is the significance of the pigs drowning in Luke 8:33?
The drowning of the pigs in Luke 8:33 highlights the destructive nature of demonic possession and the consequences of spiritual battles. It also raises questions about the value of life and the impact of evil on both individuals and their surroundings.
What does the phrase 'the herd ran violently down a steep place' mean in Luke 8:33?
The phrase indicates the intense and uncontrollable reaction of the pigs after being possessed by demons. It symbolizes the turmoil and chaos that can arise from demonic influence.
How does Luke 8:33 relate to spiritual warfare?
Luke 8:33 illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare by showing Jesus confronting and overcoming demonic forces. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between good and evil in the spiritual realm.
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