New Testament
Luke 8:38
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see a man who had been possessed by demons and was now healed by Jesus.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,
Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a man who had been possessed by demons and was now healed by Jesus. He expresses a strong desire to follow Jesus and be with Him, likely out of gratitude and a newfound sense of peace. However, Jesus tells him to go back to his home and share what God has done for him. This interaction highlights the importance of sharing one's testimony and the transformative power of Jesus in a person's life. The man’s desire to stay with Jesus reflects a common human longing for connection and support after experiencing profound change. Yet, Jesus redirects him to his community, emphasizing that his healing is not just for himself but also for others to witness and understand the power of God. This moment illustrates the balance between personal faith and communal responsibility, as the man is called to be a witness to others about the mercy he received.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 8:38 to your life
This verse encourages us to share our personal stories of faith and healing with others. Just as the healed man was instructed to tell others about his experience, we too can inspire and uplift those around us by sharing how God has worked in our lives. Our testimonies can lead others to seek Jesus.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 8:38 mean?
Luke 8:38 describes a man who was healed from demon possession and wanted to follow Jesus. However, Jesus instructed him to return home and share his story, highlighting the importance of sharing personal experiences of healing and faith with others.
What is the significance of the healed man's request in Luke 8:38?
The healed man's request to follow Jesus shows his gratitude and desire for connection after experiencing transformation. Jesus' response emphasizes that his healing is not just for himself but also serves a greater purpose in sharing God's power with his community.
What does Jesus' response in Luke 8:38 teach us?
Jesus' response teaches us about the importance of community and sharing our testimonies. It reminds us that our personal experiences of faith can inspire and uplift others, encouraging them to seek God.
What themes are present in Luke 8:38?
Key themes in Luke 8:38 include healing, testimony, faith, community, obedience, and transformation. These themes illustrate the impact of Jesus' work in an individual's life and the call to share that impact with others.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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