New Testament
Matthew 8:29
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, demons recognize Jesus as the Son of God and express their fear of Him.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
They shouted, "What do you want with us, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?"
And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, demons recognize Jesus as the Son of God and express their fear of Him. They question His intentions, wondering if He has come to punish them before the final judgment. This interaction highlights the authority of Jesus over evil spirits and their awareness of His power. The demons' plea indicates that they know their time is limited and that Jesus has the ability to cast them out or torment them. This moment reveals the spiritual battle between good and evil, emphasizing that Jesus is not just a teacher or healer, but also has dominion over the supernatural realm. The fear of the demons shows that they understand the consequences of their actions and the reality of divine judgment. This verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of spiritual matters and the authority of Christ in confronting evil.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 8:29 to your life
This verse encourages believers to recognize the authority of Jesus in their lives. It reminds us that evil exists but that we can rely on Christ's power to overcome it. We should remain vigilant and aware of spiritual battles, trusting in Jesus for protection and guidance.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 8:29 mean?
Matthew 8:29 describes a moment when demons recognize Jesus as the Son of God and express fear of His authority. They question whether He has come to punish them before the final judgment, highlighting His power over evil.
What is the significance of the demons recognizing Jesus in Matthew 8:29?
The demons' recognition of Jesus as the Son of God emphasizes His authority and power over evil spirits. It shows that even they are aware of His divine nature and the impending judgment they face.
What does the phrase 'torment us before the appointed time' mean in Matthew 8:29?
The phrase refers to the demons' fear of being punished or tormented by Jesus before the final judgment day. It indicates their understanding that they will face consequences for their actions.
How does Matthew 8:29 relate to spiritual warfare?
Matthew 8:29 highlights the reality of spiritual warfare by showing that evil spirits recognize Jesus' power. It serves as a reminder for believers to trust in Christ's authority when facing spiritual challenges.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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