New Testament
Matthew 8:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They shouted, "What do you want with us, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?"
Compare translations
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?
What Matthew 8:29 means
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.
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
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Freeing a Man from Demons (Matthew 8:28–34)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 8:29
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 8:29
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.