New Testament
Matthew 8:31
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, the demons recognize Jesus' authority to cast them out of a possessed man.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
The demons begged him, "If you're going to cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs."
So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the demons recognize Jesus' authority to cast them out of a possessed man. They plead with Him to send them into a nearby herd of pigs instead of being sent away completely. This shows their fear of being left without a host and highlights the power Jesus has over evil spirits. The request to enter the pigs indicates that the demons prefer to inhabit something rather than face the void of being cast out. This moment illustrates the conflict between good and evil, as well as the authority of Jesus over demonic forces. The pigs, which were considered unclean animals in Jewish culture, serve as a fitting destination for the demons, emphasizing their corrupt nature. This event leads to a significant demonstration of Jesus' power, as the pigs rush into the water and drown, showcasing the destructive nature of the demons and the impact of Jesus' intervention.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 8:31 to your life
This verse reminds us of the reality of spiritual warfare and the authority Jesus has over evil. It encourages believers to seek Jesus' help in overcoming personal struggles and to trust in His power to bring freedom from any form of bondage or oppression in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 8:31 mean?
Matthew 8:31 depicts demons pleading with Jesus to send them into a herd of pigs instead of being cast out completely. This highlights their fear of being left without a host and demonstrates Jesus' authority over evil spirits.
What is the significance of the pigs in Matthew 8:31?
The pigs in Matthew 8:31 symbolize unclean animals in Jewish culture, making them a fitting destination for the demons. Their request to enter the pigs illustrates the demons' desire to inhabit something rather than face the void of being cast out.
What does this verse reveal about Jesus' authority?
This verse shows that Jesus has the power to command demons and influence their actions. The demons' plea for permission to enter the pigs emphasizes His authority over evil forces.
What themes are present in Matthew 8:31?
Key themes in Matthew 8:31 include the authority of Jesus, the reality of demonic possession, the conflict between good and evil, and the destructive nature of evil as demonstrated by the pigs drowning.
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