New Testament
Matthew 8:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The demons begged him, "If you're going to cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs."
Compare translations
So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
What Matthew 8:31 means
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.
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
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 8:31
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 8:31
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 8:31 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.