New Testament
Matthew 8:32
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"Go," Jesus said. So the demons came out of the men and went into the pigs. Suddenly, the whole herd ran violently down the steep bank into the lake and perished in the waters.
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And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
What Matthew 8:32 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus encounters two men possessed by demons. When He commands the demons to leave, they request to enter a herd of pigs nearby. Jesus permits this, and the demons enter the pigs, causing the entire herd to rush down a steep bank and drown in the lake. This event illustrates Jesus' authority over evil spirits and the destructive nature of demonic influence. The pigs' violent reaction signifies the chaos that demons bring into lives. The loss of the pigs also raises questions about the value of human life versus livestock, highlighting the impact of spiritual battles on the physical world. This story serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' power to deliver individuals from bondage and the consequences of evil. It also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confronting spiritual forces in our lives.
How to apply Matthew 8:32 to your life
This passage encourages us to seek Jesus' help in overcoming personal struggles and spiritual battles. It reminds us that Jesus has the power to free us from negative influences and that we should be aware of the impact of evil in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Freeing a Man from Demons (Matthew 8:28–34)
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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.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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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 8:32 mean?
Matthew 8:32 describes an event where Jesus commands demons to leave two possessed men, and they enter a herd of pigs instead. This illustrates Jesus' authority over evil spirits and the chaos that demonic influence can cause.
What is the significance of the pigs in Matthew 8:32?
The pigs in Matthew 8:32 symbolize the destructive nature of evil. When the demons enter the pigs, they cause the herd to rush into the lake, highlighting the chaos and loss that can result from demonic possession.
What does the phrase 'ran violently down a steep bank' mean in Matthew 8:32?
The phrase 'ran violently down a steep bank' indicates the frantic and uncontrollable behavior of the pigs after being possessed by demons. It emphasizes the turmoil and destruction that evil can bring.
How does Matthew 8:32 relate to spiritual warfare?
Matthew 8:32 illustrates spiritual warfare by demonstrating Jesus' authority over demons and the impact of their influence on the physical world. It emphasizes the need to confront and seek deliverance from evil forces.
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