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Luke 8

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.

And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him and how she was healed immediately.

And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.

And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.

And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.

And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.

And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

What does Luke 8:27 mean?

Explanation

Luke 8:27 provides an account of Jesus's encounter with a demon-possessed man upon arriving in the region of the Gerasenes.

The verse describes the man as having been under the influence of demons for a long time, living without clothes and making his home not in a house but among the tombs. This vivid description paints a picture of extreme social alienation and personal distress.

The man's lack of clothing signifies his utter vulnerability and the severe degree to which he has been stripped of his dignity and human identity.

His dwelling among the tombs further reinforces his disconnection from society; in ancient times, cemeteries were places of impurity and were often avoided by the living.

Hence, this individual is presented as someone who is not only physically but also spiritually destitute and living in a state of death even while alive.

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Historical Context

This event occurs in the context of first-century Jewish culture, where demon possession was commonly understood as a reality.

People with severe physical or mental illnesses were often perceived as being inhabited by evil spirits.

The story is set in the region of the Gerasenes, which is mainly Gentile and across the Sea of Galilee from Galilee, where Jesus conducted much of his ministry.

The presence of tombs also signifies a Gentile area since Jews would not commonly dwell or be in close proximity to graves due to ritual purity laws.

Theological Insights

There are several theological themes to consider in this verse.

Firstly, the man's condition can be seen as a representation of the brokenness and sin that separates humanity from God.

In this view, the man might symbolize the state of a person living in sin, alienated, naked from spiritual protection, and dwelling among the dead (which could represent sin or separation from God).

Secondly, this encounter emphasizes the divine authority of Jesus over evil forces.

The very fact that Jesus is approached by the man implies that the demons recognize Jesus' power.

This encounter sets the stage for the subsequent miraculous healing that showcases Christ's compassion and power to restore individuals to a state of wholeness.

Practical Applications

This verse can teach several lessons that are applicable to contemporary life. It encourages individuals to show compassion towards those who are socially ostracized or experiencing mental health challenges.

The verse also invites reflection on the ways society can better support vulnerable populations.

Additionally, the transformative encounter with Jesus suggests that irrespective of one's past or the depth of one's suffering, restoration and renewal are possible through faith and divine intervention.

Cross-References

Mark 5:1-20 – Another account of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes.
Matthew 8:28-34 – Matthew's version of Jesus's encounter with the demon-possessed men.
Isaiah 61:1 – Old Testament prophecy about bringing good news to the afflicted and binding up the brokenhearted.
Ephesians 6:12 – Refers to the struggle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil.

Language Study

Key words and their meanings in Greek:

"met him" (ὑπήντησεν) – an aggressive encounter, emphasizing the confrontation.
"city" (πόλεως) – an urban settlement, indicating the man came from a populated area, yet now lived isolated.
"devils" (δαιμόνια) – evil spirits; in this context, multiple demons possess the man.
"long time" (χρόνιος) – an extended period, suggesting chronic suffering.
"ware no clothes" (γυμνός) – naked, signifying extreme vulnerability and possible humiliation.
"abode" (εἰσκατοίκει) – to reside, emphasizing the man did not have a permanent home.
"tombs" (μνήμασιν) – graves or burial places, associated with the dead.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Greco-Roman culture, stories of interactions with spirits and gods often included elements of supernatural transformation and supernatural abodes, yet these were typically more whimsical or heroic.

This biblical account, however, had a more dramatic and personal tone, emphasizing not just transformation, but also the restoration of dignity and social position.

In other religions, exorcism rituals were also known, but they often involved complex rituals or appeasement of the spirits. The Christian perspective, as shown in Luke, highlights the unilateral divine authority of Jesus to command the spirits without any ritualistic intervention.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific viewpoint, the man's condition might be perceived as a severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, which was understood in ancient times as demonic possession.

Psychological studies on religious and spiritual experiences suggest that the perception and labeling of mental health issues can be influenced by cultural and religious contexts.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars often focus on the significance of Jesus encountering the man in a Gentile region, highlighting the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry.

Commentators like William Barclay note the stark portrayal of human need and the power of redemption in this story, while others like Joel B.

Green interpret the social and symbolic implications of the man's nakedness and residence among the tombs.

Conservative scholars might emphasize the literal existence of demons, while more liberal interpreters could focus on the social and psychological aspects of the account.

All these perspectives contribute to understanding the multifaceted nature of this verse and the broader narrative it's a part of.

Luke 8

Luke 8

What does Luke 8:27 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 8:27 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?