Luke 8:28
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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The title "God most high" (Theos hypsistos) was used by both Jews and Gentiles in the first century. Genesis 14:18-20 uses it for Melchizedek's God; Daniel uses it for Yahweh (Daniel 3:26, 4:2). Gentiles also used the title for Zeus or the supreme deity. That a demon in Gentile territory uses this title may indicate the universal recognition of Yahweh's supremacy, even in pagan regions.
Jewish exorcism in the first century involved complex rituals, incantations, and use of divine names (Acts 19:13-16). Jesus needed none of these—His mere presence compelled demonic submission. The demon's plea "torment me not" echoes Jewish belief that demons would ultimately be judged and punished. Intertestamental literature (1 Enoch, Jubilees) describes fallen angels bound in darkness awaiting final judgment.
Early church fathers noted this passage's significance—demons have correct theology but lack saving faith. Intellectual assent to Jesus' identity differs categorically from trusting surrender. Modern applications warn against presuming that knowledge about Jesus equates to relationship with Jesus. Orthodox belief without regenerate heart leads to damnation, not salvation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does demonic theology (correct belief without saving faith) warn against mere intellectual Christianity?
- What does the demon's immediate recognition and terror of Jesus teach about Christ's authority over spiritual forces?
- Why do demons fear torment while unconverted humans often feel no such fear, and what does this reveal about spiritual blindness?
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Analysis & Commentary
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. This dramatic encounter reveals demonic theology and terror. "When he saw Jesus, he cried out" (idōn ton Iēsoun anakraxas, ἰδὼν τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἀνακράξας)—the demons immediately recognized Christ's identity and authority. The verb "cried out" (ἀνακράξας) indicates a shriek or scream of terror. "Fell down before him" (prosepesen autō, προσέπεσεν αὐτῷ) describes involuntary prostration—not worship but compelled submission before superior power.
"With a loud voice" (phōnē megalē, φωνῇ μεγάλῃ) emphasizes the violent, public nature of this confrontation. The demon's question, "What have I to do with thee?" (Ti emoi kai soi, Τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί)—literally "What to me and to you?"—is a Semitic idiom meaning "Why do you interfere with me?" Remarkably, the demon correctly identifies Jesus: "Son of God most high" (Huie tou Theou tou hypsistou, Υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ὑψίστου). Demons possess accurate theology—they know Jesus is God's Son (James 2:19).
"I beseech thee, torment me not" (deomai sou, mē me basanisēs, δέομαί σου, μή με βασανίσῃς) reveals demonic terror of judgment. The verb "torment" (βασανίσῃς) refers to torture, punishment, or judgment. Demons know their ultimate fate (Matthew 8:29), and Christ's presence triggers fear of premature judgment. This verse demonstrates that intellectual knowledge of Christ's identity provides no salvation—demons believe and tremble (James 2:19) yet remain unredeemed.