Luke 8:37

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
Then
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἠρώτησαν
G2065
besought
to interrogate; by implication, to request
#3
αὐτὸς
G846
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#4
ἅπαν
G537
the whole
absolutely all or (singular) every one
#5
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
πλῆθος
G4128
multitude
a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace
#7
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
περιχώρου
G4066
of the country
around the region, i.e., circumjacent (as noun, with g1093 implied vicinity)
#9
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
Γαδαρηνῶν
G1046
of the Gadarenes
a gadarene or inhabitant of gadara
#11
ἀπελθεῖν
G565
to depart
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
#12
ἀπ'
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#13
αὐτὸς
G846
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#14
ὅτι
G3754
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#15
φόβῳ
G5401
fear
alarm or fright
#16
μεγάλῳ
G3173
with great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#17
συνείχοντο·
G4912
they were taken
to hold together, i.e., to compress (the ears, with a crowd or siege) or arrest (a prisoner); figuratively, to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy
#18
αὐτὸς
G846
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#19
δὲ
G1161
and
but, and, etc
#20
ἐμβὰς
G1684
he went up
to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)
#21
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#22
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
πλοῖον
G4143
the ship
a sailer, i.e., vessel
#24
ὑπέστρεψεν
G5290
and returned back again
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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