Matthew 8:29
And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔκραξαν
they cried out
G2896
ἔκραξαν
they cried out
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 18
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
9 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
υἱὲ
thou Son
G5207
υἱὲ
thou Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
10 of 18
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ;
of God
G2316
θεοῦ;
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἠλθες
art thou come
G2064
ἠλθες
art thou come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
13 of 18
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸ
before
G4253
πρὸ
before
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
15 of 18
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
Cross References
Mark 1:24Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.Luke 4:34Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.Mark 5:7And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.James 2:19Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.Luke 8:28When 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.2 Peter 2:4For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;Matthew 4:3And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.John 2:4Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.Luke 4:41And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.2 Samuel 16:10And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?
Historical Context
The demons' theology is remarkably accurate—they know Jesus is God's Son, understand there is an appointed time for judgment, and recognize their certain doom. Yet this intellectual assent without submission demonstrates that saving faith requires more than mere belief in facts about Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the demons' belief in Christ without salvation teach about the difference between intellectual assent and saving faith?
- How does the demons' certainty about future judgment contrast with human presumption and false security?
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Analysis & Commentary
The demons' recognition of Jesus as 'Son of God' demonstrates that spiritual beings (unlike many humans) clearly recognize Christ's divine identity. Their question 'art thou come hither to torment us before the time?' reveals they know their ultimate doom is certain, only its timing uncertain. This shows that mere knowledge of Christ's identity doesn't constitute saving faith—demons believe and tremble (James 2:19) but aren't saved. The 'time' refers to final judgment when demons will be cast into eternal punishment.