Matthew 8:31
So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δαίμονες
the devils
G1142
δαίμονες
the devils
Strong's:
G1142
Word #:
3 of 17
a daemon or supernatural spirit (of a bad nature)
παρεκάλουν
besought
G3870
παρεκάλουν
besought
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
4 of 17
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 17
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
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἀπελθεῖν
to go away
G565
ἀπελθεῖν
to go away
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
12 of 17
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The demons' petition and Jesus' permission (verse 32) shows that Satan and demons can only do what God permits within His sovereign purposes (Job 1-2). This provides comfort that no spiritual warfare occurs outside God's control and that His purposes prevail even through demonic activity.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the demons' need for Christ's permission teach about God's sovereignty over all spiritual forces?
- How should this account of Christ's authority over demons strengthen your confidence during spiritual warfare?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The demons' petition to 'send us away into the herd of swine' reveals they could not act without Christ's permission, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over the spirit realm. That they must ask permission shows even in their rebellion, demons remain under God's control, able to do only what He permits for His purposes. Their request also reveals the destructive bent of demonic nature—unable to possess humans, they'll settle for destroying animals.