Matthew 8:32
And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 32
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
Ὑπάγετε
Go
G5217
Ὑπάγετε
Go
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
4 of 32
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξελθόντες
when they were come out
G1831
ἐξελθόντες
when they were come out
Strong's:
G1831
Word #:
7 of 32
to issue (literally or figuratively)
ἀπῆλθον
they went
G565
ἀπῆλθον
they went
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
8 of 32
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 #:
9 of 32
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 #:
10 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὥρμησεν
ran violently
G3729
ὥρμησεν
ran violently
Strong's:
G3729
Word #:
16 of 32
to start, spur or urge on, i.e., (reflexively) to dash or plunge
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
down
G2596
κατὰ
down
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
22 of 32
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
25 of 32
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 #:
26 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
28 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Mark 5:13And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.Revelation 20:7And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,Acts 4:28For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.Acts 2:23Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:Luke 8:33Then 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.
Historical Context
The destruction of approximately 2000 pigs (Mark 5:13) represented major economic loss for the owners, explaining why the Gadarenes later asked Jesus to leave (Matthew 8:34). This shows that some value profit over human souls—a perennial temptation in every age.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the pigs' destruction reveal about the nature and goals of demonic powers?
- How does the Gadarenes' preference for pigs over the Savior challenge materialistic values in contemporary culture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' permission 'Go' demonstrates His sovereign authority to command even demons, while the pigs' violent death reveals demonic destructiveness. The entire herd rushing into the sea and perishing shows that Satan's nature is theft, killing, and destruction. This dramatic sign authenticated the exorcism's reality to observers and illustrated the deadly power from which the demoniacs were delivered. The economic loss (2000 pigs) was significant but trivial compared to two souls freed from demonic bondage.