Matthew 8:33
And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βόσκοντες
they that kept
G1006
βόσκοντες
they that kept
Strong's:
G1006
Word #:
3 of 15
to pasture; by extension to, fodder; reflexively, to graze
ἔφυγον
them fled
G5343
ἔφυγον
them fled
Strong's:
G5343
Word #:
4 of 15
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπελθόντες
went their ways
G565
ἀπελθόντες
went their ways
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
6 of 15
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 #:
7 of 15
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 #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλιν
the city
G4172
πόλιν
the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
9 of 15
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The herders fled to the nearby city (Gadara or Gerasa) reporting what they'd witnessed. This created a dilemma—Jesus had demonstrated power over spiritual forces and compassion for the afflicted, but at significant economic cost. The subsequent rejection shows fallen humanity's tendency to prioritize material concerns over spiritual realities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the detailed witness of the herders demonstrate that the miracle was public, verified, and undeniable?
- What does this passage teach about how economic interests can blind people to spiritual reality and salvation opportunities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The swine herders' witness 'told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils' demonstrates they recognized the connection between the exorcism and the pigs' destruction. Their thorough reporting to the city spread the news widely, creating opportunity for mass evangelism. Yet the response would be tragic—the people valued their livestock more than the Deliverer in their midst. This illustrates that even undeniable miracles don't guarantee right response without heart transformation.