Luke 8:27
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Luke 8:27
27 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
Chapter Context
Luke 8 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, judgment, hope. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-56: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 8:27
27 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
Analysis
And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. Luke's detailed description reveals the man's utter degradation. The phrase "there met him" (hypēntēsen autō, ὑπήντησεν αὐτῷ) suggests the demoniac ran toward Jesus—a confrontation initiated by the demons recognizing Christ's authority. "A certain man" (anēr tis, ἀνήρ τις) emphasizes his humanity—though utterly possessed, he remained a person made in God's image, capable of restoration.
"Which had devils long time" (echōn daimonia ek chronōn hikanōn, ἔχων δαιμόνια ἐκ χρόνων ἱκανῶν) indicates prolonged possession—not recent affliction but chronic torment spanning years. The plural "devils" (δαιμόνια) previews verse 30's revelation that "Legion" possessed him. "Ware no clothes" (himation ouk enedidysketo, ἱμάτιον οὐκ ἐνεδιδύσκετο) describes shameful nakedness, complete loss of human dignity and self-awareness. In Jewish culture, public nakedness was extreme degradation (Genesis 3:7, Isaiah 20:2-4).
"Neither abode in any house, but in the tombs" (en oikia ouk emenen all' en tois mnēmasin, ἐν οἰκίᾳ οὐκ ἔμενεν ἀλλ' ἐν τοῖς μνήμασιν) completes the picture of total alienation. Houses represent civilization, family, community; tombs represent death, uncleanness, isolation. That he dwelt among tombs made him ceremonially unclean and socially untouchable. This man embodied complete satanic destruction—stripped of clothing, family, sanity, community, and hope. Yet Jesus came specifically for him, demonstrating that no one is beyond redemption's reach.
Historical Context
First-century Jewish understanding viewed demon possession as real spiritual affliction, not merely psychological disorder. Tombs were typically caves carved into hillsides, considered ritually unclean (Numbers 19:16). That the man lived there compounded his isolation—no Jew would approach such places. His nakedness violated Jewish modesty standards (Exodus 20:26) and signified loss of humanity's distinctive characteristic (Genesis 3:21).
The Decapolis region, being predominantly Gentile, had different views on demon possession than Jewish Palestine. Greek and Roman cultures acknowledged demonic activity but lacked Judaism's theological framework for understanding spiritual warfare. Archaeological evidence from the region reveals pagan temples and shrines where demon worship occurred, possibly explaining the overt demonic activity.
Mark's Gospel provides additional details—the man had superhuman strength, broke chains, cut himself with stones (Mark 5:3-5). His condition made him dangerous and pitiable simultaneously. Society's only solution was restraint and isolation. That Jesus went to such lengths—crossing treacherous waters, entering defiling territory—to reach one demon-possessed Gentile demonstrates the gospel's radical inclusivity and Christ's compassion for the utterly lost.
Reflection
- How does the demoniac's complete degradation illustrate Satan's ultimate goal for human beings?
- What does Jesus' intentional journey to reach this one man teach about the value of individual souls?
- How should the reality of demonic oppression shape Christian ministry and compassion for the severely afflicted?