Luke 8:34
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 8:34
34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
Chapter Context
Luke 8 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, love, wisdom. 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 8:34
34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
Analysis
When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. The swineherds become unwitting evangelists. "When they that fed them saw what was done" (idontes de hoi boskontes to gegonosemeron, ἰδόντες δὲ οἱ βόσκοντες τὸ γεγονὸς) emphasizes eyewitness testimony—they didn't hear rumors but personally observed the entire event: demon-possessed man's confrontation with Jesus, demons' plea, swine's possessed stampede, 2,000 animals drowning. The participle "saw" (ἰδόντες) indicates careful observation, not casual glancing.
"They fled" (ephygon, ἔφυγον) reveals their terror. Whether fleeing physical danger (demonic power, Jesus' authority) or economic consequences (they just lost their employers' valuable herd), fear drove them away. "And went and told it in the city and in the country" (apēngeilan eis tēn polin kai eis tous agrous, ἀπήγγειλαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν καὶ εἰς τοὺς ἀγρούς) shows comprehensive proclamation—urban and rural areas both received the news. The verb "told" (ἀπήγγειλαν) means to report, announce, proclaim—they spread the news everywhere.
Their testimony serves God's purposes despite their fear and possibly hostile intent (reporting property destruction). Unwitting witnesses spread news of Christ's power throughout the Decapolis—Gentile territory previously unreached by His ministry. This pattern recurs in Scripture: God uses even hostile witnesses to advance His kingdom (Acts 5:33-42, Philippians 1:12-18). The swineherds' report would bring crowds to investigate, setting stage for the healed demoniac's powerful testimony (v. 39).
Historical Context
The Decapolis consisted of ten Gentile cities (Damascus, Philadelphia, Raphana, Scythopolis, Gadara, Hippos, Dion, Pella, Gerasa, Canatha) established as Greek colonies after Alexander's conquests. These cities maintained Greek culture, language, and religion despite Roman rule. News traveling from rural areas to cities was common—swineherds would report to owners (likely wealthy urban dwellers who invested in commercial farming).
First-century communication relied on oral testimony. Eyewitnesses held special authority—their accounts carried weight in legal and religious contexts. That multiple swineherds witnessed the event strengthened credibility. Jewish law required two or three witnesses to establish facts (Deuteronomy 19:15)—here, numerous witnesses observed the entire sequence, preventing later denial or rationalization.
The swineherds' proclamation prepared the region for Jesus' return. Mark 5:20 records that the healed demoniac "began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel." When Jesus returned to Decapolis (Mark 7:31), crowds thronged Him—the groundwork laid by these unwitting witnesses and the transformed demoniac bore fruit. Early church missionary strategy often followed similar patterns: initial witness, local testimony, subsequent ministry building on established awareness.
Reflection
- How does God use even fearful, potentially hostile witnesses to spread news of His mighty works?
- What does the swineherds' immediate, comprehensive proclamation teach about the impact of witnessing divine power?
- How should Christians view 'negative publicity' or hostile reports that nonetheless spread knowledge of Christ's authority?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 8:33, 28:11, Mark 5:14