The term "Gergesenes" appears in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew, and is often associated with the region where Jesus performed the miracle of casting demons out of two possessed men. This entry explores the biblical and historical context of the Gergesenes, their geographical location, and the significance of the events that took place there.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to the Gergesenes is found in Matthew 8:28-34. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"When He arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met Him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 'What do You want with us, Son of God?' they shouted. 'Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?' Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. So the demons begged Jesus, 'If You drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.' 'Go!' He told them. So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the waters. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town, and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they pleaded with Him to leave their region."

Geographical Context:

The region of the Gergesenes is often associated with the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. The name "Gergesenes" is sometimes used interchangeably with "Gadarenes" and "Gerasenes" in different Gospel accounts, leading to some debate among scholars regarding the precise location. The most common understanding is that the Gergesenes refers to an area near the town of Gergesa, which is believed to be located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, near modern-day Kursi in Israel.

Historical and Cultural Background:

The Gergesenes were likely part of the broader Decapolis region, a group of ten cities with a significant Gentile population during the time of Jesus. This area was known for its Hellenistic influence and was distinct from the predominantly Jewish regions of Galilee and Judea. The presence of a large herd of pigs, considered unclean animals in Jewish law, further suggests a Gentile setting.

Significance of the Miracle:

The miracle of Jesus casting demons into a herd of pigs is significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrates Jesus' authority over demonic forces, affirming His divine power and identity as the Son of God. The demons' recognition of Jesus as the "Son of God" highlights His spiritual authority and the cosmic battle between good and evil.

Second, the event underscores the theme of liberation and restoration. The two demon-possessed men, who had been living in isolation and torment, were freed from their affliction, symbolizing the transformative power of Christ's ministry.

Lastly, the reaction of the townspeople, who pleaded with Jesus to leave their region, reflects the tension between the miraculous and the economic impact of the loss of the pigs. This response serves as a reminder of the varied human reactions to divine intervention and the challenge of prioritizing spiritual over material concerns.

In summary, the account of the Gergesenes in the Gospel of Matthew provides a profound insight into the ministry of Jesus, His authority over evil, and the transformative impact of His presence in a predominantly Gentile region.Gergesenes

those who come from pilgrimage or fight

Gergesenes

[See GADARENES, GIRGESENES, GERASENES]

Gergesenes

Matthew 8:28, in the parallel passages in Mark and Luke, Gadarenes. See GADARA. Some manuscripts have Gadarenes in Matthew 8:28, and others Gerasenes; but Gerasa lay forty miles southeast of the scene of the miracle. Some have thought that the remnant of the ancient Gergashites gave their name to this district. A recent explorer finds ruins called Cherza or Gersa, midway on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee; and this may be the ancient Gergesa.

GERGESENES

gur'-ge-senz, gur-ge-senz': A false reading of "Gadarenes" retained in the King James Version of Matthew 8:28.

See GADARA.

The Peace-Bringer in the Spiritual World
... ST. MATTHEW Chaps. I to VIII THE PEACE-BRINGER IN THE SPIRITUAL WORLD. 'And when
He was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the peace-bringer in the spiritual.htm

The Folly and Danger of Parting with Christ for the Pleasures and ...
... And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there
met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of 2.htm

References
... by two low peaks or "horns.". 46. The country of the Gerasenes, Gadarenes,
or Gergesenes. Gadarenes is the best attested reading ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/references.htm

The General Observations are These.
... Luke. It was soon after his crossing the sea of Galilee, after Jesus had cured the
men possessed with devils in the country of the Gergesenes, Mark 5:21. ...
/.../section i the general observations.htm

Soul-Healing First: Body-Healing Second
... triad, of which the other two members are the miraculous stilling of the tempest
and the casting out of the demons from the men in the country of the Gergesenes ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture b/soul-healing first body-healing second.htm

Gadara
... was so near to it, that that which in Mark is called 'the country of the Gadarenes,'
chapter 5:1,"in Matthew is 'the country of the Gergesenes,' chapter 8:28 ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 75 gadara.htm

The Name of the Place Where John Baptized is not Bethany, as in ...
... But Gergesa, from which the name Gergesenes is taken, is an old town in the
neighbourhood of the lake now called Tiberias, and on the edge of it there is a ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 the name of the.htm

In the First Three Gospels the Passover is Spoken of Only at the ...
... second time. [5046] Then He embarked in a ship and crossed over to the other
side to the country of the Gergesenes. On their beseeching ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/14 in the first three.htm

Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs.
... of Gerasa. The name Gerasenes is, therefore, probably an error of the
transcribers for Gergesenes, as Origen suggested. The region ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lvi jesus heals two gergesene.htm

"Peace, be Still"
... We have not the opportunity of turning from the person of Christ as had the Gergesenes;
but still there are many who refuse to obey His word, because obedience ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 35 peace be still.htm

Gergesenes (1 Occurrence)
...GERGESENES. gur'-ge-senz, gur-ge-senz': A false reading of "Gadarenes" retained
in the King James Version of Matthew 8:28. See GADARA. ...Gergesenes (1 Occurrence). ...
/g/gergesenes.htm - 7k

Gerizim (4 Occurrences)

/g/gerizim.htm - 14k

Nobody (21 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:28 When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes,
two people possessed by demons met him there, coming out of the tombs ...
/n/nobody.htm - 12k

Girgashite (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 15:21 Deuteronomy 7:1 Joshua 3:10; Joshua 24:11 Nehemiah 9:8). It has been
supposed that the name survived in that of "the Gergesenes," the King James ...
/g/girgashite.htm - 11k

Gadarenes (4 Occurrences)
... The inhabitants of Gadara, in Revised Version "Gerasenes" (Mark 5:1; Luke 8:26,
37). In Matthew 8:28 they are called Gergesenes, Revised Version "Gadarenes.". ...
/g/gadarenes.htm - 8k

Gadara
... (NOTE.-The Textus Receptus of the New Testament reading. ton Gergesenon,
"of the Gergesenes," must be rejected (Westcott-Hort, II. ...
/g/gadara.htm - 12k

Gergesa

/g/gergesa.htm - 6k

Fierce (92 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:28 When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes,
two people possessed by demons met him there, coming out of the tombs ...
/f/fierce.htm - 34k

Tombs (27 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:28 When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes,
two people possessed by demons met him there, coming out of the tombs ...
/t/tombs.htm - 16k

Region (96 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:28 And he having come to the other side, to the region of the Gergesenes,
there met him two demoniacs, coming forth out of the tombs, very fierce, so ...
/r/region.htm - 34k

Why are there two demon-possessed men in the Gerasene tombs in Matthew, but only one in Mark and Luke? | GotQuestions.org

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