Topical Bible: Girgesenes Gadarenes Gerasenes

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Topical Encyclopedia

The terms Girgesenes, Gadarenes, and Gerasenes refer to the inhabitants of a region mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the context of Jesus' miraculous healing of a demon-possessed man. These terms are associated with the area on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, and the variations in names across different Gospel accounts have been a subject of scholarly discussion.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 8:28 : "When He arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met Him, coming from the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way."

2. Mark 5:1 : "On the other side of the sea, they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes."

3. Luke 8:26 : "Then they sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee."

Geographical Context:

The region referred to by these names is located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. The variations in the name—Gadarenes, Gerasenes, and Girgesenes—are attributed to different manuscript traditions and the proximity of various towns and regions. Gadara and Gerasa were both prominent cities of the Decapolis, a group of ten cities with a strong Hellenistic influence. The exact location of the miracle is debated, but it is generally accepted to be in this broader region.

Cultural and Historical Background:

The Decapolis was a region known for its Greek culture and pagan practices, which were distinct from the Jewish customs of the time. This cultural backdrop is significant in understanding the narrative of Jesus' encounter with the demon-possessed man, as it highlights the reach of Jesus' ministry beyond Jewish territories and into Gentile regions.

The Miracle:

The accounts in the Synoptic Gospels describe Jesus' encounter with a man (or men, in Matthew's account) possessed by demons. The demons, recognizing Jesus' authority, begged Him not to send them into the abyss. Instead, they requested to enter a herd of pigs, which Jesus permitted. The possessed pigs then rushed down a steep bank into the lake and drowned. This event demonstrated Jesus' authority over demonic forces and His compassion for those oppressed by evil.

Theological Significance:

The miracle in the region of the Gadarenes/Gerasenes is significant for several reasons. It underscores Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm, illustrating His power to liberate individuals from demonic oppression. Additionally, the presence of a herd of pigs, considered unclean animals in Jewish law, emphasizes the Gentile setting of the miracle. This account foreshadows the extension of Jesus' ministry to the Gentiles, highlighting the inclusivity of the Gospel message.

Textual Variations:

The differences in the names—Gadarenes, Gerasenes, and Girgesenes—across the Gospel accounts have been attributed to variations in ancient manuscripts and the geographical understanding of the Gospel writers. Some scholars suggest that these variations reflect different local traditions or the use of regional names that were familiar to the original audiences of the Gospels.

In summary, the terms Girgesenes, Gadarenes, and Gerasenes refer to the inhabitants of a region on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus performed a significant miracle involving the casting out of demons. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels and holds theological importance in demonstrating Jesus' authority and the reach of His ministry.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Girgesenes Gadarenes Gerasenes

(These three names are used indiscriminately to designate the place where Jesus healed two demoniacs. The first two are in the Authorized Version. (Matthew 8:28; Mark 5:1; Luke 8:26) In Gerasenes in place of Gadarenes. The miracle referred to took place, without doubt, near the town of Gergesa, the modern Kersa , close by the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, and hence in the country of Gergesenes. But as Gergesa was a small village, and little known, the evangelists, who wrote for more distant readers, spoke of the event as taking place in the country of the Gadarenes, so named from its largest city, Gadara; and this country included the country of the Gergesenes as a state includes a county. The Gerasenes were the people of the district of which Gerasa was the capital. This city was better known than Gadara or Gergesa; indeed in the Roman age no city of Palestine was better known. "It became one of the proudest cities of Syria." It was situated some 30 miles southeast of Gadara, on the borders of Peraea and a little north of the river Jabbok. It is now called Jerash and is a deserted ruin. The district of the Gerasenes probably included that of the Gadarenes; so that the demoniac of Gergesa belonged to the country of the Gadarenes and also to that of the Gerasenes, as the same person may, with equal truth, be said to live in the city or the state, or in the United States. For those near by the local name would be used; but in writing to a distant people, as the Greeks and Romans, the more comprehensive and general name would be given. --ED.)