Topical Bible: Swine: Jesus Sends Demons Into The

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of Jesus sending demons into a herd of swine is a significant event recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, and Luke 8:26-39. This narrative highlights Jesus' authority over demonic forces and His compassion for those oppressed by evil spirits.

Context and Setting

The event takes place in the region of the Gadarenes (or Gerasenes, depending on the manuscript tradition), a predominantly Gentile area located on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This setting is crucial as it underscores the presence of swine, animals considered unclean according to Jewish law (Leviticus 11:7). The presence of a large herd of pigs indicates the Gentile nature of the region, as swine herding was not practiced by observant Jews.

The Encounter

Upon arriving in the region, Jesus is immediately met by a man possessed by demons. The Gospel of Mark provides a detailed description of the man's condition: "He lived among the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain" (Mark 5:3). The demoniac's plight is severe, as he is tormented day and night, crying out and cutting himself with stones.

The demons within the man recognize Jesus' divine authority, addressing Him as "Son of the Most High God" (Mark 5:7). They plead with Jesus not to torment them before the appointed time, acknowledging His power over them.

The Transfer to the Swine

In response to the demons' request, Jesus permits them to enter a nearby herd of swine. The Gospel of Mark records, "He gave them permission, and the unclean spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the water" (Mark 5:13). This dramatic event demonstrates the destructive nature of the demonic forces and the liberation of the possessed man.

Reactions and Implications

The herdsmen, witnessing the demise of the swine, flee to the city and countryside to report what has occurred. The people of the region come to see for themselves and find the formerly possessed man "sitting there, clothed and in his right mind" (Mark 5:15). Despite this miraculous deliverance, the people are overcome with fear and plead with Jesus to leave their region.

The man who was freed from the demons desires to accompany Jesus, but Jesus instructs him to return to his home and "tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy He has shown you" (Mark 5:19). This command highlights the importance of personal testimony and the spread of the Gospel message.

Theological Significance

This account underscores several key theological themes. First, it affirms Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm, demonstrating His power to liberate individuals from demonic oppression. Second, it highlights the value of human life over material possessions, as seen in the loss of the swine compared to the restoration of the man. Lastly, it serves as a foreshadowing of the Gospel's reach beyond Jewish boundaries, as Jesus' ministry impacts a Gentile region.

The narrative of Jesus sending demons into the swine remains a powerful testament to His divine authority and compassion, offering hope and deliverance to those in spiritual bondage.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 8:28-32
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, so that no man might pass by that way.
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Mark 5:11-14
Now there was there near to the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
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Luke 8:32,33
And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they sought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
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Library

Origen Against Celsus
... do the Jews pride themselves upon abstaining from swine's flesh ... But since he sends
us to Hercules, let him ... remarks it is evident, that when Jesus said "coarsely ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... the Saints in Light, [1021]266; translated into it by ... 370; way from, to heaven beset
by demons, [1268]371 ... 344; those who commit, are like filthy swine, [1446]ib ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... 307, [176]383; in the name of Jesus implies not ... as would make it desired, [464]330;
sends quickly to ... Demons, how supposed to be introduced into men, [474]170 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... light of faith which He Himself had created in the heart of the centurion; for Jesus
is the true light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... who thought himself under the power of demons; they whispered ... more, when I thought
that the Lord Jesus should think ... we did part the hoof like the swine, yet if ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES,
AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

part ii
... of sin, did the heavenly Physician, our Lord Jesus Christ, come ... us see the depths
of the abyss into which we ... and the souls of men, the demons themselves with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm