Demons: The Herd of Swine
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The account of demons entering 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 provides insight into the nature of demons, their interaction with Jesus Christ, and the spiritual authority of Christ over the demonic realm.

Biblical Account

In the Gospel of Mark, the most detailed account is given. Jesus and His disciples arrive at the region of the Gerasenes, where they are immediately met by a man possessed by an unclean spirit. This man lived among the tombs and exhibited superhuman strength, breaking chains and shackles meant to restrain him. The demonic presence within him caused great torment and isolation.

Upon seeing Jesus from a distance, the man ran and fell on his knees before Him, crying out with a loud voice, "What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You not to torment me!" (Mark 5:7). This acknowledgment of Jesus' divine authority by the demons is significant, as it demonstrates their recognition of His power and identity.

Jesus, commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the man, inquires, "What is your name?" The response is, "My name is Legion, for we are many" (Mark 5:9). The term "Legion" indicates a large number of demons inhabiting the man, reflecting the severity of his possession.

The demons implore Jesus not to send them out of the region but instead request permission to enter a nearby herd of swine. Jesus grants this request, and the unclean spirits enter the pigs, causing the entire herd—about two thousand in number—to rush down the steep bank into the sea and drown (Mark 5:13).

Theological Implications

This event underscores several key theological points. First, it highlights the destructive nature of demons. Their entrance into the swine results in immediate chaos and destruction, illustrating their malevolent intent. The drowning of the pigs serves as a vivid depiction of the ultimate aim of demonic forces: to destroy and bring death.

Second, the narrative emphasizes the supreme authority of Jesus Christ over the spiritual realm. The demons' plea for permission to enter the swine demonstrates their subjugation to Christ's command. Jesus' ability to liberate the possessed man with a word showcases His power to deliver and restore those oppressed by evil.

Third, the reaction of the local populace reveals human responses to divine intervention. The herdsmen, witnessing the event, flee to the city and report what has happened. The people come to see Jesus and the formerly possessed man, now clothed and in his right mind. Despite this miraculous deliverance, the people are overcome with fear and plead with Jesus to leave their region (Mark 5:15-17). This reaction may reflect a fear of the unknown or a concern over economic loss due to the destruction of the swine.

Cultural and Historical Context

The presence of a large herd of swine in the region suggests a Gentile population, as pigs were considered unclean animals according to Jewish law (Leviticus 11:7). This context highlights the reach of Jesus' ministry beyond Jewish boundaries, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in the Kingdom of God.

Conclusion

The account of the demons and the herd of swine remains a powerful testament to the authority of Jesus Christ over evil and His compassion for those in bondage. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle that exists and the ultimate victory found in Christ.
Nave's Topical Index
Matthew 8:30-32
And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Lord of Demons
... Notice that the drowning of the herd does not appear to ... and for them to plunge the
swine into the ... the demonic with the animal nature, and outwitted the demons. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the lord of demons.htm

The Legion of Demons.
... mountain. And the demons besought him, saying, "If thou cast us out, send us
away into the herd of swine.". And he said unto them, "Go.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the legion of demons.htm

Note on Demons.
... (3) The possession by demons was more ... with him not to torment them before their time,
speaking of their number, and passing from men into a herd of swine. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/note on demons.htm

Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs.
... ii.4; Jude 6..] ^b 11 Now there was there ^a afar off from them ^b on the mountain
side a great herd ^a of many swine feeding.31 And the demons besought him ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lvi jesus heals two gergesene.htm

Against those who Say that Demons Govern Human Affairs, and who ...
... Certain men possessed of Demons coming forth out of the tombs met Christ, and the
Demons kept beseeching him to suffer them to enter the herd of swine. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i against those who.htm

The Peace-Bringer in the Spiritual World
... into the swine. It should further be noted that nothing in the narrative suggests
that the destruction of the herd was designed even by the demons, much less ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the peace-bringer in the spiritual.htm

Agency of Evil Spirits.
... But the demons were permitted to sweep a herd of swine into the sea; and to the
dwellers of Gadara the loss of these outweighed the blessings which Christ had ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /31 agency of evil spirits.htm

Agency of Evil Spirits
... But the demons were permitted to sweep a herd of swine into the sea; and to the
dwellers of Gadara the loss of these outweighed the blessings which Christ had ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 31 agency of evil.htm

At Gerasa - the Healing of the Demonised.
... The wish of the demons is not to be sent out of the country - not back into the
abyss. ... Up on that cliff a great herd of swine is feeding; up that cliff ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxv at gerasa -.htm

"Peace, be Still"
... Upon a mountainside not far distant a great herd of swine was feeding. Into these
the demons asked to be allowed to enter, and Jesus suffered them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 35 peace be still.htm

Resources
What are doctrines of demons in 1 Timothy 4:1? | GotQuestions.org

Are demons fallen angels? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about Angels & Demons (All) | GotQuestions.org

Demons: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Demons

Demons: Adversaries of Men

Demons: Believe and Tremble

Demons: Cast out by Jesus

Demons: Cast out by Paul

Demons: Cast out by Peter

Demons: Cast out by Philip

Demons: Cast out by the Disciples

Demons: Disciples Could not Expel

Demons: Jesus Falsely Accused of Being Possessed of

Demons: Mary Magdalene

Demons: Messages Given False Prophets By

Demons: Parable of the Man Repossessed by Unclean Spirits

Demons: Possession by Saul

Demons: Power Over, Given the Disciples

Demons: Punishment of

Demons: Sceva's Sons Exorcise

Demons: Sent to Foment Trouble Between Abimelech and the Shechemites

Demons: Testify to the Divinity of Jesus

Demons: The Daughter of the Syrophoenician Woman

Demons: The Deaf and Blind Man

Demons: The Deaf Man

Demons: The Epileptic Boy

Demons: The Herd of Swine

Demons: The Man in the Synagogue

Demons: To be Judged at the General Judgment

Demons: Two Men of the Gergesenes (Gadarenes, Gerasenes)

Demons: Worship of

Demons: Worship of, Forbidden

Related Terms

Possessed (100 Occurrences)

Be-el'zebul (7 Occurrences)

Beelzebul (7 Occurrences)

Beelzeboul (7 Occurrences)

Drive (132 Occurrences)

Exorcism

Expel (29 Occurrences)

Baal-zebul (6 Occurrences)

Casts (21 Occurrences)

Exorcist (1 Occurrence)

Expels (3 Occurrences)

Casting (54 Occurrences)

Driving (144 Occurrences)

Pigs (18 Occurrences)

Demonology

Demoniac (7 Occurrences)

Cured (62 Occurrences)

Demon (26 Occurrences)

Various (52 Occurrences)

Expelled (16 Occurrences)

Drives (17 Occurrences)

Devils (48 Occurrences)

Diseases (38 Occurrences)

Begged (71 Occurrences)

Allow (86 Occurrences)

With (66342 Occurrences)

Sick (117 Occurrences)

Prince (160 Occurrences)

Forbad (11 Occurrences)

Drove (89 Occurrences)

Permit (36 Occurrences)

Clothed (153 Occurrences)

Cure (28 Occurrences)

Sicknesses (15 Occurrences)

Satyr

Didn't (734 Occurrences)

Suffering (104 Occurrences)

Forth (1639 Occurrences)

Communion (8 Occurrences)

Cast (640 Occurrences)

Fellowship (114 Occurrences)

Making (644 Occurrences)

Speak (855 Occurrences)

Saying (2162 Occurrences)

Calling (145 Occurrences)

Stop (108 Occurrences)

Joint-partakers (2 Occurrences)

Legion (3 Occurrences)

Infirm (25 Occurrences)

Imply (3 Occurrences)

Forbade (3 Occurrences)

Fierce (92 Occurrences)

Frightened (38 Occurrences)

Tried (96 Occurrences)

Tombs (27 Occurrences)

Related (45 Occurrences)

Reported (104 Occurrences)

Except (236 Occurrences)

Evident (26 Occurrences)

Evening (163 Occurrences)

Dressed (77 Occurrences)

Demonic (2 Occurrences)

Manifold (23 Occurrences)

Magdalene (12 Occurrences)

Maintained (19 Occurrences)

Met (118 Occurrences)

Magdala (13 Occurrences)

Perform (155 Occurrences)

Partake (19 Occurrences)

Permitting (2 Occurrences)

Pagans (7 Occurrences)

Prevent (32 Occurrences)

Paying (17 Occurrences)

Beelzebub (7 Occurrences)

Cures (3 Occurrences)

Adjuration (2 Occurrences)

Abyss (11 Occurrences)

Allowing (5 Occurrences)

Accompany (19 Occurrences)

Demons: The Epileptic Boy
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