Luke 8:28
When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.
Luke 8:28 · King James Version
Meaning
When the man saw Jesus, he immediately recognized Him as the Son of God most high. His reaction was one of fear and desperation, as he cried out and fell down before Jesus, acknowledging His divine authority. The man's plea to Jesus to not torment him reveals his awareness of the power and authority that Jesus possesses. The man's words convey a sense of humility and submission to Jesus, as he recognizes that Jesus has the power to deliver him from whatever torment he might be experiencing. This verse demonstrates the supernatural authority that Jesus had over evil spirits and how even demons recognized and obeyed His power. It also highlights the compassion and mercy of Jesus, as He ultimately freed the man from the torment he was experiencing. Overall, this verse emphasizes the authority, power, and compassion of Jesus as the Son of God most high.
Theological Overview
When the man possessed by demons encountered Jesus, he immediately recognized Him as the Son of God most high. His cry and prostration before Jesus were symbolic of acknowledging Jesus' authority and power over all things, including the spiritual realm. The man's plea for Jesus not to torment him reveals his awareness of his impending fate at the hands of Jesus, who had the power to cast out the demons that tormented him. This encounter highlights the spiritual battle between good and evil, with Jesus representing the ultimate victory over darkness. The man's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God most high emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and the reverence due to Him. This verse underscores Jesus' authority and ability to bring freedom and deliverance to those oppressed by spiritual forces, demonstrating His power and compassion towards all who seek Him.
Luke 8:28 in other translations
American Standard Version
And when he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the Most High God? I beseech thee, torment me not.
World English Bible
When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, “What do I have to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torment me!”
Douay-Rheims
And when he saw Jesus, he fell down before him. And crying out with a loud voice, he said: What have I to do with thee, Jesus, Son of the most high God? I beseech thee, do not torment me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when he sawe Iesus, he cryed out and fell downe before him, and with a loude voyce sayd, What haue I to doe with thee, Iesus the Sonne of God the most High? I beseech thee torment me not.