Matthew 8:32
And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
Matthew 8:32 · King James Version
Meaning
In this particular verse from the Bible, Jesus commands a legion of demons to leave a possessed man and enter a herd of swine. Upon leaving the man, the demons enter the herd of swine, causing them to run violently down a steep place into the sea, where they perish in the waters. This passage serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority over evil spirits, showing that even a legion of demons must obey his command. The verse highlights the destructive nature of evil and the power of Jesus to overcome it. It also emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in Jesus' ability to deliver us from darkness and evil forces. By understanding this verse in its context, readers can gain insight into the spiritual battles that exist and the victory that comes through Jesus' authority and power.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse could be that it highlights the power and authority of Jesus over evil spirits. The demons that possessed the two men obeyed Jesus' command to leave and entered a herd of swine instead. The subsequent destruction of the swine may symbolize the fate that awaits those who do not follow Jesus and instead succumb to the influence of evil forces. Additionally, this passage emphasizes the destructive nature of evil and the importance of submitting to the authority of Jesus in order to be saved from spiritual peril. Word studies may reveal deeper meanings in terms such as "swine" representing uncleanliness or impurity, "ran violently down a steep place" suggesting the forceful and destructive nature of evil, and "perished in the waters" symbolizing a final and irreversible judgment. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the supremacy of Jesus over all forces of darkness and the need to choose obedience to him in order to avoid spiritual destruction.
Matthew 8:32 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he said unto them, Go. And they came out, and went into the swine: and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep into the sea, and perished in the waters.
World English Bible
He said to them, “Go!” They came out, and went into the herd of pigs: and behold, the whole herd of pigs rushed down the cliff into the sea, and died in the water.
Douay-Rheims
And he said to them: Go. But they going out went into the swine, and behold the whole herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea: and they perished in the waters.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he said vnto them, Go. So they went out and departed into the heard of swine: and beholde, the whole heard of swine ranne headlong into the sea, and died in the water.