What does Luke 8:31 mean?
"And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep." - Luke 8:31
Luke 8:31 - "And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep."
The Bible verse Luke 8:31 from the King James Version (KJV) states, "And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep." This verse is found in the context of the story of the Gerasene demoniac, in which Jesus casts out demons from a man in the region of the Gerasenes. The demons then beg Jesus not to send them into the abyss, and instead, they request to be sent into a nearby herd of swine.
In this passage, the demon-possessed man approaches Jesus and falls down before him. This man was known to have been possessed by demons for a long time, and had been driven by the demons into solitary places. When Jesus asks the demon for its name, the demon responds, "Legion," because many demons had entered the man. The demons then beg Jesus not to send them into the abyss, but rather into the herd of pigs. Jesus permits them to do so, and they enter the pigs, causing the herd to plunge into the lake and drown.
The themes in this passage include the power and authority of Jesus over evil spirits, the spiritual battle between good and evil, and the consequences of rebellion against God. The story demonstrates Jesus's ability to overcome the forces of darkness and his dominion over the spiritual realm. It also serves as a reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to be vigilant and equipped with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
The context of this passage is crucial in understanding its significance. The encounter between Jesus and the Gerasene demoniac takes place in the region of the Gerasenes, a Gentile territory on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. The presence of the herd of pigs reveals the Gentile nature of the community, as pigs were considered unclean animals according to Jewish law. The significance of Jesus's interaction with the Gerasene demoniac and the subsequent events resonates with the broader message of salvation extending beyond the borders of Israel to all people, regardless of their cultural or religious background.
Symbolically, the request of the demons not to be sent into the abyss represents their fear of being cast into the place of ultimate judgment and punishment. This reflects the demons' recognition of Jesus's authority and the impending doom that awaits them. The drowning of the pigs may also symbolize the destruction and chaos that evil forces bring upon creation, while also signifying the cleansing and deliverance brought about by Jesus's intervention.
Overall, Luke 8:31 is a powerful and symbolic passage that highlights Jesus's authority over evil forces and the universal nature of his salvation. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and reliance on the power of Christ. The story also conveys the message of hope and redemption, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace and mercy.
Luke 8:31 Artwork
Luke 8:31 - "And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep."
Luke 8:16
Luke 8:17
1 Chronicles 8:31 - "And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher."
Proverbs 8:22-31 – Wisdom’s role in creation.
Luke 23:31 - "For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?"
Luke 2:31 - "Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;"
Luke 24:31 - "And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight."
Luke 5:31 - "And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick."
Luke 4:31 - "And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days."
Luke 22:31-32 - "Luke 22:31-32: And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Luke 7:31 - "¶ And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?"
Luke 20:31 - "And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died."
Luke 24:8 - "And they remembered his words,"
Luke 6:31 - "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
Luke 9:31 - "Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem."
Luke 12:31 - "¶ But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Proverbs 31:8 - "Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction."
Luke 15:31 - "And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine."
Luke 8:11 - "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God."
Proverbs 8:31 - "Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men."
Exodus 31:8 - "And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense,"
Luke 16:31 - "And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."
Luke 1:31 - "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS."
Luke 10:31 - "And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side."
Romans 8:31 - "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
Luke 8:53 - "And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead."
Luke 22:31 - "¶ And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:"
Luke 21:31 - "So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand."
Luke 3:31 - "Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,"