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Strong’s Greek 34 (ἀγέλη) denotes a gathered group of animals under one ownership and direction. In the New Testament it appears exclusively of swine in the parallel accounts of the Gerasene/Gadarene deliverance (Matthew 8;Mark 5;Luke 8). The word therefore becomes a focal point for reflecting on uncleanness, Gentile mission, spiritual warfare, and the revealed authority of Jesus Christ.

Occurrences in the New Testament

•Matthew 8:30 – “Now a large herd of pigs was feeding at some distance from them.”
•Matthew 8:31 – Demons request transfer “into the herd of pigs.”
•Matthew 8:32 – The “whole herd” plunges into the sea.
•Mark 5:11 – “There on the nearby hillside a large herd of pigs was feeding.”
•Mark 5:13 – About two thousand in the herd rush to their death.
•Luke 8:32 – “There on the hillside a large herd of pigs was feeding.”
•Luke 8:33 – The herd rushes into the lake and is drowned.

Historical and Cultural Background

Pigs were unclean animals under Mosaic law (Leviticus 11:7). Their presence in significant numbers near the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee points to a predominantly Gentile population, likely supplying pork to the Roman military and local markets. The economic value of two thousand swine was substantial, underscoring both the scale of the event and the dramatic tension between material interests and spiritual restoration.

Relationship to Demonic Deliverance Narratives

The “herd” frames the only Gospel episode in which Jesus permits demons to inhabit animals. Several themes emerge:

1. Demonic self-destruction: once freed from human restraint the evil powers destroy the herd, displaying their ultimate intent (John 10:10).
2. Public verification: visible loss of an entire herd confirms the unseen deliverance of the demoniac.
3. Eschatological sign: uncleanness driven into the depths foreshadows the final judgment of evil (Revelation 20:10).

Christological Emphasis

The repeated mention of ἀγέλη accentuates Jesus’ sovereign word. One command, “Go!” (Matthew 8:32), moves an entire legion of demons and an enormous herd, revealing that every realm—spiritual or natural—obeys Him. The incident also highlights the inestimable worth of one image-bearer over a vast economic asset, prefiguring the cross where the Shepherd lays down His life for the flock (John 10:11).

Intertextual and Prophetic Echoes

Though ἀγέλη itself is absent from the Septuagint, the idea of a driven, uncontrollable herd recalls prophetic imagery of nations rushing to destruction when devoid of shepherds (Jeremiah 50:8;Zechariah 10:2). The stampede into water evokes the Red Sea judgment ofExodus 14, linking deliverance from tyranny with the annihilation of oppressive forces.

Practical Theology and Ministry Applications

1. Deliverance ministry: The passage legitimizes authoritative confrontation with demonic powers while guarding against sensationalism; true freedom is measured in transformed lives, not spectacle.
2. Mission among the nations: The delivered man is commissioned to the Decapolis (Mark 5:19), demonstrating that Gentile evangelism begins where uncleanness once reigned.
3. Stewardship and priorities: The loss of a herd exposes human hearts—townspeople value livestock over liberation. Contemporary believers must weigh economic interests against eternal realities.
4. Spiritual discernment: Demons recognize Jesus’ identity before local residents do, warning the church that intellectual assent without allegiance is possible.

Conclusion

In the seven occurrences of ἀγέλη, Scripture intertwines the mundane reality of animal husbandry with cosmic conflict. The “herd” becomes a narrative catalyst revealing Jesus’ dominion, exposing demonic malice, challenging societal values, and inaugurating a mission field. Thus, Strong’s Greek 34 invites readers to behold the comprehensive authority of Christ and to participate in His redemptive purposes among all peoples.