In the distanceThis phrase sets the scene, indicating that the events are taking place in a rural area, away from the immediate vicinity of the people involved. The distance suggests a separation between the main characters and the herd, which may symbolize the separation between the Jewish people and Gentile practices, as pigs were considered unclean in Jewish law.
a large herd of pigs
Pigs were considered unclean animals according to Levitical law (Leviticus 11:7-8). The presence of a large herd of pigs indicates that this event is taking place in a Gentile region, likely the Decapolis, where Jewish dietary laws were not observed. This setting highlights the cultural and religious tensions between Jews and Gentiles. The large number of pigs also emphasizes the scale of the event and the potential economic impact on the local community, as pigs were valuable livestock for Gentiles.
was feeding
The act of feeding suggests a normal, everyday activity, which contrasts with the extraordinary events that are about to unfold. This mundane detail underscores the sudden and dramatic nature of the miracle that Jesus is about to perform. The feeding of the pigs can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment, contrasting the unclean nature of the pigs with the spiritual sustenance that Jesus offers.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure in the Gospel of Matthew, performing miracles and teaching with authority.
2.
GadaraThe region where this event takes place, often associated with Gentile territory.
3.
DemoniacsTwo men possessed by demons, living among the tombs, who encounter Jesus.
4.
PigsA large herd of pigs, significant in this account as they are unclean animals according to Jewish law.
5.
DemonsSpiritual beings opposed to God, who recognize Jesus' authority and plead with Him.
Teaching Points
Authority of JesusJesus' authority is recognized by both the spiritual and physical realms. This passage demonstrates His power over demonic forces, affirming His divine nature.
Cultural ContextUnderstanding the Jewish view of pigs as unclean helps us appreciate the significance of the demons' request to enter the herd. It underscores the separation between Jewish and Gentile practices.
Spiritual WarfareThe presence of demons and their interaction with Jesus remind us of the reality of spiritual warfare. Believers are called to be vigilant and rely on Christ's power.
Compassion and DeliveranceJesus' willingness to engage with the demoniacs shows His compassion and desire to deliver those oppressed by evil. This encourages us to seek His help in our struggles.
Witnessing to OthersThe transformation of the demoniacs serves as a powerful testimony to the surrounding community. Our personal experiences with Christ can be a witness to others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 8:30?
2.How does Matthew 8:30 illustrate Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm?
3.What can we learn about spiritual warfare from Matthew 8:30?
4.How does Matthew 8:30 connect with Ephesians 6:12 on spiritual battles?
5.How should believers respond to spiritual forces, as seen in Matthew 8:30?
6.What practical steps can we take to rely on Jesus' power over evil?
7.Why did Jesus allow demons to enter the pigs in Matthew 8:30?
8.What is the significance of the herd of pigs in Matthew 8:30?
9.How does Matthew 8:30 reflect Jesus' authority over evil spirits?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 8?
11.What is Legion's story in the Bible?
12.Why did Jesus permit demons to enter pigs?
13.In Matthew 8:28-34, why did a whole herd of pigs rush into the sea after being possessed by demons, and is there any historical or archaeological clue that such a dramatic event occurred?
14.(Luke 8:27-33) Is it scientifically plausible for multiple demons to inhabit one person and then compel a large herd of pigs to drown?What Does Matthew 8:30 Mean
In the distance- The phrase highlights a measurable space separating Jesus and the demon-possessed men from the swine. Though near enough to see, the herd is far enough away that no one mistakes coincidence for providence; when the pigs later rush over the cliff (Mark 5:13), everyone recognizes divine causality rather than accidental stampede.
- Scripture often uses distance to underscore both safety and sovereignty: “While he was still a long way off…” (Luke 15:20), and “There shall be a space between you and it” (Joshua 3:4). Here, the gap underlines Christ’s control over the entire scene.
- The demons will beg to enter what they can see (Matthew 8:31), proving they cannot act unless the Lord grants permission—echoingJob 1:12.
Large herd- “Large” points to significant economic value. The local Gentile owners are prospering, yet moments later the whole investment will be lost, illustrating Jesus’ teaching that “what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).
-Mark 5:13 numbers the pigs at about two thousand, tying the herd’s size to the “Legion” of demons (Mark 5:9). The abundance of animals mirrors the abundance of evil spirits and magnifies Christ’s power when He expels them all at once.
- The scale also guarantees eyewitnesses; a few pigs might slip from memory, but a massive herd plunging into the sea becomes an unforgettable testimony (Luke 8:34).
Of pigs- Swine are declared unclean inLeviticus 11:7. Their presence signals a Gentile territory, reinforcing that Jesus’ authority extends beyond Israel (Isaiah 49:6).
- Unclean spirits asking for unclean animals displays fitting irony; darkness gravitates toward what is ceremonially defiled. Yet Christ allows it, exposing evil’s nature without tainting Himself (Matthew 15:11).
- The link between pigs and spiritual want is seen again inLuke 15:15-16, where the prodigal son’s lowest moment comes among swine. Both scenes dramatize the misery of life apart from God.
Was feeding- The herd grazes peacefully, painting a calm backdrop before sudden destruction. Evil often lurks during apparent normalcy (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
- The verb reminds us that animals, like people, depend on daily provision from God (Psalm 104:27-28). Even livestock destined to illustrate judgment enjoy His common grace until the appointed hour.
- When the pigs later rush headlong into the sea, their tranquil feeding contrasts with demonic chaos, validating Jesus’ words that the thief “comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10).
summaryMatthew 8:30 is more than scene-setting. Every phrase combines to show Christ’s absolute authority over distance, wealth, ritual uncleanness, and everyday life. A far-off, valuable, unclean, quietly feeding herd becomes the stage on which Jesus publicly exposes and overthrows a legion of demons, revealing both the seriousness of evil and the supremacy of the Savior.
(30)
An herd of many swine.--We are surprised at first to find swine kept in a country where their flesh could not be an article of food. But though the Jews did not eat pork, Roman soldiers did, and the swine may have been kept to supply the wants of the legion with which the man was familiar. The pun of Augustus as to Herod's swine and son (see Note on
Matthew 2:16) seems to imply that the king kept them on his estates for some such purpose.
Verses 30, 31. -
And there was a good way off from them a herd of many swine feeding. So (and, Revised Version)
the devilsbesought him, saying, If thou cast us out (Matthew only),
suffer us togo away (
send us away, Revised Version). This is distinguished from ver. 29 as expressly the utterance of the evil spirits. In the true text there is no thought of permission, but only of command (
ἀπόστειλον). They recognize his mastery.
Intothe herd of swine; and not into the place of torment - "the abyss" of the parallel passage,
Luke 8:31. If he did not send them there, they might hope for a long respite, and one perhaps spent in various tenements. Further notice:
(1) The unclean chose the unclean
(2) Though we cannot attribute to the evil spirits absolute foreknowledge of what would happen in this case, their past experience may have enabled them to feel sure that they would have their love of destroying fully gratified.
(3) it is also not impossible that they may have considered that their entering the swine would be likely to prejudice the Gerasenes against Jesus.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
In the distanceμακρὰν(makran)Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3112:At a distance, far away, remote, alien. Feminine accusative case singular of makros; at a distance.a largeπολλῶν(pollōn)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.herdἀγέλη(agelē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 34:A flock, herd. From ago; a drove.of pigsχοίρων(choirōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5519:A swine, hog, sow. Of uncertain derivation; a hog.wasἮν(Ēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.feeding.βοσκομένη(boskomenē)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1006:To feed, pasture. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to pasture; by extension to, fodder; reflexively, to graze.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 8:30 Now there was a herd of many (Matt. Mat Mt) 
