And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

LUKE 8:26KJV
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Luke 8:26 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:26 mean?

Luke 8:26 describes Jesus and his disciples arriving in the region known as the country of the Gadarenes, which is located across from Galilee. This verse sets the scene for what happens next, marking a transition from one area to another.

In this part of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus has just crossed the Sea of Galilee with his disciples. The “country of the Gadarenes” refers to a Gentile area on the eastern side of the lake. This detail helps readers understand that Jesus is moving into a non-Jewish territory, which is important for the story that follows.

The Greek behind Luke 8:26

  • χώρα (chōra, G5561): This word means “country” or “region.” It emphasizes that Jesus is entering a specific, recognized area, not just a random place.
  • Γαδαρηνῶν (Gadarēnōn, G1046): This identifies the people or territory associated with Gadara, a city in the Decapolis. It signals that Jesus is now among Gentiles, not Jews.
  • ἀπέναντι (apenanti, G495): Translated as “over against” or “opposite,” this word clarifies that the Gadarenes’ region is directly across from Galilee, highlighting a geographical and cultural boundary.

Why Luke 8:26 matters

  • Luke 8:26 clears up that Jesus intentionally traveled into Gentile territory, which sets the stage for his interaction with people outside the Jewish community.
  • The verse emphasizes a shift in location that is important for understanding the following events, especially the story of the man possessed by demons.
  • Knowing the region is “over against Galilee” helps readers picture the journey and see how Jesus’ ministry reached beyond traditional boundaries.

Where else these words appear

“Gadarenes” Greek G1046 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 5:1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
  • Luke 8:37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

“country” Greek G5561 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Luke 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

“Galilee” Greek G1056 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 1:39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
  • Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

“which” Greek G3748 · used in 148 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
  • Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,