(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

LUKE 8:29KJV
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Luke 8:29 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:29 mean?

Luke 8:29 explains that Jesus had commanded an unclean spirit to leave a man, and describes how the man had often been seized by this spirit, which caused him to break free from restraints and be driven into isolated places. The verse highlights the severity of the man’s condition and the supernatural strength he displayed under the spirit’s influence.

In this scene, Luke is narrating what happened when Jesus encountered a man possessed by an unclean spirit. The people around the man had tried to control him with chains and shackles, but the spirit’s power made him uncontrollable, forcing him into the wilderness. This background sets up the dramatic nature of Jesus’ confrontation with the spirit and shows why the man’s situation was so desperate.

The Greek behind Luke 8:29

  • The word for "unclean" (ἀκάθαρτον, akatharton) means ritually or morally impure, emphasizing that the spirit was seen as something defiling and outside the bounds of normal human experience.
  • "Spirit" (πνεῦμα, pneuma) here refers to a supernatural being or force, not just a mood or attitude, which helps clarify that this was a case of possession, not just mental illness.
  • The verb "brake" (διαρήσσω, diarēsso) means to tear apart or break violently, highlighting the extraordinary strength the man showed when under the spirit’s control.
  • "Driven" (ἐλαύνω, elaunō) carries the sense of being forcefully led or compelled, showing that the man was not acting by his own will but was being pushed by the spirit into lonely, wild places.

Why Luke 8:29 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the man’s violent behavior and isolation were not simply personal issues but the result of a powerful spiritual force, which sets the stage for understanding Jesus’ authority over such forces.
  • Luke 8:29 helps readers see the seriousness of the man’s suffering and why the community was unable to help him, making Jesus’ intervention all the more significant.
  • The details about chains, fetters, and the wilderness connect this story to other biblical accounts of people tormented or isolated by evil, emphasizing themes of bondage and deliverance.

Where else these words appear

“fetters” Greek G3976 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 5:4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

“caught” Greek G4884 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 6:12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
  • Acts 19:29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
  • Acts 27:15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

“brake” Greek G1284 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 26:65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
  • Mark 14:63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
  • Luke 5:6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

“driven” Greek G1643 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 6:48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
  • John 6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
  • James 3:4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.