Question 1

What does Luke 8:31 mean?

Accepted Answer

Luke 8:31 describes how the demons begged Jesus not to send them away into "the deep." They pleaded with him, asking that he would not command them to go out into this place, which they feared. In this scene, Jesus is confronting a man possessed by many demons. The demons, speaking through the man, are afraid that Jesus will send them into "the deep"—a term often understood as a place of confinement or punishment for evil spirits. Their request shows both their recognition of Jesus' authority and their dread of being sent to this dreaded place.

Question 2

The Greek behind Luke 8:31

Accepted Answer

"the deep" (ἄβυσσος, abyssos): This Greek word means a bottomless or immeasurably deep place. In Jewish thought of the time, it was often linked to the underworld or a prison for demons, which helps explain why the demons are so afraid of being sent there. "besought" (παρακαλέω, parakaleō): This word means to beg or plead earnestly. The use of this word highlights the desperation and fear of the demons as they appeal to Jesus. "command" (ἐπιτάσσω, epitassō): This verb means to order or give a strict command. The demons recognize that Jesus has the authority to send them wherever he chooses, underlining his power over the spiritual realm.

Question 3

Why Luke 8:31 matters

Accepted Answer

Luke 8:31 clarifies that even evil spirits recognize and fear the authority of Jesus, which is a key theme in the surrounding passage. The verse helps explain why the demons later ask to enter the herd of pigs, showing their desire to avoid being sent to a place of punishment. Understanding "the deep" as a place of confinement for demons adds depth to the story, showing that the spiritual world in Luke's Gospel is taken seriously and that Jesus' authority extends even there.

Luke 8:31 (KJV)