And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

LUKE 8:32KJV
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Luke 8:32 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:32 mean?

Luke 8:32 describes a large herd of pigs feeding on a hillside, and the demons who were speaking to Jesus begged him to let them enter the pigs instead of being sent away. Jesus allowed the demons to do as they asked, giving them permission to enter the pigs.

In this scene, Jesus is interacting with a man possessed by many demons in the region of the Gerasenes. The demons, fearing what Jesus might do to them, request to enter the nearby pigs rather than face a worse fate. The verse highlights Jesus’ authority over spiritual beings and sets up the dramatic events that follow, where the pigs rush into the lake.

The Greek behind Luke 8:32

  • ἀγέλη (agelē, "herd"): This word refers specifically to a group of animals, usually larger animals like pigs or cattle. The use of this word emphasizes the size and collective nature of the animals present.
  • ἐπέτρεψεν (epetrepsen, "he suffered/allowed"): This verb means to permit or give permission. The Greek here makes it clear that Jesus is in control of the situation and actively allows the demons’ request, rather than simply letting it happen by chance.
  • εἰσελθεῖν (eiselthein, "to enter"): This verb means to go into or enter. The demons are asking for permission to move from the man into the pigs, showing their dependence on Jesus’ authority for any action.

Why Luke 8:32 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus has authority not only over people but also over spiritual beings, since the demons must ask his permission before acting.
  • The detail about the pigs helps set the cultural and geographical context, showing this event took place in a non-Jewish area where pig farming was common.
  • Understanding that Jesus allowed the demons’ request helps explain the dramatic outcome in the next verses and highlights the cost of the man’s deliverance.

Where else these words appear

“herd” Greek G34 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 8:30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
  • Matthew 8:32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
  • Mark 5:13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea,(they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

“feeding” Greek G1006 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 8:30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
  • Mark 5:11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
  • Luke 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

“swine” Greek G5519 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
  • Mark 5:11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
  • Mark 5:16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.

“suffer” Greek G2010 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 8:21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
  • Luke 9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
  • Acts 27:3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.