Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

LUKE 8:38KJV
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Luke 8:38 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:38 mean?

Luke 8:38 describes how the man who had been freed from demons begged Jesus to let him stay with him, but Jesus sent the man away instead. The verse shows the man’s deep gratitude and desire to remain close to Jesus after his life-changing experience.

The setting is just after Jesus has healed a man who was possessed by many demons in the region of the Gerasenes. The man, now in his right mind, pleads with Jesus to let him become one of his followers and travel with him. Instead, Jesus gives him a different mission, which is explained in the following verse. This moment highlights both the man’s transformation and Jesus’ specific purpose for him.

The Greek behind Luke 8:38

  • "ἐδεῖτο" (edeito, G1189): This word is translated as "besought" and carries the sense of an earnest or urgent request, not just a casual asking. The man’s plea to be with Jesus was heartfelt and intense.
  • "σὺν" (syn, G4862): Translated as "with," this word emphasizes the man’s desire for close companionship and ongoing presence with Jesus, not just physical proximity but a deeper association.
  • "ἀπέλυσεν" (apelysen, G630): This is the word for "sent away." It can mean to release or dismiss, showing that Jesus deliberately directed the man to go elsewhere rather than simply refusing his request.

Why Luke 8:38 matters

  • The verse clears up the idea that everyone Jesus helps is called to follow him in the same way; sometimes, Jesus gives people a unique mission in their own community.
  • Luke 8:38 highlights the powerful impact Jesus had on individuals, as seen in the man’s urgent desire to stay with him after being healed.
  • This verse sets up the next part of the story, where Jesus instructs the man to share his story locally, showing a different way of being a witness to Jesus’ work.

Where else these words appear

“besought” Greek G1189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
  • Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
  • Acts 26:3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

“devils” Greek G1140 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
  • Luke 11:15 But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.

“sent” Greek G630 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Mark 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
  • Luke 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

“with” Greek G4862 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
  • Acts 4:14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
  • Acts 28:16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.