And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

LUKE 8:40KJV
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Luke 8:40 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:40 mean?

Luke 8:40 describes how, when Jesus returned to the area, a crowd of people warmly welcomed him because they had all been waiting for his arrival. The verse highlights the eagerness and anticipation of the people to see Jesus again.

In the story, Jesus is coming back to the western side of the Sea of Galilee after traveling elsewhere. The people mentioned are the local crowd who had likely heard about his miracles and teachings. Their enthusiastic reception shows that his presence was highly valued and that many were hoping for help or teaching from him.

The Greek behind Luke 8:40

  • The word "received" comes from the Greek ἀπεδέξατο (apedexato), which often means to welcome or accept gladly. This emphasizes that the crowd was not just passively present but was actively happy to see Jesus.
  • The word "waiting" is from the Greek προσδοκῶντες (prosdokontes), which carries the sense of looking forward to something with expectation. This shows the people were not surprised by Jesus’ return; they were anticipating it and perhaps hoping for more miracles or teachings.

Why Luke 8:40 matters

  • Luke 8:40 sets the stage for the miracles and events that follow, showing that Jesus’ reputation had grown and that people were seeking him out.
  • The verse highlights the contrast between the warm welcome Jesus receives here and the rejection he sometimes faced elsewhere, helping readers see the varied responses to his ministry.
  • The eagerness of the crowd helps explain why Jesus was often surrounded by people and why his movements drew so much attention in the Gospels.

Where else these words appear

“received” Greek G588 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
  • Acts 15:4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
  • Acts 24:3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

“for” Greek G4328 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 11:3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
  • Luke 7:19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
  • Acts 27:33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

“returned” Greek G5290 · used in 35 verses

  • Mark 14:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again,(for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
  • Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
  • Acts 8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.