And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

MATTHEW 8:28KJV
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Matthew 8:28 (KJV)

What does Matthew 8:28 mean?

Matthew 8:28 describes Jesus arriving in the region of the Gergesenes, where two men possessed by demons come out from the tombs to meet him. These men are described as extremely violent, making it impossible for anyone to safely pass by that area.

In this scene, Matthew is narrating what happened as Jesus and his disciples crossed over to the other side of the lake. The two demon-possessed men lived among the tombs, which were often caves outside the town, and their violent behavior was so severe that people avoided the road near them. This sets the stage for the miracle Jesus is about to perform and shows the seriousness of the situation.

The Greek behind Matthew 8:28

  • γερσηνῶν (Gergesenōn): This word refers to the region or country of the Gergesenes. The exact location is debated, but it signals that Jesus has entered Gentile territory, which is significant for understanding the reach of his ministry.
  • δαιμονιζόμενοι (daimonizomenoi, translated as "possessed with devils"): This Greek term means being under the influence or control of evil spirits. The description highlights the severity of the men's condition.
  • λίαν χαλεποὶ (lian chalepoi, translated as "exceeding fierce"): This phrase means extremely violent or dangerous. It emphasizes just how threatening these men were, explaining why no one dared to pass that way.
  • μνημείων (mnēmeiōn, translated as "tombs"): This word refers to burial places, often caves or stone structures. Living among tombs was associated with uncleanness and isolation, underlining the men's separation from society.

Why Matthew 8:28 matters

  • Matthew 8:28 clarifies that there were two demon-possessed men, while other Gospel accounts mention only one, showing Matthew’s attention to detail or a different perspective.
  • The verse highlights the extreme danger and fear these men caused, which makes Jesus’ willingness to approach and help them even more striking.
  • By mentioning the region of the Gergesenes, Matthew signals that Jesus’ ministry is reaching beyond Jewish areas, hinting at a broader mission.

Where else these words appear

“fierce” Greek G5467 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

“met” Greek G5221 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 8:27 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
  • John 11:20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
  • John 11:30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.

“devils” Greek G1139 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Matthew 12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
  • 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.

“exceeding” Greek G3029 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Mark 6:51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.