And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.

MATTHEW 8:30KJV
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Matthew 8:30 (KJV)

What does Matthew 8:30 mean?

Matthew 8:30 describes how, at some distance from Jesus and the men possessed by demons, there was a large herd of pigs feeding. This detail sets the scene for what happens next in the story, where the demons request to enter the pigs.

In this moment, Jesus is in the region of the Gadarenes, a mostly Gentile area, and has just encountered two men possessed by demons. The mention of a "herd of many swine" highlights that this is not a Jewish area, since pigs were considered unclean animals in Jewish law. This detail prepares the reader for the unusual request the demons will make and the dramatic events that follow.

The Greek behind Matthew 8:30

  • The word for "off" is μακράν (makran, G3112), which often means "at a distance" or "far away." This shows the herd of pigs was not right next to Jesus and the possessed men, but far enough away to be noticed.
  • The term for "herd" is ἀγέλη (agelē, G34), which refers to a group of animals, usually larger animals like pigs or cattle. This emphasizes the size and organization of the group.
  • The word for "many" is πολλοί (polloi, G4183), meaning "numerous" or "a large number." The text stresses that this was not just a few pigs, but a significant herd.
  • The word for "swine" is χοίρων (choirōn, G5519), specifically meaning pigs, which would stand out to a Jewish audience as an unclean animal.

Why Matthew 8:30 matters

  • The mention of pigs helps clarify the setting as Gentile territory, since Jews did not keep herds of swine due to dietary laws.
  • The detail about the herd being "a good way off" shows that what happens next—the demons entering the pigs—was visible and dramatic, not hidden or ambiguous.
  • This verse sets up the following miracle, making it clear that Jesus' authority will soon be demonstrated in a way that involves both the spiritual and physical worlds.

Where else these words appear

“herd” Greek G34 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 8:31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
  • Mark 5:11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
  • Luke 8:32 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.

“feeding” Greek G1006 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 8:33 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.
  • Mark 5:14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
  • 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.

“off” Greek G3112 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
  • John 21:8 And the other disciples came in a little ship;(for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.
  • Acts 22:21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

“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 5:12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
  • Luke 8:32 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.