And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.

MATTHEW 8:34KJV
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Matthew 8:34 (KJV)

What does Matthew 8:34 mean?

Matthew 8:34 describes how the entire city came out to meet Jesus after he cast demons out of two men and sent them into a herd of pigs. When the people saw Jesus, they urgently asked him to leave their region.

This verse comes right after Jesus performed a dramatic miracle that frightened the townspeople. The people of the city, likely upset by the loss of their pigs and unsettled by the power Jesus displayed, pleaded with him to go away rather than welcome him. The verse highlights the community’s reaction to Jesus’ authority and the disruption his presence brought to their lives.

The Greek behind Matthew 8:34

  • "ἐξῆλθεν" (exēlthen, "came out"): This word emphasizes that the people actively left their city to confront Jesus, showing a united and deliberate response.
  • "παρεκάλεσαν" (parekalesan, "besought" or "begged"): The Greek word carries a sense of urgent pleading, not just a polite request. The people were strongly urging Jesus to leave, likely out of fear or discomfort.
  • "μεταβῇ" (metabē, "depart"): This word often means to move from one place to another, stressing that the people wanted Jesus completely out of their area, not just to move a short distance away.
  • "ὁρίων" (horiōn, "coasts" or "region"): This term refers to the boundaries or territory of the city, making it clear they wanted Jesus to leave their entire district, not just the immediate area.

Why Matthew 8:34 matters

  • Matthew 8:34 clarifies that the townspeople’s main concern was not gratitude for the healing, but fear or distress over the disruption Jesus caused, especially the loss of their livestock.
  • The verse highlights how people can react negatively to Jesus’ power, even when it brings good, if it threatens their way of life or comfort.
  • This reaction sets up a contrast with the faith shown by others in the surrounding stories, helping the reader see different responses to Jesus’ authority throughout the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“coasts” Greek G3725 · used in 10 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.
  • Matthew 15:39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.
  • Mark 7:31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

“depart” Greek G3327 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
  • Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
  • John 7:3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

“that” Greek G3704 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 5:23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
  • Acts 23:15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

“besought” Greek G3870 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Acts 16:40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?