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.