Devine Scripture

Luke 8:27

What does Luke 8:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 8:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 8:27 means

Luke 8:27 introduces a man who lived among the tombs, was demon-possessed, naked, and socially isolated—an extreme portrayal of spiritual bondage. His condition had been longstanding, marking him as a tragic figure marginalized by others. The description highlights the severity of demonic oppression and the compassion implicit in Jesus’ approach. That he had no house and wore no clothes points to loss of identity and dignity; meeting Jesus marks a turning point where the powers enslaving him will be confronted and healed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when he was come forth upon the land, there met him a certain man out of the city, who had demons; and for a long time he had worn no clothes, and abode not in any house, but in the tombs.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when he was come forth upon the land, there met him a certain man out of the city, who had demons; and for a long time he had worn no clothes, and abode not in any house, but in the tombs.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when he had come to the land, there came to him a certain man from the town who had evil spirits; and for a long time he had had no clothing on, and was not living in a house but in the place of the dead.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he having gone forth upon the land, there met him a certain man, out of the city, who had demons for a long time, and with a garment was not clothed, and in a house was not abiding, but in the tombs,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he was come forth to the land, there met him a certain man who had a devil now a very long time. And he wore no clothes: neither did he abide in a house, but in the sepulchres.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And as he got out [of the ship] on the land, a certain man out of the city met him, who had demons a long time, and put on no clothes, and did not abide in a house, but in the tombs.

Context

This verse opens the Gerasene episode by introducing the principal human character in desperate need. It follows the sea miracle and intensifies the narrative with a stark human drama. The scene prepares readers for a clash between Jesus’ authority and demonic forces in a Gentile setting, highlighting the reach of Jesus’ power.

v.26And they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over against Galilee.

v.27This passage

v.28And when he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the Most High God? I beseech thee, torment me not.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 5:2

    And when he was come out of the boat, straightway there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

  • 1 Samuel 19:24

    And he also stripped off his clothes, and he also prophesied before Samuel, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 8

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 8.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 8:27.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary