Devine Scripture

Matthew 8:28

What does Matthew 8:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 8:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 8:28 means

Upon arriving in the Gentile region of the Gadarenes, Jesus is immediately confronted by two men possessed by exceptionally fierce demons. These men reside among the tombs, a place associated with uncleanness and death, and are so violent that they make the surrounding area impassable for others. This encounter highlights the pervasive and destructive power of demonic forces in contrast to Jesus’ presence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when he had come to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, there came out to him from the place of the dead, two who had evil spirits, so violent that no man was able to go that way.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he having come to the other side, to the region of the Gergesenes, there met him two demoniacs, coming forth out of the tombs, very fierce, so that no one was able to pass over by that way,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he was come on the other side of the water, into the country of the Gerasens, there met him two that were possessed with devils, coming out of the sepulchres, exceeding fierce, so that none could pass by that way.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And there met him, when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, two possessed by demons, coming out of the tombs, exceeding dangerous, so that no one was able to pass by that way.

Context

This verse marks Jesus' arrival in a Gentile region and immediately introduces a new challenge: a confrontation with demon-possessed men. It directly follows the calming of the storm, showcasing Jesus' authority over a different and equally formidable adversary—demonic powers—setting the stage for a dramatic display of His dominion over the spiritual realm.

v.27And the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?

v.28This passage

v.29And behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

Cross references

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

  • Acts 10:38

    even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

  • Luke 8:26

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

  • Matthew 4:24

    And the report of him went forth into all Syria: and they brought unto him all that were sick, holden with divers diseases and torments, possessed with demons, and epileptic, and palsied; and he healed them.

  • Mark 5:1

    And they came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes.

  • Genesis 10:16

    and the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgashite,

  • Judges 5:6

    In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, In the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, And the travellers walked through byways.

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