Devine Scripture

Matthew 8:30

What does Matthew 8:30 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 8:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 8:30 means

At some distance from where Jesus and the demon-possessed men were, a large herd of swine was feeding. This detail is significant because pigs were unclean animals according to Jewish law, confirming the Gentile nature of the region. The presence of the herd provides a distinct physical destination for the demons, setting up the specific request the demons will make of Jesus.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now there was afar off from them a herd of many swine feeding.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now there was afar off from them a herd of many swine feeding.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now there was, some distance away, a great herd of pigs taking their food.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And there was far off from them a herd of many swine feeding,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And there was, not far from them, a herd of many swine feeding.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now there was, a great way off from them, a herd of many swine feeding;

Context

This verse provides a crucial detail about the setting, specifically the presence of a large herd of swine, which is important for the subsequent strategy of the demons. It directly follows the demons’ recognition of Jesus and their plea, providing the 'escape route' that the demons will request, leading directly into the unique interaction between Jesus and these evil spirits.

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?

v.30This passage

v.31And the demons besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 66:3

    He that killeth an ox is as he that slayeth a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as he that breaketh a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as he that offereth swine’s blood; he that burneth frankincense, as he that blesseth an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations:

  • Isaiah 65:3

    a people that provoke me to my face continually, sacrificing in gardens, and burning incense upon bricks;

  • Deuteronomy 14:8

    And the swine, because he parteth the hoof but cheweth not the cud, he is unclean unto you: of their flesh ye shall not eat, and their carcasses ye shall not touch.

  • Leviticus 11:7

    And the swine, because he parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, but cheweth not the cud, he is unclean unto you.

  • Mark 5:11

    Now there was there on the mountain side a great herd of swine feeding.

  • Luke 8:32

    Now there was there a herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they entreated him that he would give them leave to enter into them. And he gave them leave.

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