Devine Scripture

Matthew 8:34

What does Matthew 8:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 8:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 8:34 means

In response to the herdsmen's report, the entire city comes out to meet Jesus. However, instead of welcoming Him or marveling at the healing of the two men, they implore Him to leave their territory. Their request suggests fear, economic loss (from the pigs), or an unwillingness to confront such overwhelming spiritual power, preferring their familiar ways over the unsettling presence of divine authority. They chose their pigs over their souls.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart from their borders.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart from their borders.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And all the town came out to Jesus; and seeing him they made request that he would go away from their part of the country.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And lo, all the city came forth to meet Jesus, and having seen him, they called on <FI>him<Fi> that he might depart from their borders.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And behold the whole city went out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart from their coast.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And behold, the whole city went out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged [him] to go away out of their coasts.

Context

This verse concludes the chapter with the city's unexpected response to Jesus, following the herdsmen's report and the dramatic exorcism. Their request for Him to depart highlights a crucial theme: not everyone welcomes Jesus' authority, especially when it disrupts their comfort or economic interests. It leaves the reader contemplating the diverse reactions to Jesus' power and presence.

v.33And they that fed them fled, and went away into the city, and told everything, and what was befallen to them that were possessed with demons.

v.34This passage

Cross references

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

  • Deuteronomy 5:25

    Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of Jehovah our God any more, then we shall die.

  • Luke 8:28

    And 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.

  • 1 Kings 17:18

    And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? thou art come unto me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son!

  • 1 Kings 18:17

    And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Is it thou, thou troubler of Israel?

  • Acts 16:39

    and they came and besought them; and when they had brought them out, they asked them to go away from the city.

  • Job 21:14

    And they say unto God, Depart from us; For we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 8

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

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 8:34.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary