And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The "tombs" weren't just burial sites, but often caves or rock-cut chambers, and dwelling there would have made the men ritually unclean, essentially isolating them from society. This isolation, a characteristic often seen in severe mental illness, highlights how demonic influence thrives in the shadows, away from community and healing.
And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus and his disciples have just crossed the Sea of Galilee, leaving behind a calmer sea and a grateful, but perhaps fearful, crowd. Upon arriving in the region of the Gadarenes (or Gergesenes), they are immediately confronted by two extremely violent, demon-possessed men emerging from the desolate tombs. This encounter highlights the pervasive presence of spiritual darkness and suffering in this Gentile territory, contrasting sharply with the peace Jesus had just brought to the other side.
What does the desolate, tomb-dwelling existence of these men reveal about the depth of their suffering?
The encounter with Jesus in the land of the Gadarenes immediately plunges us into a scene of profound desperation. The two men are described as coming out of the tombs, a place associated with death and uncleanness. This wasn't just a random dwelling; it speaks volumes about their state.
A Life Among the Dead
Ask a follow-up
The text calls them 'exceeding fierce.' What does this intensity reveal about the power at play?
The description 'exceeding fierce' is not just hyperbole; it points to a reality beyond typical human aggression or mental illness. This ferocity signals the overwhelming power of demonic forces.
The Nature of Fierceness
Matthew mentions two demon-possessed men, while Mark and Luke focus on one. Why the difference, and what does it mean for us?
The variation in the number of demon-possessed individuals described by the Gospel writers is a common point of discussion. Instead of seeing it as a contradiction, we can view it as providing a more complete picture of Jesus' encounter.
Complementary Narratives
Understand the original words
daimonizomai · Greek Verb (Participle)
A state of being under the influence, control, or indwelling of an evil spirit. It denotes a person whose body or mind is subjected to demonic entities.
This event occurs in a predominantly Gentile area east of the Sea of Galilee, a region less familiar with Jewish customs. The Gerasenes' fear and focus on their material loss (the pigs) highlight a spiritual blindness that contrasts sharply with the man Jesus healed.
c. 140 BC
Roman Influence and Gadarene Territory
Gadara, a prominent Hellenistic city in the Decapolis region, gains prominence. Its territory, east of the Sea of Galilee, is known for its Gentile population and Roman influence.
c. 20s AD
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, attracting large crowds with his teachings and miracles. This sets the stage for his travels around the Sea of Galilee.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus Crosses the Sea of Galilee
Jesus and his disciples travel across the Sea of Galilee, likely by boat, to reach the region east of the lake.
c. AD 28-30
Encounter with Demoniacs and Swine
Jesus encounters two fiercely demon-possessed men near tombs. After casting out the demons, they enter a herd of pigs, which rush into the sea and drown.
c. AD 28-30
Gerasene Rejection of Jesus
The local inhabitants, primarily concerned about their livelihood (the pigs), fear Jesus and ask him to leave their territory.
This passage describes the same event, focusing on one of the demon-possessed men and highlighting his extreme ferocity and his dwelling among the tombs, providing a parallel perspective on the desperation of the situation.
Luke 8:26-29Luke's account also details the encounter, emphasizing the man's isolation and his violent nature, reinforcing the severity of the demonic influence and the danger posed to anyone passing by.
Matthew 12:43-45This passage speaks of an unclean spirit returning to a man, finding him swept and garnished, and bringing seven other spirits more wicked than the first. It illustrates the persistent and intensifying nature of demonic influence, akin to the overwhelming presence of multiple demons in Matthew 8:28.
Isaiah 13:21-22This prophecy describes the desolation of Babylon, mentioning wild animals and demons dwelling in its ruins. It provides an Old Testament parallel to the association of desolate places, like tombs, with demonic habitation.
1 Samuel 16:14-16This passage describes King Saul being tormented by an evil spirit. It shows that affliction by evil spirits was not unique to this specific encounter and could manifest as deep distress, making life unbearable and dangerous for others.
vincentMatthew 8:28: "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."
The tombs (μνημείων)Chambers excavated in the mountain, which would afford a shelter to the demoniac. Chandler ("Travels in Asia Minor") describes tombs with two square rooms, the lower containing the ashes, while in the upper, the friends performed funeral rites, and poured libation…
bensonMatthew 8:28: "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."
Matthew 8:28 . And when he was come to the other side, &c. — This history is related by Mark 5:1-4 , &c.; and by Luke 8:26-27 , more at large than here by Matthew: and they report it to be done in the country of the Gadarenes, who, it is evident, were the same people with those called…
The "tombs" weren't just burial sites, but often caves or rock-cut chambers, and dwelling there would have made the men ritually unclean, essentially isolating them from society. This isolation, a characteristic often seen in severe mental illness, highlights how demonic influence thrives in the shadows, away from community and healing.
Jesus and his disciples have just crossed the Sea of Galilee, leaving behind a calmer sea and a grateful, but perhaps fearful, crowd. Upon arriving in the region of the Gadarenes (or Gergesenes), they are immediately confronted by two extremely violent, demon-possessed men emerging from the desolate tombs. This encounter highlights the pervasive presence of spiritual darkness and suffering in this Gentile territory, contrasting sharply with the peace Jesus had just brought to the other side.
Jesus and his disciples have just crossed the Sea of Galilee, leaving behind a calmer sea and a grateful, but perhaps fearful, crowd. Upon arriving in the region of the Gadarenes (or Gergesenes), they are immediately confronted by two extremely violent, demon-possessed men emerging from the desolate tombs. This encounter highlights the pervasive presence of spiritual darkness and suffering in this Gentile territory, contrasting sharply with the peace Jesus had just brought to the other side.
"And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way." — The "tombs" weren't just burial sites, but often caves or rock-cut chambers, and dwelling there would have made the men ritually unclean, essentially isolating them from society. This isolation, a ch…
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Last reviewed October 2026