Luke 8:37

37 And all the multitude of the country of Gadarenes prayed him, that he should go from them, for they were held with great dread [for they were holden with great dread]. And he went up into a boat, and turned again.

Luke 8:37 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 8:37

Then the whole multitude
For it seems, a very large number of people were presently gathered together, from all parts of the country, upon the report of the swine herds, who fled, it is very likely, some one way, and some another: of the country of the Gadarenes round about;
of the country that was round about Gadara. The Vulgate Latin reads, "of the Gergesenes"; and the Arabic and Ethiopic versions, "of the Gergesenes": and they all, with one accord, besought him to depart from them, for they were taken with great fear:
lest they should suffer other and greater losses, than the loss of the swine; choosing rather that the devils should be retained among them, than Christ continue with them:

and he went up into the ship;
directly, granted their request at once; not desirous of staying with such an ungrateful people, that loved their swine more than him, yea, than the bodily health and welfare of their countrymen:

and he returned back again;
to Galilee, at least in a very little time, after some short discourse with the dispossessed man; having staid but a very small time in that place, just landed as it were, and not having proceeded far from the seashore.

Luke 8:37 In-Context

35 And they went out to see that thing that was done. And they came to Jesus, and they found the man sitting clothed, from whom the devils went out, and in whole mind at his feet; and they dreaded.
36 And they that saw told to them, how he was made whole of the legion.
37 And all the multitude of the country of Gadarenes prayed him, that he should go from them, for they were held with great dread [for they were holden with great dread]. And he went up into a boat, and turned again.
38 And the man of whom the devils were gone out [And the man of whom the devils went out], prayed him, that he should be with him. Jesus let him go, and said [Soothly Jesus left him, saying],
39 Go again into thine house, and tell how great things God hath done to thee. And he went through all the city, and preached, how great things Jesus had done to him.
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.