Matthew 8:30
Matthew 8:30 in Multiple Translations
In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding.
And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
Now there was afar off from them a herd of many swine feeding.
Now there was, some distance away, a great herd of pigs taking their food.
In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding.
Nowe there was, afarre off from them, a great heard of swine feeding.
And there was far off from them a herd of many swine feeding,
Now there was a herd of many pigs feeding far away from them.
And there was a good way off from them a herd of many swine, feeding.
And there was, not far from them, an herd of many swine feeding.
There was a large herd of pigs not far away, digging for food with their noses.
Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 8:30
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Matthew 8:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 8:30
Study Notes — Matthew 8:30
- Context
- Cross References
- Matthew 8:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Matthew 8:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 8:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 8:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 8:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 8:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 8:30
- Cambridge Bible on Matthew 8:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 8:30
- Sermons on Matthew 8:30
Context — The Demons and the Pigs
30In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding.
31So the demons begged Jesus, “If You drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” 32“Go!” He told them. So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and died in the waters.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 14:8 | as well as the pig; though it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. It is unclean for you. You must not eat its meat or touch its carcass. |
| 2 | Leviticus 11:7 | And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. |
| 3 | Mark 5:11 | There on the nearby hillside a large herd of pigs was feeding. |
| 4 | Isaiah 65:3–4 | to a people who continually provoke Me to My face, sacrificing in the gardens and burning incense on altars of brick, sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls. |
| 5 | Luke 8:32 | There on the hillside a large herd of pigs was feeding. So the demons begged Jesus to let them enter the pigs, and He gave them permission. |
| 6 | Isaiah 66:3 | Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever offers frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways and delighted in their abominations. |
| 7 | Luke 15:15–16 | So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing. |
Matthew 8:30 Summary
This verse tells us that there was a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance, which becomes important because the demons asked Jesus to send them into the pigs. This event shows us that Jesus has authority over all things, including the spiritual realm, as seen in other accounts like Mark 1:23-26 and Luke 4:33-36. Just like the pigs were going about their everyday business, we can trust that God is always at work in our lives, even when we're not directly aware of it, as noted in Romans 8:28 and Matthew 10:29-31. By trusting in Jesus' authority and power, we can find peace and protection in the midst of life's challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Bible mention a herd of pigs in this verse?
The pigs are mentioned because the demons requested to be sent into them, as seen in Matthew 8:31, and this event ultimately led to the destruction of the pigs, illustrating the power and authority of Jesus Christ, as noted in Matthew 8:32 and also seen in other accounts like Luke 8:32-33.
What is the significance of the location of the pigs?
The location of the pigs, in the distance, may indicate that they were not the primary focus of Jesus' attention at that moment, but rather the demon-possessed men, as stated in Matthew 8:28-29, and the event with the pigs served to demonstrate Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm, similar to other accounts like Mark 5:1-20.
Does this verse imply that Jesus was responsible for the destruction of the pigs?
While Jesus did give the demons permission to enter the pigs, as seen in Matthew 8:32, it was the demons' influence that ultimately led to the pigs' destruction, highlighting the destructive nature of evil spirits, as also seen in Job 1:12 and 1 Samuel 16:14-15.
What can we learn from the fact that the pigs were feeding in the distance?
The fact that the pigs were feeding in the distance may serve as a reminder that even in the midst of spiritual battles, like the one described in Ephesians 6:12, everyday life continues, and God is always at work, even when we are not directly aware of it, as noted in Romans 8:28 and Matthew 10:29-31.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse remind me of the authority and power of Jesus Christ in my own life?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to Jesus' authority, just like the demons were forced to surrender in this account?
- In what ways can I trust God to be at work, even when I am not directly aware of it, just like the pigs feeding in the distance?
- How can I apply the lesson of the destructive nature of evil spirits to my own spiritual battles, and seek God's protection and guidance, as seen in Psalm 91:1-4?
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 8:30
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 8:30
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 8:30
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 8:30
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 8:30
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 8:30
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 8:30
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 8:30
Sermons on Matthew 8:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
To What Purpose by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life focused on Christ rather than material possessions. He references the teachings of John Wesley, who advocated |
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Spiritual Religion by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of handling the word of God with sincerity and genuine love for scripture. He warns that simply preaching orthodox teachings d |
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The Portion of the Wicked by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the justice of God in allotting indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish to wicked men, emphasizing that their sinful nature and refusal to repe |
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The Fool's Bauble, the Fool's Fiddle by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks warns against the folly of indulging in sin, describing it as the 'fool's bauble' and 'fool's fiddle.' He emphasizes that fools take delight in wickedness, treating s |




