Matthew 8:29 Meaning and Explanation
“And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The spirits cry out, acknowledging Jesus as Son of God and dreading judgment.
What Does Matthew 8:29 Mean?
At once the demons cry out through the men. They recognize Jesus instantly, naming Him 'thou Son of God,' a confession the crowds had not yet made. They ask what He has to do with them and whether He has come to torment them before the appointed time.
Even the powers of darkness know who Jesus is and tremble before Him. Their words reveal that a day of reckoning is fixed, a time set for judgment, and they fear He has come to bring it early. The encounter shows the unrivaled authority of Christ over the unseen world; evil itself bows to His presence and dreads His coming. What the demons grasp in terror, His followers are called to embrace in faith: that this is indeed the Son of God.
Matthew 8:29 in the Original Language
basanizo (βασανίζω), 'torment' -- to subject to torture or distress; the spirits fear the judgment they know awaits them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 8:29
What does Matthew 8:29 mean?
The spirits cry out, acknowledging Jesus as Son of God and dreading judgment.