Matthew 8:31 Meaning and Explanation
“So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The demons beg Jesus, if He casts them out, to let them enter the swine.
What Does Matthew 8:31 Mean?
The evil spirits, knowing their expulsion is certain, plead with Jesus. They do not resist His authority but beg only for terms: if He casts them out, let them go into the herd of swine. Their request makes plain that they can do nothing without His permission.
Here the supremacy of Christ over all dark powers stands fully revealed. The demons who terrorized a whole region must beseech Him; they cannot even move without His leave. The scene quietly assures the believer that no power of evil acts outside the bounds the Lord sets. Christ holds authority over them all, and even their last petition is offered to Him as the One who decides.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 8:31
What does Matthew 8:31 mean?
The demons beg Jesus, if He casts them out, to let them enter the swine.