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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus stands on a hillside where a large herd of pigs is feeding, granting permission to the demons after they previously begged not to be sent into the Abyss. The words — The Greek phrase ἱκανῶν χοίρων (hikanōn choirōn) literally means "many pigs," quantifying the animals that receive the demons' request to enter. The thread — The text notes the presence of pigs, which connects to Leviticus 11:7 classifying them as unclean and to Isaiah 65:4 and Isaiah 66:3 associating them with defilement and idolatrous practices. Why it lands — The verse states that Jesus permits the demons to enter the herd, which then rushes down a steep bank into the lake and drowns, demonstrating his authority over spiritual forces through their destructive departure.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

Cross-references

Isaiah 65:4 sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls.
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.
Leviticus 11:7 And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you.
1 Kings 22:22 And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’
Job 1:10 Have You not placed a hedge on every side around him and his household and all that he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
Job 1:12 “Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “Everything he has is in your hands, but you must not lay a hand on the man himself.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
Job 2:6 “Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “He is in your hands, but you must spare his life.”
Psalms 62:11 God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: that power belongs to God,
Matthew 8:30 In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding.
Mark 5:11 There on the nearby hillside a large herd of pigs was feeding.