And there was, not far from them, a herd of many swine feeding.
ην δε μακραν απ αυτων αγελη χοιρων πολλων βοσκομενη
8 Church Fathers comment on this verse
The swine, into which the evil spirits entered, symbolize impure and faithless individuals who, like those feeding along the shore, dwell in worldly transgressions and thus become a fitting dwelling for demons. Consequently, they are overwhelmed by these depths of confusion, being ensnared by numerous demonic influences—sinful cravings.
The Lord delivered a man tormented by many demons, casting them out as they pleaded not to be sent into the abyss but rather into the nearby herd of swine. He granted their request, and they left the man to inhabit the pigs, who then rushed into the waters. Two aspects of this event are explored by Augustine and Peter Chrysologus. First, why did the demons, despite their arrogance, choose to enter unclean swine rather than majestic creatures like lions or elephants? Second, why did the Lord allow this when He had previously rejected their other requests? They sought to turn stones into bread and to leap from the temple but were ignored.
The answer they provided is that like attracts like; the demons embody uncleanliness, as evidenced when the Lord addressed one saying, "Come out, unclean spirit, from this man" (Mk. 5:8). Pigs, deemed unclean in the Old Testament, were fitting hosts for them, illustrating the connection of the unclean to the unclean. Chrysologus observes that demons prefer to dwell in filthy animals, showing their affinity for impurity. Augustine clarifies that Christ allowed the demons to enter the swine to reveal that they inhabit those who indulge in sinful behaviors, akin to pigs in muck. Those who metaphorically reside in such filth are the ones enslaved by bodily desires. Chrysostom remarks that indulgence in carnal pleasures dehumanizes individuals. Thus, where there is impurity, demons find a home.
A story is recounted about a young woman from Arabia who, upon gazing at an indecent image of Venus in Carthage, entertained sinful thoughts and subsequently became a host for a demon, illustrating how even the intent of impurity can invite demonic presence. This entreats us to remain vigilant against moral defilement. "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, doing holy things in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 7:1). Let us also honor those who have suffered for the sake of purity.
The demons spoke to Jesus, articulating their desire to enter the swine, and He permitted it, saying, "Go" (Matthew 8:31, 32). While discussing these topics may seem uncomfortable, they are paramount to understanding the spiritual realities they represent. The demons' request to enter the swine is bewildering, as they sought refuge in lowly creatures rather than noble ones, highlighting their connection to filth. The Lord’s consent serves to demonstrate both their dominion over those who esteem a sinful lifestyle and His authority over the wicked, as Augustine referenced: “Christ allows the demons to enter the swine, to show that the devil has dominion over those who lead a swine life.”
Moreover, living in carnal uncleanness likens people to idolaters, as they serve the passions that enslave them. This unflattering parallel is evident in Jude 1:4, where grace is tainted by indulgence. Those reborn in Christ through baptism must not transform their sanctification into sinful indulgence; such actions signify the presence of a demonic influence.
The devil's grip on the unclean mirrors the torment experienced by the irreverent, who are at risk of suffering the same eternal punishment—darkness, contempt, and fire—as those lost in sin. The Sodomites faced divine retribution through burning sulphur (Genesis 19:24), symbolizing the stench of their wickedness and serving as a warning against the vile nature of sin that ultimately leads to death.
The Lord demonstrates how far He will go in exposing sinners who remain in their transgressions, echoing the profound consequences for profaning the body He sanctifies. The apostolic teaching reveals that Christians are not their own; they belong to Christ and must uphold His integrity. Engaging in carnal deeds separates them from their sacred calling, likening their actions to expelling Christ from His own dwelling. The result is divine wrath against those who transgress, which the Lord exhibits through His command to the demons, emphasizing His condemnation of sinners as He permits them to enter the swine, who symbolize the wayward.
This account serves as a sobering reminder of how we should guard against moral depravity and the perils of demonic dominion. May the Lord grant repentance and transformation, shielding us from the depths of His justified wrath. Amen.
In a distant location from where the possessed individuals were, there existed a significant herd of pigs. The demons implored Jesus Christ, saying, "Lord, if you expel us from these men, we beseech you, permit us to enter the herd of pigs." Observe the might of the presence of the Lord Jesus and the weakness of the demons; if they can only harm swine with God’s consent, how much more can they afflict humans, who are created in God's image! Just as the Lord’s presence banished demons, so too does the image of the cross and the calling upon His sacred name send them fleeing. "At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth" (Philippians 2:10).
When demons attempt to tempt you, if you desire, you can drive them away by making the sign of the cross and invoking the name of Jesus Christ. Now, let us return to the message of the Gospel before us. The Lord graciously agreed to the demons' request.
A significant distance from the demoniacs was a sizable herd of swine. The Mosaic Law explicitly prohibited the Hebrews from raising pigs, classifying them as unclean creatures. This herd likely belonged to the Gentiles, specifically the Gergesenes, or it is possible that the Hebrews maintained the herd in disregard of the Law in order to engage in trade with the Gentiles, supplying items such as pork to sustain the Roman legions.
Desiring to stay for a while in that region, primarily populated by non-Jews, the demons sought permission to inhabit the swine that were feeding nearby.
As the demons realized their control over the afflicted man was coming to an end, they pleaded with Christ to permit them to inhabit a sizable herd of pigs that were grazing on the hillside. These pigs were tended by the Gerasenes, likely intended for the sustenance of the Roman legion stationed nearby or perhaps for the local residents who, in this distant region, did not closely adhere to the Mosaic law.
A herd of pigs: The Jewish people were prohibited from raising pigs as they were considered impure. We can thus infer that this herd belonged to Gentiles, who coexisted with Jews in the same region, particularly in Galilee and across the Jordan River, in Perea, where the town of Gergesa, or Gerazah, was located. Alternatively, it's possible that these animals were part of trade between the Jews and the Gentiles, leading some Jews to keep them in contravention of the law while refraining from consuming them.
On a distant mountain, there existed a significant group of pigs, likely owned by the Gentiles, who inhabited the populous eastern banks of Lake Gennesaret.
Passages read together with this verse.
Greek text, 9 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS