Luke 8 38

Luke 8:38 kjv

Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

Luke 8:38 nkjv

Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying,

Luke 8:38 niv

The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,

Luke 8:38 esv

The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,

Luke 8:38 nlt

The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying,

Luke 8 verses

Luke 8 38 Meaning

Luke 8:38 describes the interaction between the man formerly possessed by many demons (the Gerasene Demoniac) and Jesus, immediately after his deliverance. The man, profoundly grateful and transformed, pleaded with Jesus to allow him to join the circle of disciples and follow Him. However, Jesus, with a unique purpose, did not permit him but instead commissioned him with a specific, local evangelistic task. This verse highlights the man's profound desire for continued presence with his Deliverer and Jesus's distinctive directive for how that devotion should be expressed, showcasing varying forms of following Christ.

Luke 8 38 Context

Luke 8:38 follows immediately after Jesus's dramatic encounter with the Gerasene Demoniac in the region of Gadarenes/Gerasenes, a predominantly Gentile area across the Sea of Galilee. This episode, beginning in Luke 8:26, showcases Jesus's absolute authority over evil spiritual forces, even those possessing a man with extraordinary strength and residing among tombs, ostracized by society. The man was living under the complete domination of a "legion" of demons, which Jesus casts out into a herd of pigs, leading to the pigs drowning. The local inhabitants, witnessing this supernatural event, reacted with fear and begged Jesus to leave their region (Lk 8:37). In contrast to their fear-driven rejection, the man who was healed, now sitting "clothed and in his right mind," desired only to remain with Jesus. The verse therefore marks a pivot point, from the townspeople's fear to the transformed man's devotion, setting up Jesus's unexpected command in Luke 8:39. This narrative segment fits within Luke's broader theme of Jesus's power, His compassion towards the marginalized, and the expansion of the Gospel beyond Jewish borders, exemplified by this Gentile man becoming a witness.

Luke 8 38 Word analysis

• Now (Δέ - De): A Greek particle indicating a transition, often a soft "but" or "and." Here, it marks a shift from the townspeople's reaction to the man's desire. It draws a subtle contrast between their fear-driven rejection of Jesus and his love-driven plea to follow.
• the man (ὁ ἄνθρωπος - ho anthrōpos): Refers specifically to the formerly demon-possessed individual. This highlights his transformation from a subhuman existence (living among tombs, naked, uncontrollable) back to a true man in his right mind.
• from whom the demons had departed (ἀφʼ οὗ ἐξεληλύθει τὰ δαιμόνια - aph' hou exelēlythei ta daimonia): Emphasizes his new status as delivered. The Greek verb exelēlythei (departed) is in the pluperfect tense, indicating a completed action that had taken place before the current moment, underscoring the finality and thoroughness of his deliverance by Jesus. This clause serves as a reminder of the radical change in his life, directly attributable to Jesus's power.
• begged Him (ἐδεῖτο αὐτοῦ - edeito autou): The Greek imperfect verb edeito signifies a continuous or repeated pleading. This was not a casual request but an earnest, possibly desperate, appeal from a heart overwhelmed with gratitude and love for his Deliverer. It conveys the depth of his desire for an enduring relationship with Jesus.
• that he might be with Him (ἵνα ᾖ μετʼ αὐτοῦ - hina ē met' autou): Expresses the purpose or intention of his begging. This phrase, common in the Gospels, often denotes the desire to be a disciple, to follow Jesus physically, learn from Him, and share in His ministry. It reflects a natural human inclination to remain close to the source of their salvation and new life.
• But Jesus (Ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς - Ho de Iēsous): Again, de (but) signifies a contrast. It sets Jesus's decision in counterpoint to the man's sincere request, signaling an unexpected turn in the narrative.
• sent him away (ἀπέλυσεν αὐτὸν - apelysen auton): The verb apolysō means "to release," "send off," "let go." In this context, it is a deliberate and authoritative act by Jesus. It implies that Jesus refused the man's immediate desire to join His itinerant group of followers, but for a specific purpose which is revealed in the next verse (Lk 8:39). It demonstrates Jesus's sovereignty over even the most heartfelt and seemingly reasonable requests.
• saying (λέγων - legōn): Introduces Jesus's direct command, which completely redefines the man's immediate future and mission.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him": This phrase immediately establishes the healed man's identity by referencing his miraculous deliverance. His begging underscores his deep gratitude and a powerful, instinctual pull towards his savior. It also implies a recognition of Jesus's power and a desire for continued protection and presence.
• "that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away": This tension forms the crux of the verse. The man's natural, discipleship-oriented desire ("to be with Him") is directly countered by Jesus's unexpected command ("sent him away"). This sets up a crucial lesson about discipleship not always being what we expect or desire, but what God calls us to. It shows Jesus discerning a different, perhaps more impactful, immediate role for this individual than the common call to accompany Him on His journey.

Luke 8 38 Bonus section

• A Unique Apostolic Calling: The man healed of the demon "Legion" often referred to as the Gerasene Demoniac, can be seen as Jesus's first non-Jewish, impromptu "apostle" sent to evangelize a specific Gentile region. While not one of the twelve, his commissioning to bear witness to Jesus in the Decapolis was significant because Jesus did not spend extensive time ministering there Himself, particularly after the local inhabitants requested His departure. The healed man filled this evangelistic void.
• Evangelism through Testimony: This account profoundly emphasizes the power of personal testimony. The man didn't go with theological arguments but with the raw, lived experience of what "God had done for him." His life was the message, making it undeniably compelling to those who knew him. This underscores that a changed life is a powerful tool for witness.
• Jesus's Divine Prerogative: Jesus's action demonstrates His sovereign authority to define the terms of discipleship and ministry for each individual. His refusal of the man's earnest request was not a rejection of his devotion but a redirection for a greater purpose that the man himself might not have initially understood. It teaches that our deepest desires to serve Jesus must always align with His divine will for us.

Luke 8 38 Commentary

Luke 8:38 encapsulates a moment of profound transformation and a challenging twist in the narrative of discipleship. The man, liberated from a life of extreme torment and ostracism, expresses a heartfelt desire to remain in the presence of his Deliverer. This longing is entirely natural and commendable, reflecting the essence of worship and attachment to the One who brought such profound freedom. Many are called by Jesus to "come, follow Me," joining His itinerant band of disciples.

However, Jesus's response "But Jesus sent him away"—is surprising and counter-intuitive. Unlike many whom Jesus called to accompany Him, He designates a unique and different calling for this man. This decision reveals that following Jesus does not always mean physical proximity or a traditional role within His inner circle. Instead, true discipleship is defined by obedience to Jesus's specific call for each individual, which may include returning to one's own community, however unwelcoming that community may have been.

Jesus’s command for the man to "return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you" (Luke 8:39) teaches several vital lessons. First, witness begins in one's immediate sphere of influence, especially where one's transformation is most evident. This man, known by his community in his formerly tormented state, became a living testimony to Jesus's power right where he was needed most. Second, it highlights Jesus's broader missionary strategy: bringing the Kingdom to regions that might otherwise resist Him directly, such as this Gentile area that asked Him to leave. The healed man became Jesus's missionary surrogate in a place where Jesus Himself would not tarry. Finally, it demonstrates the diversity of callings within the Kingdom of God. Not all are called to itinerant ministry; some are called to be lights right where they are planted, testifying to God's work in their own lives. His obedient witness effectively paved the way for future encounters with the Gospel in the Decapolis region.