Luke 8:32

8:32 Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and the demonic spirits begged Jesus to let them go into them. He gave them permission.

tn Grk “mountain,” but this might give the English reader the impression of a far higher summit.

tn Grk “they”; the referent (the demonic spirits) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

sn Many have discussed why Jesus gave them permission, since the animals were destroyed. However, this is another example of a miracle that is a visual lesson. The demons are destructive: They were destroying the man. They destroyed the pigs. They destroy whatever they touch. The point was to take demonic influence seriously, as well as Jesus’ power over it as a picture of the larger battle for human souls. There would be no doubt how the man’s transformation had taken place.