Matthew 8:32

Verse of the Bible

Matthew 8:32 is the 32nd verse in the eighth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament.

Lapide gives a number of reasons why Christ granted the request of the devils: firstly, to show that He had power over evil spirits, and that without his permission they could not even harm pigs, much less people; secondly, to show the number, strength and ill nature of the devils, and to show how much greater his own power was; thirdly, to disprove the error of the Sadducees, who said that there is “neither angel nor spirit” (Acts 23:8). Lapide also puts forth a mystical meaning for this passage, saying that Christ did this to show that "all who, after the manner of swine wallow in fleshly lusts and pleasures, that they in like manner are rushing into the abyss of hell, and also to teach us that we must account the loss of our earthly possessions as of small account compared with the destruction of the soul. For He permitted the devils to enter into the herd of swine in order to free the demoniacs from their power."

Chrysostom: "Jesus did not say this, as though persuaded by the dæmons, but with many designs therein. One, that He might show the mighty power to hurt of these dæmons, who were in possession of the two men; another, that all might see that they had no power against the swine unless by His sufferance; thirdly, to show that they would have done more grievous hurt to the men, had they not even in their calamities been aided by Divine Providence, for they hate men more than irrational animals. By this it is manifest that there is no man who is not supported by Divine Providence; and if all are not equally supported by it, neither after one manner, this is the highest characteristic of Providence, that it is extended to each man according to his need. Besides the above mentioned things, we learn also that He cares not only for the whole together, but for each one in particular; which one may see clearly in these dæmoniacs, who would have been long before choked in the deep, had not Divine care preserved them. He also permitted them to go into the herd of swine, that they that dwelt in those parts might know His power. For where He was known to none, there He makes His miracles to shine forth, that He may bring them to a confession of His divinity."