Matthew 8:28-34 Then upon His coming into the other side of the lake – into the country of the Gadarenes other MSS: Gergesenes – two men, affected or controlled by demons (Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influences, or, negative spirits), met Him on their way coming out from among the memorial tombs (the burial caves; graveyard). They were extremely rugged men who were usually fierce to the point of being violent, savage, or hard to deal with, so that no one was normally strong enough to pass by through that way or along that road.

JMNT⁽ⁱ⁾ ²⁸ Then upon His coming into the other side [of the lake] – into the country of the Gadarenes [other MSS: Gergesenes] – two men, affected or controlled by demons (Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influences, or, negative spirits), met Him on their way coming out from among the memorial tombs (the burial caves; graveyard). [They were] extremely rugged men who were usually fierce to the point of being violent, savage, or hard to deal with, so that no one was normally strong enough to pass by through that way or along that road. ²⁹ So look and consider! They cried out, repeatedly saying, "What [does this mean] for us and for You, O Son of God? Do (or: Did) You come here to test us or to cause us pain or distress before the appointed season (or: before the right situation; before the fertile moment)?" ³⁰ Now there was a domestic herd of many pigs (hogs; swine) being habitually grazed some distance away from them, ³¹ so the demons (Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influences; violent spirits) began calling Him to their side for help, and kept on pleading and bargaining with Him, saying, "Since (or: If) You are now in the process of casting us out, send us off on a mission into that domestic herd of pigs!" ³² Accordingly He said to them, "Be proceeding on your way and bring things under control!" Now upon coming out, they went off into the pigs, and – now look and consider! – the entire herd at once stampeded down the steep slope (or: precipice) into the lake (or: sea) – and they died within the waters!" ³³ Now the men habitually grazing (the herdsmen normally tending and feeding [the pigs] at pasture) ran off and, upon going off into the city, reported everything – as well as the situation and affairs pertaining to the men affected and controlled by the demons (Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influences). ³⁴ And now look and consider! The entire city came out to meet with Jesus. Then, upon seeing Him, they asked Him for help in the situation and, in bargaining, they earnestly urged Him so that He would change His steps and transfer Himself away from their boundaries (territories; districts).