What was Gadarenes?
The Gadarenes refers to the inhabitants of the region of Gadara, a city of the Decapolis in the eastern part of the Jordan River, mentioned in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ miraculous healing of two demon-possessed men. The name “Gadarenes” (Greek: Γαδαρηνός, Gadarēnos) means “those of Gadara” or “people of Gadara.” The term designates a people group or community associated with the city of Gadara, which was located southeast of the Sea of Galilee.
The event associated with the Gadarenes is found in Matthew 8:28-34, with parallel accounts in Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-39. While the Gospel writers use slightly different terms—Gadarenes, Gerasenes, or Gergesenes—to describe the location, all refer to the same general region on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, known for its Gentile population and Hellenistic culture.
Biblical Narrative
Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed Men
In Matthew 8, after calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus arrives in the region of the Gadarenes. There, He is met by two demon-possessed men who lived among the tombs, so violent that no one could pass that way. The demons recognize Jesus as the Son of God and plead not to be tortured before the appointed time. At their request, Jesus permits them to enter a herd of pigs nearby, which then rush down the steep bank into the lake and drown.
The herdsmen flee to the city and report what happened. The entire town comes out to meet Jesus—but instead of welcoming Him, they plead with Him to leave their region (Matthew 8:34). This striking reaction reveals much about the spiritual condition of the people and the values they held.
Cross References
- Mark 5:1-20 – The same event is described, though only one demon-possessed man is highlighted. This man later becomes an evangelist in the Decapolis.
- Luke 8:26-39 – Luke also emphasizes one man, his restoration, and Jesus’ power over demons.
- Matthew 4:25 – The Decapolis is noted as one of the areas where crowds followed Jesus.
- Isaiah 65:4 – A prophecy describing those who sit among the graves and eat pig’s flesh, evoking spiritual rebellion and uncleanness.
Meaning for Today’s Christians
Jesus’ Authority Over Darkness
The encounter with the Gadarenes demonstrates Jesus’ absolute authority over demonic powers. Even among Gentiles, unclean spirits, and death (symbolized by the tombs), Jesus asserts His divine power. Christians today can take comfort in knowing that Christ is sovereign over spiritual forces and is able to deliver people from bondage.
The Cost of Discipleship
The townspeople’s rejection of Jesus shows that worldly concerns can blind people to eternal truth. The destruction of the pigs—likely a major economic loss—prompted fear and discomfort with the power of Jesus. In contrast, the healed man wanted to follow Jesus. This event challenges believers to consider whether they value spiritual renewal over material comfort.
Evangelism Begins in Dark Places
Though Jesus departs at the people’s request, He leaves behind a witness. In Mark and Luke, the healed man becomes a proclaimer of God’s mercy throughout the Decapolis. Even in places that reject Jesus, God can raise up a voice for the gospel. Christians are reminded that God can use anyone—even former outcasts—to proclaim His glory.
How This Points to Jesus and the Gospel
The story of the Gadarenes foreshadows the inclusive nature of Jesus‘ mission—He crosses into Gentile territory, showing that His kingdom is not just for Israel but for all nations. His encounter with the demon-possessed men mirrors the broader work of the gospel: bringing life to the dead, freedom to the enslaved, and peace to the tormented.
Moreover, Jesus willingly enters a place associated with death, impurity, and hostility—a picture of the incarnation itself. Just as He set foot in Gadara, Jesus came into a fallen world to save sinners and restore broken lives.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. Deliverance and Restoration
The healing of the demon-possessed men highlights the biblical theme of deliverance—a central element of God’s redemptive work. From the Exodus to the ministry of Jesus, God reveals Himself as a Deliverer who rescues His people from bondage.
2. Light in Darkness
Gadara, with its tombs and demonic oppression, symbolizes spiritual darkness. Jesus brings the light of truth and salvation even to places overrun by evil. This continues the biblical theme that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5).
3. Rejection of Christ
The rejection of Jesus by the Gadarenes anticipates the broader rejection He would face, especially at the cross. Yet even in rejection, His mission continues, and His kingdom advances.
4. Unclean to Clean
Jesus’ contact with unclean spirits, tombs, and pigs shows His power to cleanse and restore what is defiled. He is not defiled by the unclean but purifies it—reflecting His greater mission of bringing atonement and cleansing from sin.
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think the people of Gadara asked Jesus to leave after such a miraculous event?
- In what ways do people today prioritize material security over spiritual truth?
- How does this story encourage you in spiritual battles or areas of deep personal struggle?
- Are there areas in your life or community that resemble “tombs”—places of spiritual death—that Jesus wants to enter and redeem?
- What might God be calling you to proclaim about His mercy, like the healed man in the Decapolis?
The story of the Gadarenes reminds believers that no place is too dark for Christ’s light, no soul too bound for His freedom, and no rejection too strong to halt the gospel’s advance.