The story of demons wanting to go into the pigs comes from a well-known biblical account found in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospels of Matthew (8:28-34), Mark (5:1-20), and Luke (8:26-39). This narrative is often referred to as the “Gerasene Demoniac” or the “Gadarene Demoniac”. Here’s a detailed explanation of why the demons wanted to go into the pigs, based on the context of the story:
The Context: The Story of the Demoniac
In the account, Jesus encounters a man possessed by many demons in the region of Gerasenes (or Gadarenes), which was a Gentile area near the Sea of Galilee. This man lived among the tombs, was extremely violent, and could not be restrained by chains. When Jesus confronts the man, the demons within him identify themselves as “Legion,” indicating that there were many of them.
Why Did the Demons Want to Go into the Pigs?
When Jesus commanded the demons to come out of the man, they begged Him not to send them “out of the area” or “into the abyss” (Luke 8:31). Instead, they requested to be allowed to enter a nearby herd of pigs. Here are some interpretations and reasons why the demons wanted to go into the pigs:
- Avoid Being Sent to the Abyss: The demons feared being cast into the “abyss,” which in biblical literature often refers to a place of confinement or punishment for evil spirits. By entering the pigs, the demons hoped to avoid immediate judgment or imprisonment in the abyss, which would limit their ability to act.
- Desire to Remain in the Physical Realm: Demons, according to biblical teachings, seek to inhabit physical bodies—whether human or animal—because it gives them a sense of agency and power in the physical world. They prefer to be in a physical host rather than being disembodied spirits without influence.
- To Cause Further Destruction: Demons are often portrayed as malevolent beings whose primary goal is to cause chaos, destruction, and suffering. By entering the pigs, they could continue their destructive actions, even if it was through the pigs rather than a human host.
- Pigs as a Symbol of Uncleanness: In Jewish culture, pigs were considered unclean animals. The demons requesting to enter the pigs might symbolize their affinity for that which is unclean or impure. It could also demonstrate their malicious intent, as the destruction of the pigs would have been significant to the local Gentile economy.
- To Create Fear and Stir Up Trouble: The demons’ decision to enter the pigs, which subsequently ran down a steep bank and drowned in the sea, created a scene of fear and panic among the local populace. This event caused the people to ask Jesus to leave their region. In this way, the demons may have been attempting to thwart Jesus’ ministry in that area by turning people against Him.
The Outcome
After the demons entered the pigs, the entire herd—about 2,000 pigs—rushed down a steep bank and drowned in the sea. This dramatic event had multiple effects:
- Liberation of the Possessed Man: The man was freed from his torment and restored to a normal state of mind, showcasing Jesus’ authority over evil spirits.
- Fear Among the Local Population: The people who witnessed or heard about the event were filled with fear and asked Jesus to leave their region.
- A Display of Spiritual Authority: The event demonstrated Jesus’ authority over the spiritual realm, including His power over demons.
Conclusion
The demons’ request to enter the pigs is a complex and symbolic part of this biblical narrative. It illustrates the demons’ desire to avoid judgment, continue their destructive behavior, and remain in the physical realm, even if only through unclean animals. The story serves to highlight both the power of Jesus over evil forces and the transformative impact of His ministry.