Log inSign up

Matthew 8 · a question people ask

Was it one man, or two?

In the text

Matthew, Mark and Luke each tell it in their own words, and they differ. Matthew: "When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met him there, coming out of the tombs" (8:28). Mark: "They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes" (Mark 5:1), and "a man with an unclean spirit met him out of the tombs" (Mark 5:2). Luke: "Then they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes" (Luke 8:26), and "a certain man out of the city who had demons for a long time met him" (Luke 8:27). The number and the name of the country differ. Favor's Mark 5 sets the three tellings side by side, in Three Gospels, side by side, and the introduction to Matthew names this difference in Four Gospels, side by side. None of the Gospels explains it, and these notes don't either, or say how the tellings fit.

The verses

“When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met him there, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that nobody could pass that way.”
Matthew 8:28 · World English Bible
“They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. When he had come out of the boat, immediately a man with an unclean spirit met him out of the tombs.”
Mark 5:1-2 · World English Bible
“Then they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, a certain man out of the city who had demons for a long time met him. He wore no clothes, and didn’t live in a house, but in the tombs.”
Luke 8:26-27 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Matthew 8

Matthew 8: Just say the word

The only time Matthew says Jesus marveled (8:10) is when he heard a centurion who told him, "Just say the word" (8:8); and when evening came Jesus "cast out the spirits with a word" (8:16), the same Greek word. And Matthew's first "Son of Man" is in Jesus's own words: "the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" (8:20).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekMatthew 8 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Matthew 8

All questions about Matthew →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Last reviewed October 1, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions