Gadara in the Bible
Where Jesus cast out a legion of demons into a herd of swine that rushed into the sea.
Gadara (or the 'country of the Gadarenes') was a Gentile city east of the Sea of Galilee. Here Jesus encountered a man possessed by a legion of demons living among the tombs. Jesus cast the demons into a herd of swine, which ran down the steep bank into the sea.
Modern Location
Umm Qais, northwestern Jordan
Key Biblical Events
- 1Jesus crosses to the country of the Gadarenes (Matthew 8:28)
- 2A demon-possessed man living in tombs meets Jesus (Mark 5:1–5)
- 3Jesus casts the legion of demons into swine (Mark 5:11–13)
- 4The townspeople beg Jesus to leave (Mark 5:17)
- 5The healed man becomes a witness (Mark 5:18–20)
Key KJV Scriptures
"And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many."
"And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea."
"And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."
Spiritual Significance
Gadara displays Christ's absolute authority over evil. No demon — not even a legion — can resist His command. The transformation of the demoniac from naked and wild to 'clothed and in his right mind' pictures what salvation does.
Why Gadara Matters
Gadara holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands at the crossroads of God's covenant promises to His chosen people. With 5 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Jesus linked to its story — Gadara is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Gadara gains its primary significance in the New Testament era, where 3 key scriptures illuminate its role in the unfolding story of Christ and the early church. Gadara displays Christ's absolute authority over evil. No demon — not even a legion — can resist His command. The transformation of the demoniac from naked and wild to 'clothed and in his right mind' pictures what salvation does.
For today's believer, studying Gadara is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Gadara, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Jesus encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the demons go into pigs?
The demons begged Jesus not to send them 'out of the country.' They asked to enter the swine, and Jesus permitted it — resulting in the herd's destruction, demonstrating the demons' destructive nature.
Why did the townspeople want Jesus to leave?
They were afraid. The loss of 2,000 pigs was economically devastating, and the supernatural display of power frightened them more than it amazed them.
Explore Related Content
Related Bible Locations
Sea of Galilee
The lake where Jesus called His disciples, walked on water, and calmed the storm.
Capernaum
Jesus' headquarters during His Galilean ministry — a city of miracles.
Decapolis
League of ten Greco-Roman cities east of the Jordan — where Jesus healed and the demoniac testified.
Decapolis
A league of ten Greco-Roman cities where Jesus healed and the demoniac proclaimed the gospel.
Where to go next
Finished reading about Gadara? Keep exploring the places and people of Scripture.
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