Definition: (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Luke 8:29. It’s a pretty intense story about dealing with something that’s trying to hold someone back. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is speaking about a man who was experiencing a powerful spirit (an “unclean spirit”) inside him. This spirit was causing problems and keeping him trapped. Let's unpack the details: “For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man.” – Jesus tells us that he (Jesus) deliberately instructed a spirit to leave the person’s body. This is a significant act of control on Jesus' part. “…For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters…” - This describes how the spirit was actively trying to hold onto the person. It wasn’t just letting it go; it was bound by chains and in a confined space – essentially trapped. “And he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.” - This is the crucial part! Jesus used a powerful method – he broke the chains that were binding him. Then, the spirit was overcome or “driven out” by something – likely the power of the Devil (a fallen angel). It’s as if it was being pulled away from his control. So, what does this mean? This story is about: The Power of Evil: The spirit represents temptation, evil influences, or even negative emotions that can try to hold us back from doing good and following God's will. Jesus’s Protection: It shows Jesus’s power over evil and his ability to protect believers. He didn’t just stop the spirit; he overcame it. In essence, this story teaches us that: Evil is powerful. It can be persistent and try to control us. Jesus has the power to overcome it. Through faith and obedience, we can resist evil and stay on the right path. Important Note: This passage isn't about a literal exorcism or magic. It’s a metaphor for the ongoing battle against temptation and evil within ourselves and in the world around us. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain it further with a few examples of modern-day temptations? Discuss its connection to other biblical stories?