Definition: And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought [him] that he would depart out of their coasts.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 8:34. It’s a really interesting story about Jesus and how people reacted to him. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse describes a huge crowd gathering to see Jesus. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening: “And, behold…” : This is a dramatic way of saying “and then” or “and now.” It’s a pause for emphasis. “…the whole city came out to meet him…” : This means everyone in the town – all the people living there – were coming to see Jesus. It wasn't just a few people; it was a massive crowd! “And when they saw him…” : This is the key part. The crowd stopped and looked at Jesus. “…they besought [him] that he would depart out of their coasts.” : This is a really unusual phrase. "Besought" means to ask or plead for something. “Depart out of their coasts” means they wanted him to leave the town. So, what does it all mean? It’s a little mysterious, but here's a possible interpretation: Jesus was so popular and amazing that people were so eager to see him that they desperately wanted him to go away from their town. It suggests he was so captivating that his presence was overwhelming the crowd. It could even be interpreted as a sign that Jesus was about to do something significant – perhaps to reveal himself more clearly or to move on to a new place. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted symbolically and isn’t meant to be taken literally. It's a powerful image of crowds, desire, and the potential for great things to happen when people are drawn to someone special. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or would you like me to talk about its significance? For example, we could discuss: The context of Matthew 8:34 within the larger story of Jesus’ ministry. Different interpretations of the phrase "depart out of their coasts." Why this passage is considered a significant moment in biblical history.