How Can Matthew 8:28–34 (the Maniacs of Gadara) Be Reconciled with Mark 5:1–20 and Luke 8:26–39 (the Maniac of Gerasa)?

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The Synoptic Gospels record Jesus’ healing of demon-possessed men after crossing the Sea of Galilee. Matthew 8:28-34 reports that Jesus encountered two men possessed by demons in the region of Gadara, while Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-39 mention only one man and place the event in the region of Gerasa. Critics frequently point to this as an inconsistency in the Gospel accounts. However, a careful application of the Historical-Grammatical method and analysis of the historical and geographical data resolves the issue.

The Number of Demoniacs: Two or One?

Matthew reports two demon-possessed men: “And when he had come to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men possessed with demons met him…” (Matthew 8:28, UASV). Mark and Luke mention only one: “And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met him” (Mark 5:2; cf. Luke 8:27).

Image illustrating the encounter of Jesus with the maniacs of Gadara from Matthew 8:28–34.

The difference arises from the focus of the writers, not from a contradiction. Matthew, writing to a Jewish audience that valued multiple witnesses (cf. Deuteronomy 19:15), records both individuals. Mark and Luke, writing primarily to Gentile audiences, concentrate on the one demoniac who was more prominent and outspoken—the one who begged to go with Jesus afterward (Mark 5:18-20; Luke 8:38-39). The existence of one does not preclude the presence of two. Silence about the second man in Mark and Luke does not equal denial of his presence. This is a straightforward example of selective reporting, which was common and acceptable in ancient historiography.

The Geographical Names: Gadara or Gerasa?

Matthew calls the location the country of the Gadarenes; Mark and Luke identify it as the country of the Gerasenes. Some translations read “Gergesenes” in Matthew due to manuscript variations, though the Updated American Standard Version (UASV) correctly preserves “Gadarenes.”

The apparent discrepancy is clarified by understanding first-century geography. Gadara was a prominent city of the Decapolis, located about six miles southeast of the Sea of Galilee. It had jurisdiction over the territory and shoreline area where the event took place. Gerasa (modern Jerash), located over thirty miles away, could not have been the actual site. However, some manuscripts likely preserve the term “Gerasenes” as a local name, possibly for a lesser-known coastal settlement or as a scribal confusion with the better-known Gerasa.

The mention of Gadarenes likely reflects the legal jurisdiction of the city over the region, while the reference to Gerasenes may be a geographical or textual variant. Archaeologically and historically, Gadara had significant influence over the coastal region near the Sea of Galilee, which would explain Matthew’s usage.

Additional Rational Considerations

Ancient writers often used regional designations imprecisely by modern standards. Cities could be used to refer to a territory rather than a specific urban center. Furthermore, first-century readers would have recognized the practical equivalence of these labels.

The location of the swine herd descending into the sea (Matthew 8:32; Mark 5:13; Luke 8:33) supports a site along the steep eastern shores of the Sea of Galilee, consistent with an area near Gadara’s territory. Tell Kursi, an archaeological site on the eastern shore, is often identified as the likely location and falls under Gadara’s influence, providing further support for Matthew’s account.

Conclusion

There is no genuine contradiction between the Synoptic accounts of this event. Matthew reports two men, Mark and Luke focus on the more notable individual. Matthew uses the political name “Gadarenes” for the broader district, while Mark and Luke use “Gerasenes,” possibly due to textual transmission or a lesser-known local name. Understanding these accounts within their historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts allows for full reconciliation without challenging the trustworthiness or inerrancy of Scripture.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).