Question: When I read Luke 8:32-33, the impression that I got in my mind when Jesus cast the demonic spirits into the pigs, is that they must have possessed the spirits of the pigs to make animals that are usually docile become violent. Am I right in thinking that demons can possess the spirits of animals?
Answer: The account in Luke 8:32-33:
“Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.” NKJV
This passage does indeed raise questions about whether animals have spirits and how demons could possess the swine. Here’s a biblical explanation that can help answer your query
Do Animals Have Spirits or Souls?
From a biblical perspective, humans and animals are distinct creations of God.
- Humans:
Humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and possess a body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). The spirit in humans is what connects them to God. - Animals:
Animals are described as having a “life” or “breath” (breath of life) (Genesis 1:30, Ecclesiastes 3:19), but they are not described as having eternal spirits like humans. Animals do not have the capacity for moral or spiritual accountability.
While the Bible acknowledges that animals have a “soul” in the sense of life or consciousness (the Hebrew word nephesh is used for both animals and humans in certain contexts but this is different from the eternal, God-conscious spirit given to humans.
Can Demons Possess Animals?
The story in Luke 8:32-33 shows that demons were able to enter the herd of pigs, which caused them to act violently and self-destruct. This suggests that while animals do not have eternal spirits like humans, they do have a form of consciousness that demons can manipulate or influence.
- Demons Seeking a Host:
Demons are disembodied spirits that seek a host through which they can express themselves. Matthew 12:43-44 (NKJV) explains: “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’”
When Jesus cast the demons out of the man, they begged not to be sent into the abyss (Luke 8:31) and sought permission to enter the pigs as an alternative host. - Demons and Control:
The demons entering the pigs caused a change in the animals’ behavior. Peaceful pigs became violent and suicidal. This suggests that demons manipulated their instincts, not because the pigs had a spirit but because demons exerted influence over their physical and mental faculties.
Did Demons Possess the “Soul” or “Mind” of the Pigs?
While animals do not have eternal spirits, they do have a “soul” in the sense of a mind, will, and emotions (their instincts). The demons likely influenced this aspect of the pigs.
- Behavioral Change:
The sudden, violent behavior of the pigs aligns with the destructive nature of demons. John 10:10 (NKJV) says, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” The demons, being inherently destructive, caused the pigs to act contrary to their natural instincts. - Biblical Precedent:
In other parts of Scripture, God uses animals to fulfill His purposes (e.g., Balaam’s donkey in Numbers 22:28-30), but there is no indication that animals have the same spiritual capacities as humans. In this case, the demons manipulated the physical and mental aspects of the pigs to demonstrate their chaotic and destructive power.
Why Did Jesus Permit This?
Jesus allowed the demons to enter the pigs for several reasons, but let us consider 3 reasons:
- To Demonstrate His Authority Over Demons:
Jesus’ permission showed His absolute authority over the spiritual/heavenly realm. The demons had to ask for permission to act, showing that they are ultimately subject to God’s control. - To Expose the Nature of Demons:
The violent destruction of the pigs illustrated the destructive intent of demons. This served as a warning to both believers and unbelievers about the consequences of yielding to demonic influence or engaging in demonic and occultic activities. No matter how society tries to cover the dangers of engaging in occultism or witchcraft, anyone who indulges in it will reap destruction in one form or the other. And if they fail to repent and make Jesus their Lord and Saviour, it will lead to eternal damnation in hell fire. - To Prioritise Human Life Over Material Wealth:
By allowing the pigs to perish, Jesus showed that one human soul is more valuable than an entire herd of animals. This reinforces the worth of individuals in God’s eyes.
Lessons to Learn
This passage reminds us of important spiritual truths:
- Demons Seek Control:
Demons are always seeking a host to express their destructive nature. While they prefer human hosts (because humans have greater influence), they can manipulate animals or physical objects as well. - Jesus’ Authority:
The demons’ plea for permission highlights that they are powerless without God’s allowance. As believers, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus has ultimate authority over all spiritual forces (Colossians 2:15). - The Nature of True Worship:
Humans are distinct from animals in that we are created to worship God with our spirit and live in fellowship with Him. This story underscores the importance of staying spiritually vigilant and submitted to God to avoid demonic influence.
Summary
Animals do not have eternal spirits like humans, but they do have physical and instinctive capacities that can be influenced by demonic forces. As believers, our spirits are saved, therefore, demons cannot possess out spirits but the story of the pigs in Luke 8:32-33 is not about animals having spirits but about demons’ ability to manipulate the physical and mental faculties of their hosts. As believers, we must strive to renew our minds with God’s word daily. A transformed soul becomes one that the enemy finds difficult to access, also preventing him from influencing our physical bodies to sin against God through our soul.
Ultimately, this passage highlights Jesus’ authority over demons, the value of human life, and the destructive nature of demonic influence. It serves as a powerful reminder to remain submitted to God and His authority.
God bless you
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
