{For he said} (elegen gar). For he had been saying
(progressive imperfect). Jesus had already repeatedly ordered the
demon to come out of the man whereat the demon made his outcry to
Jesus and protested.  Mt 8:29  had "before the time" (pro
kairou) and  8:31  shows that the demons did not want to go back
to the abyss (	(886e) abusson) right now. That was their real home,
but they did not wish to return to the place of torment just now.