Mark 5

And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:

Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,

And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.

And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.

And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.

Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.

And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.

And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.

And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.

And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.

And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.

But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.

And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

What does Mark 5:18 mean?

Explanation

Mark 5:18 narrates an event immediately following the exorcism of a demon-possessed man by Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel of Mark.

The verse suggests that, after being liberated from the possession, the man desired to accompany Jesus and become one of his followers.

This man, who once had been tormented by "Legion," for he was possessed by many demons (Mark 5:9), is now in his right mind and wishes to stay close to the source of his deliverance.

However, this desire is not fulfilled; as learned in the following verse, Jesus has other plans for him.

This verse encapsulates themes of transformation, discipleship, and the personal call to witness.

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

The event took place in the region of the Gerasenes, a predominantly Gentile area on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee.

During the time of Jesus, the area was part of the Decapolis, a group of ten cities with strong Hellenistic influence.

Exorcisms were not uncommon in the Jewish and Hellenistic traditions of that period, and accounts of people being possessed by spirits were taken very seriously.

This historical context reinforces the significance of Jesus's miracle, which would have been viewed as a powerful display of authority over the supernatural realm.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this miracle demonstrates Jesus's power and authority over evil spirits, reinforcing his divine identity. The man's response in Mark 5:18 reflects a natural human desire to remain in the comforting presence of the divine healer.

However, Jesus's decision to send the man back to his own people instead reveals an insight into God's mission: Individuals are called not only to be recipients of Jesus's healing power but also to be agents of proclamation, sharing their personal experiences with others.

From a Christological viewpoint, this encounter emphasizes Jesus's ability to not only heal physical ailments but also restore individuals to fullness of life, including mental and spiritual well-being.

It also underlines the accessibility of Jesus's salvation to Gentiles, foreshadowing the broader mission to all nations.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can inspire contemporary Christians to recognize and respond to the transformation Jesus offers in their own lives.

Rather than clinging to a physical presence, individuals are encouraged to take up the mission of sharing their stories of healing and redemption in their own communities.

This aligns with the broader Christian calling to witness to others about the impact Jesus has made on their lives.

Cross-References

Mark 5:9 - "And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many."
Mark 5:19 - "Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee."
Luke 8:38-39 - "Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and show how great things God hath done unto thee."
Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you..."

Language Study

A critical word in the original Greek text is δαιμonιzomai (daimonizomai), which means to be possessed or influenced by a demon.

The word παρακαλέω (parakaleo) means he prayed or pleaded; it conveys a strong desire or petition.

The phrase "might be with him" (μετ' αὐτοῦ εἶναι, met' autou einai) reflects a companionship or associate relationship, implying more than just physical proximity but a sense of belonging and discipleship.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, stories of supernatural beings influencing human affairs were common not only in Jewish culture but also in surrounding cultures.

Exorcisms and supernatural healings can also be found in various other religious traditions, each with unique understandings of the spiritual realm.

The desire to follow a divine figure after receiving a life-changing benefit shows parallels in mythologies where the healed or aided individual becomes a devout follower, such as the Greek myth of Asclepius, the god of healing, and his followers.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understanding attributes mental illnesses to physical and psychological factors rather than demonic possession.

From a clinical perspective, the man's symptoms could be interpreted as a severe form of mental illness, such as schizophrenia or dissociative identity disorder.

However, the historical account dealt with the condition in a spiritual framework, aligning with the understanding and beliefs of the time.

Today's intersection of faith and psychological care often encourages a holistic approach, acknowledging spiritual well-being as an essential part of overall health.

Commentaries

Various biblical experts and theologians interpret Mark 5:18 in light of the healing power of Jesus and the man's subsequent commission. They note that Jesus's refusal to let the man physically follow him underscores the importance of the man's mission to his people.

Commentators like William Barclay emphasize the radical restoration that the man experienced and the significance of his new purpose as a witness.

Bible scholars emphasize the narrative as a prototype for conversion and mission, how a personal encounter with Jesus leads to transformative change and a call to share that change with others.

Mark 5

Mark 5

What does Mark 5:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 5:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?