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 5:23 mean?

Explanation

Mark 5:23 depicts a powerful moment of faith and desperation. A synagogue leader named Jairus approaches Jesus, deeply distressed because his daughter is gravely ill. He believes that Jesus has the power to heal her and implores Him to come to his house.

The phrase "lies at the point of death" suggests that the situation is critical and time is of the essence.

Jairus specifically requests that Jesus lay hands on his daughter, indicating a common practice of the time where physical touch was associated with healing and blessing.

His belief is not just in a generic recovery, but in a complete restoration to health ("that she may be healed; and she shall live").

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Historical Context

During the time the Gospel of Mark was written, the Jewish people lived under Roman occupation and were governed by religious leaders such as Pharisees, Sadducees, and synagogue rulers.

Synagogue leaders were responsible for the administration of synagogues and were highly respected in society.

For such a figure to seek Jesus' help demonstrates the gravity of his situation and could have been seen as controversial, as religious leaders often questioned Jesus' authority and methods.

Theological Insights

The verse can be interpreted through various theological lenses.

From a Christian standpoint, Jairus’ approach to Jesus and his plea represent a manifestation of faith. It's an acknowledgment of Jesus' divinity and healing power. The act of laying on hands is symbolic, reinforcing the Christian belief in the physical and spiritual potency of Jesus' touch.

Some theologians may view this moment as a testament to Jesus’ compassion and readiness to respond to those who earnestly seek Him.

Practical Applications

This passage teaches about the importance of faith and humility.

Practically speaking, it encourages individuals to turn to a higher power in times of desperate need and to believe in the possibility of miracles.

It also conveys the message that status does not exempt one from human suffering or the need for divine assistance, exemplified by Jairus, a man of authority, seeking help for his daughter.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:18-19 - “While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live."
Luke 8:41-42 - "And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying."
Acts 9:17 - "And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost."

Language Study

In the original Greek language of this Gospel, key terms to analyze include:

"Besought" (παρακαλέω, parakaleō) which conveys an urgent request or plea, often used when seeking favor.
"Greatly" (πολλὰ, polla) indicates the intensity or fervor of Jairus's pleading.
"Lieth at the point of death" (ἐσχάτως ἔχει, eschatōs echei) literally means "having at the end" or "is in extreme condition,” denoting imminent danger of death.
"Lay thy hands" (ἐπιθῆναι τὰς χεῖρας, epithēnai tas cheiras) illustrates a common gesture of blessing and healing in the Jewish tradition.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn with other ancient religious traditions where leaders or healers lay hands on individuals to bestow blessing or healing. In various pagan religions, touch was also associated with transferring power.

However, in the context of Jewish tradition, the emphasis is on God as the source of healing power, which Jesus, being Jewish, would adhere to, setting aside the notion of a healer having innate power separate from God.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science fully recognizes the placebo effect, where belief in a treatment can lead to improvements in health.

While scientific methods do not confirm miraculous interventions, the emotional and psychological states of believing in a possibility of recovery can have real effects on health outcomes. The desperation and faith of Jairus could be viewed as a potent psychological force in the narrative.

Commentaries

Commentators offer a range of perspectives on this verse.

Some emphasize Jairus's social status and the cultural implications of him kneeling before Jesus.

Others focus on the demonstration of a personal, intercessive faith that seeks out Jesus despite potential pushback from peers.

Still, others might note the tension between the synagogue ruler's role as part of an establishment that often opposes Jesus, and his personal need that drives him to Jesus.

Generally, commentators agree on the profound expression of faith and the compassionate response by Jesus as central elements of this verse.

Mark 5

Mark 5

What does Mark 5:23 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 5:23 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?