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 5:24 mean?

Explanation

Mark 5:24 is a passage that describes an event during the ministry of Jesus Christ.

In this particular verse, Jesus is depicted as responding to a request from Jairus, a synagogue official, whose daughter was gravely ill.

As Jesus sets out to go with Jairus to heal his daughter, we see that a large crowd is following and pressing around Him.

This detail highlights Jesus' growing popularity among the people as a teacher and healer and sets the stage for the subsequent miracles that will occur, specifically the healing of the bleeding woman (which immediately follows in verses 25-34) and the raising of Jairus' daughter from the dead (which is recounted in verses 35-43).

The verse encapsulates both Jesus' compassion to respond to those in need and the eagerness of the people to witness His works and perhaps experience a miracle for themselves.

The phrase "thronged him" suggests that the crowd was not merely accompanying Him; they were very close, possibly impeding His movement, demonstrating their desperation for His attention.

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Historical Context

This event took place in the early first century during Jesus' public ministry in Galilee.

The region was under Roman occupation, and the local population was primarily Jewish with its own customs and religious practices.

Jairus, who seeks Jesus' help, is a leader in the synagogue, indicating his prominence within the local religious hierarchy.

The pressing of the crowd around Jesus indicates a period when His fame as a healer and miracle worker was well established. People from various places would have sought Him out, often traveling significant distances, upon hearing of His power and compassion.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse demonstrates several key points:

Jesus' willingness to help all people, regardless of their social status, as seen by his immediate decision to go with Jairus. 2.

The power and authority of Jesus are recognized by the people, as suggested by the large crowd following Him. 3.

The human nature of Jesus, who was approachable and could be physically touched, as opposed to an aloof or distant deity.

Different Christian denominations might emphasize various aspects of this event. For instance, some may focus on the faith demonstrated by Jairus in seeking out Jesus or on the notion of Jesus being the "Good Shepherd" who tends to His flock.

Practical Applications

This verse can offer several practical applications for believers:

Responding to others in need without delay, as Jesus did.
Seeking Jesus and His guidance with the perseverance and eagerness displayed by the crowd.
Maintaining faith that Jesus is present to help even when circumstances may be chaotic or daunting.

The passage encourages believers to actively seek out Jesus in their lives and to trust in His willingness to provide aid and comfort.

Cross-References

Mark 1:45 - "But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter."
Luke 8:42 - "For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying.

But as he went the people thronged him."

Mark 3:10 - "For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues."

Language Study

The original Greek term translated as "thronged" is "sunéthlibon," which comes from the root words "sun" (together) and "thlibo" (to press).

This word suggests a very close pressing together, almost to the point of crushing.

This language conveys the intensity of the crowd's proximity to Jesus and their desire to be near Him.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of other ancient cultures and religions, powerful figures such as healers and miracle workers were not uncommon, and people often sought them out for help.

The scene described in Mark 5:24 could be likened to the practices surrounding such figures, where followers and those in need would gather en masse to seek favors or miracles.

However, what sets Jesus apart in the Jewish and later Christian tradition is His role as not just a healer but as the anticipated Messiah and the Son of God.

His miracles thus carry more than just the immediate physical or emotional relief but are signs pointing to a greater spiritual reality and His divine authority.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might explore crowd dynamics and behavior, as well as the psychological effect of being part of a large group seeking a common goal.

The power of belief and expectation in instigating healing or the placebo effect are also areas where science may intersect with events such as those described in Mark 5:24.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars offer insight into this passage.

Many emphasize the context of the passage, noting that it demonstrates Jesus' compassion and His reputation as a healer.

Commentaries may also point out the juxtaposition of the faith of Jairus, a religious leader, with the faith of the anonymous woman who later touches Jesus' cloak for healing.

This contrast highlights the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry, reaching across societal boundaries.

Commentators also frequently discuss the significance of the crowd's behavior, recognizing it as a testament to the hope Jesus inspired in the people of His time, a hope that is foundational to Christian belief.

Mark 5

Mark 5

What does Mark 5:24 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 5:24 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?