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 5:36 mean?

Explanation

This verse occurs during the narrative of the healing of Jairus’ daughter.

Jesus had just been informed that the daughter of Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, had died.

Instead of conceding to despair, Jesus addresses Jairus with words of encouragement: "Be not afraid, only believe." The literal meaning is clear; Jesus instructs Jairus to continue to trust in Him despite the tragic news.

On a deeper level, this command speaks to the necessity of faith in the face of seemingly hopeless situations.

Jesus points to the power of belief and indicates that faith can lead to divine intervention and miracles.

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Historical Context

During the time when the Gospel of Mark was written, Jewish communities had synagogues where they gathered for worship, prayer, and teaching.

The ruler of the synagogue was a respected leader responsible for maintaining the services and the building.

Jairus, being a ruler, would have been a person of some stature.

In this historical context, Jesus's interaction with Jairus shows His willingness to aid not just the marginalized but also individuals of higher social standing.

Jairus's situation is desperate, indicating that despite one's status, all are in need of Jesus's power and mercy.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is often cited to illustrate the importance of faith in Christ for the believer.

It suggests that faith is not simply belief in Jesus’s ability to heal physically but also trust in His power over life and death, as the following events demonstrate Jesus raising Jairus' daughter.

Different Christian traditions interpret "faith" in various ways, with some emphasizing a personal trust in Jesus for salvation and others seeing it as a broader principle encompassing trust in God's power and purposes.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, this verse serves as an encouragement to individuals facing tough circumstances.

It teaches that fear should not overpower faith, and even in the direst situations, one can hold on to belief in a higher power or in the positive outcome of a situation.

Believers are invited to trust in God's care and plan, rather than succumbing to despair.

Cross-References

"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." (Mark 9:23)
"And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." (Luke 7:50)
"But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole." (Matthew 9:22)

Language Study

The original Greek uses the phrase "μὴ φοβοῦ, μόνον πίστευε" which translates directly to "Do not fear, only believe." The imperative "μὴ φοβοῦ" (do not fear) carries an urgent request to cease an action that is already in progress.

The word "πίστευε" (believe) is in the present tense, suggesting a continual action of believing, indicating an ongoing stance of faith.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of faith in the face of adversity is not unique to Christianity.

In many religious traditions, there are stories and teachings that encourage adherents to maintain their faith during difficult times.

For instance, in the Jewish tradition, the story of Job demonstrates unwavering faith amidst suffering, and in Islam, the concept of Tawakkul reflects a trust in God's plan.

Scientific Perspectives

While science deals with empirical evidence and typically does not address issues of faith directly, the psychological effects of faith and belief are recognized in the scientific community.

Studies in psychology and medicine have documented the so-called placebo effect where the belief in the efficacy of a treatment can lead to real physiological and psychological benefits, even if the treatment itself is inert.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse highlight its significance in the context of Jesus’s miracles and teachings.

Matthew Henry's commentary regards it as an appeal to constancy of faith even when all seems lost.

The Expositor's Greek Testament suggests that Jesus's words are meant to instill a tranquil frame of mind in Jairus.

John Gill mentions that this is an instance to show that faith in the power and goodness of Christ should be exercised by individuals at all times, especially when things appear most discouraging.

Mark 5

Mark 5

What does Mark 5:36 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 5:36 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?