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 5:7 mean?

Explanation

Mark 5:7 is a verse set during one of Jesus Christ's many encounters with individuals possessed by demons.

In the event depicted, Jesus confronts a man possessed by a legion of unclean spirits in the region of the Gerasenes, across the Sea of Galilee.

The possessed man, recognizing Jesus' divine authority, cries out.

It is a moment of tension where the spiritual realm acknowledges the authority of Jesus, as the Son of God, even before many humans do.

The verse reflects the demon's fear of being tormented by Jesus, displaying an awareness that Jesus has the power to cast them out or punish them.

The use of the term "adjure" indicates a solemn appeal, showing that even demonic beings are bound by higher spiritual laws and recognize God's ultimate authority.

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

This verse is situated within the Gospel of Mark, thought to be one of the earliest accounts of Jesus' ministry, written around AD 65-70.

During this time, there was a strong belief in the spiritual realm, with demons and unclean spirits considered very real and active forces in the world.

Exorcisms were not uncommon, and the Jewish people would have been familiar with the concept.

Jesus’s miracles, including exorcisms, not only served to demonstrate compassion but also to establish his divinity and the coming of God's kingdom.

Theological Insights

This verse represents multiple theological themes such as the confrontation between good and evil, Jesus' sovereignty over evil spirits, and the recognition of Jesus' divinity.

From a Christian standpoint, it reflects the understanding of Jesus as the promised Messiah, the "Son of the most high God." It also reinforces the notion of spiritual warfare, where Jesus is depicted as battling the forces of darkness that afflict humanity.

Some theologians may delve into the concept of demonology as exhibited in this passage and discuss the nature and purpose of demonic afflictions.

Practical Applications

For contemporary readers and believers, the verse can serve as a reminder of Christ's power over all forms of affliction, including spiritual ones.

It is an encouragement to seek Christ's help in times of personal struggle, and a reassurance that no evil is beyond his control. It can also inspire individuals to approach problems with faith and to understand the spiritual dimensions that can impact human lives.

Cross-References

Mark 1:24, "Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God."
Luke 8:28, "When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not."
James 2:19, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

Language Study

Key words from this verse and their meanings in the original Greek text include:

"Cried" (ἀνακράξας, anakraxas): to cry out, shout or exclaim.
"Adjure" (ὁρκίζω, horkizō): to make an oath or to solemnly charge.
"Torment" (βασανίζω, basanizō): to afflict with pain, torture, vex, or test the quality of.
"Son of the most high God" (υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ὕψιστου): a direct reference to Jesus' divine nature and his relationship to God.

These terms convey a sense of urgency and recognition of Jesus's supernatural authority and the spiritual tension present in the confrontation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions, exorcisms and confrontations with the spirit world were also part of cultural practices.

However, unlike many myths where the exorcist would use magic or rituals, in the Christian context, Jesus casts out demons with his word and authority alone, indicating his divine power.

This sets Christianity apart by emphasizing the supremacy of Christ over all spiritual forces without the need for other interventions.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community generally does not acknowledge the existence of demons or the supernatural.

From a psychological standpoint, what is described in the Bible as demon possession might be interpreted as mental illness or psychological disorders. Modern therapies would address such conditions with medical and psychological treatments rather than spiritual interventions.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians often interpret this verse as a clear testimony to Jesus' divinity and authority.

They note that the demons, who are part of the spiritual realm, can recognize Jesus as the Son of God, which emphasizes a truth that was not yet fully grasped by many of Jesus' contemporaries.

Some commentators also focus on the terror of the demons at the prospect of being tormented before the appointed time, suggesting that evil spirits are acutely aware of their ultimate defeat and the judgment to come.

The verse is seen not only as a historical account of an exorcism but also as carrying deep spiritual significance about the power of Jesus Christ.

Mark 5

Mark 5

What does Mark 5:7 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 5:7 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?