Mark 5 15

Mark 5:15 kjv

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.

Mark 5:15 nkjv

Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.

Mark 5:15 niv

When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.

Mark 5:15 esv

And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.

Mark 5:15 nlt

A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid.

Mark 5 verses

Mark 5 15 Meaning

This verse describes the bewildered and fearful reaction of the people who came to investigate the commotion caused by the destruction of a herd of pigs in which a legion of demons had entered. They found the formerly demon-possessed man, who was known for his wild and uncontrollable behavior, now peacefully sitting, properly clothed, and fully restored to his right mind by Jesus’ power. This extraordinary and unsettling display of divine authority, particularly the destruction of property (the pigs), caused them great fear.

Mark 5 15 Context

Mark 5:15 occurs immediately after Jesus casts a multitude of demons, known as "Legion," out of a tormented man in the Gerasene region and into a herd of pigs. These pigs, about two thousand of them, subsequently stampede down a steep bank and drown in the Sea of Galilee. News of this astounding and economically devastating event quickly spreads through the town and countryside. The verse describes the arrival of the local inhabitants to investigate, expecting to see something horrific or chaotic, but instead encountering an even more astounding sight: the previously dangerous, naked, and deranged man, now completely calm, appropriately dressed, and mentally sound. This stark transformation, coupled with the unexplained destruction of their pigs, produces deep fear in them, which then leads them to ask Jesus to leave their territory. The historical and cultural context includes a common ancient belief in demon possession as a cause of mental illness and physical afflictions, and the widespread practice of pig farming in the Hellenized Gentile Decapolis region, making the drowning of the pigs a significant loss. The people’s fear reflects their inability to comprehend Jesus’ immense power and the disruptive nature of His arrival that challenges their familiar reality.

Mark 5 15 Word analysis

• And they come: The Greek word is ἔρχονται (erchontai), meaning they came. It signifies a movement of people prompted by the reports from the herdsmen about the event (Mk 5:14). Their coming is driven by curiosity and alarm.
• to Jesus: This indicates their immediate focal point of inquiry. Jesus is directly linked to the dramatic events.
• and see him that was possessed with the devil: The verb ὁρῶσιν (horōsin), "they see," emphasizes the act of visual confirmation. The phrase "him that was possessed with the devil" (τὸν δαιμονιζόμενον, ton daimonizomenon) uses the imperfect tense participle, highlighting the man's former ongoing condition, well-known to them. It underscores the shocking contrast with his current state. "Daimonizomenon" signifies someone under the direct influence or control of demons.
• and had the legion: "Had the legion" (σχόντα τὴν λεγιῶνα, schonta tēn legiōna) specifically recalls the number and power of the demons identified earlier (Mk 5:9). The term "legion" (from the Latin legio) refers to a large unit of the Roman army, typically 3,000-6,000 soldiers. This term indicates an overwhelming, organized demonic force. For the Jewish audience, it may also evoke connotations of oppressive foreign rule, adding a layer of depth to the man's previous bondage.
• sitting: The Greek καθήμενον (kathēmenon) indicates a posture of rest, calm, and perhaps even attentiveness or readiness. This stands in stark contrast to his previous state of agitation, uncontrollable movement, and self-harm (Mk 5:4-5). It conveys a sense of peace and stability.
• and clothed: The Greek ἱματισμένον (himatismenon) means "clothed," indicating that he was wearing proper attire. In his prior state, Luke's parallel account (Lk 8:27) mentions he wore no clothes. Being clothed symbolized modesty, civility, and a return to societal norms. His previous nakedness was a sign of his complete degradation and separation from human society.
• and in his right mind: The Greek σωφρονοῦντα (sōphronounta) means "being of sound mind," "sensible," or "in his right mind." It speaks to mental clarity, self-control, and rationality. This is arguably the most striking transformation, as it points to his complete restoration from madness and delusion. This is more than physical healing; it is holistic restoration of his intellect and will, signifying spiritual freedom.
• and they were afraid: The Greek ἐφοβήθησαν (ephobēthēsan) means "they were frightened," "terrified," or "feared." This is not necessarily a reverent awe but a fearful, unsettled reaction to an extraordinary power they cannot comprehend or control, especially considering the economic loss of the pigs. Their fear points to a human reluctance to accept a reality where divine power profoundly intervenes and challenges established norms and comforts. Words-group analysis:
• him that was possessed... and had the legion: This phrase serves as a powerful descriptor of his former identity, setting up a dramatic contrast with his transformed state. It reminds the readers (and observers) of the depth of his former suffering and the immense power that had him in its grip.
• sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: This tripartite description paints a complete picture of his miraculous restoration. Each element addresses a distinct aspect of his previous unmanageable state: sitting (from restlessness), clothed (from nakedness), and in his right mind (from madness). This detailed portrayal emphasizes the completeness and visual evidence of Jesus' healing power, providing undeniable proof of spiritual authority.
• and they were afraid: This concluding phrase highlights the prevailing emotion of the observers. Their fear isn't necessarily worshipful or understanding, but rather a profound unsettling reaction to an extraordinary display of divine power that disrupted their reality, comfort, and economy. It sets the stage for their subsequent plea for Jesus to leave their region.

Mark 5 15 Bonus section

The narrative of the Gerasene demoniac, culminating in the people's fear in Mark 5:15, has been understood in scholarship as a nuanced encounter between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. The demons, identifying themselves as "Legion," not only represented a multitude but also evoked the oppressive power of the Roman Empire that controlled Judea and its environs. Jesus' subjugation of "Legion" and its subsequent destruction symbolizes His triumph over all forms of oppressive power, be they spiritual or political. The pig farm itself, being a significant enterprise in a Gentile region, hints at the cultural and economic interests that were disturbed by Jesus' intervention. The villagers' response of fear and their request for Jesus to leave suggest that not everyone is open to or desirous of the profound, disruptive work of God, especially when it involves perceived economic or social cost. Their priority shifts from compassion for the demoniac to preservation of their earthly goods and established order. This fear is a testament to the fact that encountering God’s unfiltered, raw power can be terrifying for those unprepared to relinquish control or who prefer the familiar darkness over radical, unsettling light.

Mark 5 15 Commentary

Mark 5:15 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of the Gerasene demoniac, encapsulating the profound impact of Jesus’ power not only on the afflicted individual but also on those who witnessed the outcome. The visual confirmation by the people – seeing the notoriously wild, naked, and deranged man now calm, clothed, and mentally sound – should have evoked wonder and praise. Instead, it produced deep fear. This fear stemmed from the sheer magnitude of Jesus' authority, demonstrated both in the man's restoration and the simultaneous destruction of the pigs. The people were comfortable with their status quo, even if it meant living near a demon-possessed man. Jesus’ power, which profoundly changed their environment (economically through the lost pigs and spiritually through the healed man), proved disruptive to their understanding and challenged their security. This human reaction illustrates a recurring theme in the Gospels: God's power often elicits fear before it inspires faith, especially when it steps outside conventional expectations or personal comfort zones. The transformation of the man serves as a potent testimony to Jesus’ divine authority over the darkest forces and His capacity for complete, holistic restoration.