Mark 5 4

Mark 5:4 kjv

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.

Mark 5:4 nkjv

because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him.

Mark 5:4 niv

For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him.

Mark 5:4 esv

for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him.

Mark 5:4 nlt

Whenever he was put into chains and shackles ? as he often was ? he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him.

Mark 5 verses

Mark 5 4 Meaning

Mark 5:4 describes the unparalleled, superhuman strength of the demon-possessed man of Gadara, emphasizing that repeated human attempts to restrain him with conventional bindings like shackles and chains were utterly futile. He consistently broke these restraints into pieces, signifying that no human power was sufficient to control or subdue the overwhelming spiritual force acting through him.

Mark 5 4 Context

Mark 5:4 is part of the account of Jesus' encounter with the demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes, depending on the manuscript tradition). Immediately preceding this verse, the man's wild and uncontrollable nature is described—living among tombs and no one being able to bind him. This verse elaborates on the extent of human inability to restrain him, providing vivid detail of the man's breaking of physical restraints. This paints a picture of extreme demonic oppression that defies all human remedies. The chapter as a whole demonstrates Jesus' complete authority over forces that humans are utterly helpless against: namely, demonic powers (Mark 5:1-20), disease (Jairus's daughter, the bleeding woman, Mark 5:21-43), and even death (Jairus's daughter). Historically, this event took place in a Gentile region, signifying Jesus' authority extends beyond Jewish territory and demonstrates His universal sovereignty. It also subtly undermines any popular beliefs in the power of local spirits or human charms to control such malevolent forces, showing only the Messiah's authority is supreme.

Mark 5 4 Word analysis

• For (Greek: gar): Connects the previous statement about the inability to bind him to this explanation of why that was the case. It indicates a reason or elaboration.
• he had often been bound (Greek: pollakis dedeso): Pollakis means "often, many times." Dedesō is from deō, "to bind." This emphasizes the repeated, futile efforts of the community. It was not a single failed attempt but a consistent, ongoing struggle, highlighting human despair.
• with shackles (Greek: pedais): Pedē specifically refers to foot-fetters or ankle chains. This specifies the type of restraint used, implying attempts to prevent movement.
• and chains (Greek: kai halysesin): Halysis refers to a chain in a more general sense, often a metal one. The mention of both "shackles" and "chains" suggests multiple types of heavy restraints were employed, indicating the severe nature of the attempts to subdue him.
• but (Greek: kai often used adversatively here): Indicates a contrast or counterpoint to the binding attempts.
• the chains he snapped apart (Greek: tas halyseis diatripte): Diatriptō means "to tear or snap asunder violently," implying a forceful and complete breaking of the chains. This signifies an extraordinary, violent act of breaking that is beyond normal human capability.
• and the shackles he broke in pieces (Greek: tas de pedas synethla): Synethla is from synthlaō, meaning "to break or crush completely, shatter." This describes a powerful, destructive force exerted by the man on the shackles, further demonstrating the utter failure of the physical restraints.
• And no one (Greek: kai oudeis): Oudeis means "no one at all, absolutely no one." This absolute negative stresses the total human inability to intervene successfully.
• had the strength (Greek: ischyen): From ischyō, meaning "to be strong, to have power or ability." This directly speaks to the absence of sufficient power in any human.
• to subdue him (Greek: damasai auton): From damazō, meaning "to tame, domesticate, master, or overpower." This verb is frequently used for taming animals. Its application here underscores the man's wild, uncontrolled, and dangerous state, which humans were unable to tame, akin to an untamable beast.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For he had often been bound with shackles and chains": This phrase details the chronic and diverse nature of attempts to restrain the man. "Often" (pollakis) emphasizes that the community's failure was not from a lack of effort but from an insurmountable challenge. The use of both "shackles" (pedais) and "chains" (halysesin) indicates that various, strong binding methods were consistently used, all to no avail, showcasing the desperate situation and the magnitude of the possessed man's strength.
• "but the chains he snapped apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces": This highlights the immediate and violent destruction of these robust physical restraints. The strong verbs "snapped apart" (diatriptō, implying tearing) and "broke in pieces" (synthlaō, implying shattering) convey the terrifying ease with which the man overcame human attempts to control him. This is clear evidence of supernatural, rather than natural, strength, directly caused by the demonic entity within him.
• "And no one had the strength to subdue him": This conclusive statement underscores the absolute human powerlessness in the face of such overwhelming demonic force. "No one" (oudeis) makes it universal—no individual, no group, no method was effective. "Subdue" (damazō), implying to master or tame, further emphasizes that the man was beyond human control, akin to a wild, dangerous creature, and profoundly lost his human dignity under this oppressive influence.

Mark 5 4 Bonus section

The repeated attempts to bind the man, as noted by "often" (pollakis), highlight the profound despair and constant danger felt by the local community. They were living in fear, perpetually trying to contain an uncontrollable force. This verse therefore also subtly reveals the widespread societal suffering caused by unchecked demonic activity and the desperate longing for a true solution, setting up Jesus as the definitive answer to a world bound by such powerful forces. The contrast between human futility and Christ's immediate and complete command over the "Legion" (v. 8-13) is a powerful polemic against any alternative, human-centric solutions for spiritual oppression. It illustrates the complete subjugation of creation to sin's powers and foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ over all hostile authorities.

Mark 5 4 Commentary

Mark 5:4 serves as a dramatic setup for Jesus' intervention, powerfully illustrating the severe and seemingly unconquerable nature of demonic oppression through the vivid description of the Gadarene demoniac's supernatural strength. Human efforts—repeated and employing robust physical restraints—proved utterly useless against the sheer force animating him. This verse is crucial because it dispels any notion that the man's condition was merely a mental illness treatable by conventional means or human authority. It asserts that this was a power beyond the scope of human control, directly attributed to evil spiritual forces. The failure of human "strength" to "subdue" (a term often used for taming animals) emphasizes the complete dehumanization inflicted by the "Legion" and sets the stage for the arrival of the only One with the inherent divine power and authority to command and conquer such evil: Jesus Christ. It underscores a key biblical truth: spiritual battles cannot be won by physical might or human ingenuity; they require divine intervention and authority. This verse prepares the audience to appreciate the depth of Jesus' authority as He steps into a situation where humanity is completely helpless.