Keraia
Mark 5

Mark 5:4

The Demons and the Pigs · Mark 5:1–20
Read Mark 5

Translations

Modern
Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him.
Traditional
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.
Literal
…because he often had been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn in two by him, and the shackles had been shattered. And no one had strength to subdue him.
Latin
…quoniam sæpe compedibus et catenis vinctus, dirupisset catenas, et compedes comminuisset, et nemo poterat eum domare:

Interlinear

Greek
English
Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him.

Notes

Mark 5:2–5

Mark focuses on Jesus. The evil spirit was strong, but Jesus had even greater authority (5:6–13).

Mark 5:1–20

Jesus and the disciples reached the other side of the lake, finishing the journey started in 4:35. As in 1:21–28 and 3:11, the demons recognized that Jesus was the Son of the Most High God (1:34). For the first time in the Gospel of Mark, a Gentile was healed by Jesus (see study note on 5:10–13; compare 7:24–30).

Mark 4:35–5:43

The three miracle stories in this section are connected by:

  • a shared location (the Sea of Galilee),

  • the presence of the disciples,

  • the use of a boat, and

  • a common theme, "Who is this" (4:41).

Events

Parallels

Matthew 8:28–34 Luke 8:26–39

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Demon-Possession Heal, Healing Mark, Gospel of Miracle

Topics

Demons: Two Men of the Gergesenes (Gadarenes, Gerasenes) Fetters used for Securing Prisoners Gadarenes: Jesus Visits and Works Miracles Among, but is Rejected Jesus, the Christ: Miracle of the Swine (In Gadara) Jesus, the Christ: Miracles of The Demoniacs in Gadara (Gerasa) Healed Miracles of Jesus, in Chronological Order: Throws Demons out of Two Men of Gadara (Gerasa)