UNDERSTANDING MARK V

I find this chapter rather straight forward, with very few complications. It is mostly a narrative of events, not heavily steeped in doctrinal lessons, as we might, for example, find in the Gospel of John. 

If you find any typos or things that are not right, please do not hesitate to let me know, as I value your discernment. God bless.

THE GOSPEL

ACCORDING TO SAINT MARK

CHAPTER V

“1 Christ deliuering the possessed of the Legion of deuils, 13 They enter into the swine, 25 Hee healeth the woman of the bloody issue, 35 and raiseth from death Iairus his daughter.

The Translators

OVERVIEW

They crossed the sea and entered the country of the Gadarenes. A man with an unclean spirit came out of the tombs. He could not be restrained with chains, but broke them; and, no man could tame him. Night and day he was in the tombs crying and cutting himself with stones. He saw Jesus from a distance and worshipped him. He cried out to Christ not to torment him; and, Jesus commanded the unclean spirit to come out of him. The spirit said his name was Legion. Jesus sent the unclean spirits into a herd of swine, and the swine ran down a steep place into the sea. After that the man was in his right mind and clothed. People came to see what was going on, but were afraid and wanted Jesus to leave their region. So he went into a ship.

The man wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus told him to go home and tell his family and friends what had happened. The man published the event throughout Decapolis.

Jesus crossed back over the sea, and many people came, among them, Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue. His daughter was a the point of death, and he pled with Jesus to come heal her. Many people followed Jesus, thronging him.

A woman with a blood issue 12 years, suffered at the hands of doctors, only getting worse. She touched his garment, believing she would be healed, and she was. But, Jesus felt the virtue go out from him and asked, who touched him. The woman confessed with fear and trembling; but, Jesus praised her for her faith.

Meanwhile the man’s daughter died, but Jesus said do not be concerned, have faith. He went to the man’s house and many people were morning. Jesus asked them why they were doing that; for, he said, the damsel only sleeps and is not dead. He entered the house, took the damsel’s hand and commanded her arise. And, she did. She was 12 years old. He told those with him, not to tell anyone about the miracle. Then, he commanded that she be given food.

V. 1

“1 And they came ouer vnto the other side of the sea, into the countrey of the Gadarenes.”

Gadarenes is the same as Gergesenes (Matthew 8:28). It was located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee.

Vs. 2 - 4

“2 And when hee was come out of the ship, immediatly there met him out of the tombes, a man with an vncleane spirit, 3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs, and no man could binde him, no not with chaines: 4 Because that hee had bene often bound with fetters and chaines, and the chaines had bene plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.”

It seems natural that a man possessed by unclean spirits would find refuge in tombs and gravitate toward death and decay. His great strength is evidence of possession. Apparently, the people of the area tried to bind him, but to no avail. The possessed man was able to break the chains. He could not be tamed by restraint or by psychological or spiritual means. The people, many of which were pagans, apparently did not have the power to cast out devils.

V. 5

“5 And alwayes night and day, hee was in the mountaines, and in the tombes, crying, and cutting himselfe with stones.”

Perhaps the tombs were cut out of the mountains, as the heathen were known to favor. For a long time (Luke 8:27), the possessed man was a terror to the inhabitants and to anyone who ventured near (Matthew 8:28). Like the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:28), the possessed man cut himself, invoking the devils that controlled him.

Vs. 6-7

“6 But when hee saw Iesus afarre off, he came and worshipped him, 7 And cried with a lowd voice, and said, What haue I to doe with thee, Iesus, thou Sonne of the most high God? I adiure thee by God, that thou torment me not.”

Was the man impelled by the devils to worship Jesus? Or was it the overpowering presence of God in Christ that caused both the man and the devils to worship Jesus? Do not the devils believe in God and tremble (James 2:19)? Surely the voice that cried out from the man was that of the possessor. For, Jesus tormented no man, but casting out devils is a torment to devils.

V. 8

“8 (For he said vnto him, Come out of the man, thou vncleane spirit.)”

Jesus made this statement before the devil(s) submitted (vs. 6-7). Faced with a commandment of Christ, they had no recourse but to obey, and they acknowledged the authority of Jesus.

V. 9

“9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And hee answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many:”

Though Jesus already knew who and what possessed the man, he asked anyway, establishing that devils have no option but to obey and respond to Christ. “Legion,” was the name of the devil and assembly of devils, perhaps characterized in the manner of a Roman legion, representing thousands of soldiers. Also, we might ascertain that Satan is organized much like the Roman army with various offices and department heads governing groups of soldiers.

V. 10

“10 And hee besought him much, that he would not send them away out of the countrey.”

The principal devil of the legion of devils persistently begged Jesus not to send them away. For, Jesus could have done whatever he pleased. But, for some reason, the devils wanted to remain in the country of Gadarenes. Thus, they petitioned Jesus.

V. 11

“11 Now there was there night vnto the mountaines a great herd of swine, feeding. 12 And all the deuils besought him, saying, Send vs into the swine, that we may enter into them.”

Given that this was a pagan region, it’s not surprising that they raised pigs, unlike the Jews who were forbidden anything to do with swine. Devils are destructive and constantly seek to cause harm, they likely sought one last destructive act, which Jesus permitted. Is the size of the herd of swine an indication of the number of devils possessing the man? Perhaps, as a legion comprises thousands of soldiers.

V. 12

“12 And all the deuils besought him, saying, Send vs into the swine, that we may enter into them.”

Not just the leader of the legion of devils, but all cried out to Jesus to send them into the swine. We can imagine the horrifying sound that issued forth and the terror it struck in the people of Gadarenes. Yet, we know Jesus was unfazed by the hellish spectacle.

V. 13

“13 And forthwith Iesus gaue them leaue. And the vncleane spirits went out, and entred into the swine, and the herd ranne violently downe a steepe place into the sea (they were about two thousand) and were choked in the sea.”

Devils require Jesus’ permission before they can do anything. Similarly, Satan could not harm Job without first asking God’s permission. The devils entered the swine and the herd ran down a steep slope into the sea, where they perished. Had there been any Jews living in the area and partaking of swine flesh contrary to the Law of Moses, they would have been angered, but could say very little against Jesus. However, the pagans who owned the herds would have been infuriated, having lost an important source of food and revenue.

V. 14

“13 And they that fed the swine fled, and tolde it in the citie, and in the countrey. And they went out to see what it was that was done.”

Those who looked after the swine would have been alarmed at what they heard and saw; thousands of devils petitioning Jesus to send them into the herd of swine; a simple command by Jesus followed by the devils’ immediate obedience to come out of the man and enter the swine; and, the swine hurling themselves down the mountain into the sea, where the entire herd of 2,000 perished. This had never been seen or heard of, and the herders immediately went to the city to announce what had happened, and the whole city would have also been shocked, knowing the possessed man and their failure to rid him of this massive plague of devils. Who had such power, they wanted to know?

Vs. 15 - 16

“15 And they come to Iesus, and see him that was possessed with the deuill, and had the Legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right minde: and they were afraid. 16 And they that saw it tolde them how it befell to him that was possessed with the deuill, and also concerning the swine.”

Everyone knew of the possessed man, and efforts to exorcise him. So, when they heard Jesus had done it and cast the devils into the swine, they were curious and likely angry that the swine ran down the mountain and perished in the sea. When they saw the man sitting calmly with Jesus and in his right mind, they were terrified; for, the events were beyond their comprehension. Someone like Jesus was a threat to their religion and way of life. “Legion sitting” refers to the man Jesus exorcised. Perhaps Legion was the name given him because of the many devils that possessed him.

V. 17

“17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.”

They did not know that Jesus is Messiah. Rather, they feared what a man of such great power and authority might do to them.

V. 18

“18 And when hee was come into the ship, he that had bene possessed with the deuill prayed him that hee might bee with him.”

Jesus complied and went to the ship. The formerly possessed man wanted to go with him, but Jesus wanted him to stay. Verse 19 tells us why.

V. 19

“19 Howbeit Iesus suffered him not, but saith vnto him, Goe home to thy friends, and tel them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.”

Rather than bring the man with him, giving the appearance of a trophy, Jesus tells him to publish the account throughout his home.

For, all knew the man prior to his deliverance; and, no one could deny the marvel of what Jesus had done. Because of his witness, many would likely come to the Lord. Furthermore, many might have said, it’s only temporary, and the man will revert back; but, Jesus knew otherwise and would prove that his physical presence was unnecessary to sustain his deliverance; that he would preserve the man. The man’s witness being consistent over time could turn many from their heathen ways to the Lord.

V. 20

“20 And hee departed, and began to publish in Decapolis, how great things Iesus had done for him: and all men did marueile.”

Decapolis, on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, was comprised of about 10 Greek cities; thus their pagan beliefs, steeped in Hellenic culture, underscored their religious practices and philosophy. Despite their intellectual proclivities and scientific presumptions, they could not free the man from the Legion of devils. Consequently, when the story spread of the man’s deliverance and the circumstances that ensued, they could not help but consider a power greater than that of their pantheon of gods. Indeed, they marveled; for, they experienced no greater spiritual power than that which Jesus demonstrated. We might surmise that some came to faith as a result of the man’s witness.

V. 21

“21 And when Iesus was passed ouer againe by ship vnto the other side, much people gathered vnto him, and he was nigh vnto the Sea.”

“The other side” likely refers to Capernaum. The text is specific regarding the manner of crossing, as it was possible to get to Capernaum using the Gadara bridge to the south. However, Jesus chose to travel by ship across the Sea of Galilee, perhaps to rest and avoid the possible accumulation of crowds along the way. Still, the verse says that many were gathered when he arrived. Apparently news traveled quickly.

Vs. 22 - 23

“22 And behold, there commeth one of the Rulers of the Synagogue, Iairus by name, and when he saw him, he fell at his feete, 23 And besought him greatly, saying, My litle daughter lieth at the point of death, I pray thee come and lay thy hands on her, that shee may be healed, and she shall liue.”

Having previously performed miracles at Capernaum, Jesus’ fame has already spread around the region and Galilee (Mark 1:28). Thus, Iairus probably knew of Jesus. And, hearing that Jesus had just come from Decapolis, he wasted no time seeking him out. He had resigned himself that his daughter would die, and it appears his only hope was Jesus. So, obviously he believed Jesus was a prophet with the gift of healing. However, he may not have know that Jesus is the Messiah. There is some urgency to his plea, suggesting that he believed that if his daughter died, Jesus could do nothing.

V. 24

“24 And Iesus went with him, and much people followed him, and thronged him.”

Jesus was the talk of the town; everyone wanted to know what he would do next. “Thronged” means beset in a manner impeding his progress.

Vs. 25 - 27

“25 And a certaine woman which had an issue of blood twelue yeeres, 26 And had suffered many things of many Physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27 When shee had heard of Iesus, came in the prease behind, and touched his garment.”

This woman suffered 12 years with an issue of the blood. She consulted physicians and spent all her money to the point of poverty. Despite this, she had not been cured, but remained ill and got worse. She heard about Jesus and joined the throng, pressing forward to touch his garment, believing that would be sufficient to heal her. We sense her desperation as she forced her way through the crowd toward Jesus. “Issue of blood” may refer to a menstrual condition, or perhaps she was a hemophiliac; however, we can’t be sure. Also, we might surmise that whatever it was, it rendered her unclean, making interaction with society awkward and sometimes impossible.

V. 28

“28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shalbe whole.”

She had heard the things Jesus did and was convinced that the power of God rested upon him. Her belief was so firm that she believed touching his garment was sufficient to cure her.

V. 29

“29 And straightway the fountaine of her blood was dried vp: and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.”

Should we assume some kind of magical power resided in Jesus’ garment? Hardly; for, many in the throng unintentionally touched his garments, and Jesus perceived no virtue leaving him. Rather, as we later learn, her faith made her whole (v.34); that is she believed in Jesus.

V. 30

“30 And Iesus immediatly knowing in himselfe that vertue had gone out of him, turned him about in the preasse, and said, Who touched my clothes?”

Despite being pressed upon from all sides, Jesus knew someone specific touched him with a purpose and an expectation; that being predicated by the woman’s faith, Jesus felt the virtue go out from him. And, he asked her to come forward; to identify herself.

V. 31

“31 And his disciples said vnto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?”

The disciples point out the supposed absurdity of Jesus’ statement; many in the crowd were touching him. What does this reveal about the disciples? Did they not understand that he knows the intent of every person?

V. 32

“32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.”

Jesus knew who touched him, and looked at her.

V. 33

“33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell downe before him, and tolde him all the trueth.”

The woman knew she had been healed, and she knew Jesus also knew. Perhaps, at first, she thought she could remain anonymous, blending into the crowd; but, realizing Jesus knew everything she was fearful and made confession before him regarding the matter.

V. 34

“34 And he said vnto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole, goe in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”

Jesus could have reprimanded her, but rather praised her for believing; and to assure her, should the plague have caused any other problems, Jesus confirms her healing is complete; that all aspects of her physically and spiritually were healed. She had been made whole through faith in Jesus Christ.

V. 35

“35 While hee yet spake, there came from the Ruler of the Synagogues house, certaine which said, Thy daughter is dead, why troublest thou the Master any further?”

Jesus allowed his attention to be diverted to the woman with the blood issue (vs. 25-27), knowing full-well that the Synagogue ruler’s daughter would die before he got there. Many may have thought Jesus was a bit callous, not hurrying quickly to the ruler’s house that his daughter might be healed and delivered from death. Yet, God’s plan was that many would believe, seeing the dead raised. Not knowing this, certain people said there is no point bothering Jesus with the matter, as the girl is dead, and no one can bring her back.

V. 36

“36 Assoone as Iesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith vnto the Ruler of the Synagogue, Be not afraid, onely beleeue.”

We can imagine that the Ruler of the Synagogue was deeply grieved that his daughter was dead and Jesus did not come quickly to heal her. But, Jesus encouraged the ruler to believe, to have faith, not in circumstances, but to have faith in the Lord over all circumstances.

V. 37

“37 And he suffered no man to follow him, saue Peter, & Iames, and Iohn the brother of Iames.”

The crowd, believing the ruler’s daughter was dead, would most likely have readily dispersed thinking there was nothing left to see. However, disciples Peter, James and John he brought with him to witness the miracle he was about to perform; for, they and others would take the Gospel of Christ to the world; and, would know for certain that Christ is Lord over life and death; that he is subject to nothing and all things are subject to him.

V. 38

“38 And hee commeth to the house of the Ruler of the Synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and they that wept and wailed greatly.”

Those assembled would not have been the curious rabble, but those who knew the ruler and mourned his loss; for, they “wept and wailed greatly.” This was an indication that all accepted the ruler’s daughter had died; and, as was the custom, they wailed and grieved.

V. 39

“39 And when he was come in, hee saith vnto them, Why make yee this adoe, and weepe? The damosell is not dead, but sleepeth.”

Of course, Jesus knew why they were weeping. From a human perspective, she was dead never to return. Perhaps some of them thought him a fool for asking. Yet, Jesus caused them to express the condition of their heart; that perhaps upon learning what Jesus was about to do, they might feel shame and repent and humble themselves before God.

There can be no doubt that the girl was dead. She would have been examined by doctors accustomed to the signs of death. And accordingly, they would have declared her dead. Having no breath or pulse for a considerable period of time, everyone knew she was dead. Yet, Jesus said that she’s not dead but sleeps. This would have confused everyone, not knowing he spake of his power over life and death; that, although man has no power over life and death (and he knows it), no circumstance is beyond Jesus’ ability to alter it and change expected outcomes. He is Lord over all.

V. 40

“And they laughed him to scorne: but when he had put them all out, hee taketh the father and the mother of the damosell, and them that were with him, and entreth in where the damosell was lying.”

Jesus tossed the scorners out of the house; and, it seems they would have gone fairly willingly, believing there was no further entertainment to be had. Yet, the father and mother of the dead girl and his three disciples, them he took into the room where the dead girl lay. By this we learn that Jesus does not reveal himself to scorners; those of a humble and contrite heart, he invites into his inner circle, the sheep fold. Thus, the girl’s mother and father and James, John and Peter were shown the majesty of Christ through a miracle that everyone said was impossible

The general public said Jesus is a deluded fool thinking the girl only slept. They regarded him a joke. Such is the world today; it mocks Christ; to them, there is no revelation of Christ. Jesus does not cast his pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6).

V. 41

“41 And he tooke the damosell by the hand, and sav vnto her, Talitha cumi, which is, being interpreted, Damosell (I say vnto thee) Arise.”

There was no ceremony, theatrics or ritual; but, a simple expression of the power of God in Christ. We imagine that he took her gently by the hand and said, “Arise.” There was no pomp or ceremony, but an expression of Christ authority by a single word. Would death obey Jesus? would she be released from the bonds of death just because Jesus said “Arise?” Indeed those looking on would have been nervous, not really knowing what to expect. Would death obey?

V. 42

“42 And straightway the damosell arose, and walked, for shee was of the age of twelue yeeres: and they were astonished with a great astonishment.”

With a simple word from Jesus, the damsel arose and walked. “And they were greatly astonished,” indicating that they didn’t really think she would rise from death; yet, there’s an overwhelming sense that they wanted to believe. And, perhaps that’s why Jesus wanted them there to experience the miracle. Willingness to believe is the beginning of faith.

V. 43

“43 And hee charged them straitly, that no man should know it: and commanded that some things should be giuen her to eate.”

Certainly Jesus knew that news of the miracle would spread; yet, he charges them to not say anything. In part, we might suspect he wanted to depart without being inundated with people, who formerly scorned him, pressing him for miracles. Furthermore, it was not time for Jesus to be revealed as the Messiah of Israel, as the people may have sought to make him King in the image they had created; that is the conquering Messiah of Israel who would throw the Romans out of Israel and subject the world to himself and the Jews. The scoffers and scorners were not interested in the Messiah who would first die for the sins of the people; that, by faith, sins might be forgiven and hearts changed. It was clear that they wanted the conquering Messiah, not the Redeemer. Thus, Jesus sought to quietly leave their community.

He commanded the girl be given food to show that like every living person she required sustenance. And, that she was rid of the disease that took her life; and, her appetite was that of a healthy normal person.