King James Version

What Does Mark 1:25 Mean?

Mark 1:25 in the King James Version says “And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. — study this verse from Mark chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

Mark 1:25 · KJV


Context

23

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

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.

25

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

26

And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

27

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus rebuked him saying Hold thy peace and come out of him. Jesus rebuked epitimaō strong command showing authority. Hold thy peace literally be muzzled silenced. Jesus refuses demon testimony despite its accuracy. He does not want or need demonic witness to His identity. Come out of him authoritative expulsion command. Jesus word alone sufficient no rituals formulas needed. This demonstrates His divine authority over spiritual realm. Reformed theology emphasizes Christ absolute sovereignty including over demonic forces. Believers exercise derivative authority in Christ name. The rebuke shows Jesus controls conversation narrative demons cannot hijack His mission with premature revelation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient exorcists used elaborate rituals incantations magical formulas lengthy processes. Jesus simple command contrasts sharply demonstrating unique authority. Silencing demon prevented premature revelation of Messianic identity. Jesus carefully controlled disclosure of His identity the Messianic secret pattern in Mark. Full revelation would come through cross and resurrection not demonic pronouncement. Demons obey Jesus immediately no resistance. Early church practiced exorcism in Jesus name continuing His ministry. Church history shows periods emphasizing or neglecting spiritual warfare dimension of ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus silence demons even when they spoke truth about His identity?
  2. What does Jesus simple authoritative command teach about spiritual warfare methods?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπετίμησεν2 of 11

rebuked

G2008

to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid

αὐτοῦ3 of 11

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

4 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς5 of 11

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

λέγων,6 of 11

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Φιμώθητι7 of 11

Hold thy peace

G5392

to muzzle

καὶ8 of 11

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔξελθε9 of 11

come

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐξ10 of 11

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτοῦ11 of 11

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 1:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 1:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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