King James Version

What Does Mark 5:13 Mean?

Mark 5:13 in the King James Version says “And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran viol... — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

Mark 5:13 · KJV


Context

11

Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.

12

And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.

13

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

14

And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.

15

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus 'gave them leave'—He granted permission. The result: 'the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.' The exorcism succeeded immediately. The pigs' violent rush and drowning visibly demonstrated demons' destructive nature—they destroy whatever they inhabit. About 2,000 pigs drowned, showing possession's magnitude (many demons) and destructive intent. The man's previous violent, self-destructive behavior makes sense—demons sought his destruction. The spectacle provided undeniable evidence of exorcism, validating the man's liberation publicly.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The detail 'about two thousand' is vivid eyewitness testimony (likely Peter's account). This represents enormous economic loss—each pig had value. The steep hillside leading to Sea of Galilee provided geographic backdrop. Demons' destructive nature appears throughout Scripture—they come to 'steal, kill, and destroy' (John 10:10). The public nature of miracle prevented denial—whole town witnessed aftermath (Mark 5:14-17). Early church used such miracles evangelistically. Church history records that demonic activity seeks destruction; Christ brings liberation and life. The contrast illustrates spiritual warfare's stakes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does demons' destructive nature (rushing pigs to death) reveal their intent toward humans they possess?
  2. What does this teach about Satan's ultimate goal—to steal, kill, and destroy all God's creation?
  3. How does Jesus' life-giving power contrast with demonic destruction, and how does this affect your spiritual warfare perspective?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 35 words
καὶ1 of 35

And

G2532

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

ἐπέτρεψεν2 of 35

gave

G2010

to turn over (transfer), i.e., allow

αὐτοῖς3 of 35

them

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

εὐθέως4 of 35

forthwith

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

5 of 35
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς6 of 35

Jesus

G2424

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

καὶ7 of 35

And

G2532

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

ἐξελθόντα8 of 35

went out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

τὰ9 of 35
G3588

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

πνεύματα10 of 35

spirits

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τὰ11 of 35
G3588

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

ἀκάθαρτα12 of 35

the unclean

G169

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

εἰσῆλθον13 of 35

and entered

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς14 of 35

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς15 of 35
G3588

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

χοίρους16 of 35

the swine

G5519

a hog

καὶ17 of 35

And

G2532

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

ὥρμησεν18 of 35

ran

G3729

to start, spur or urge on, i.e., (reflexively) to dash or plunge

19 of 35
G3588

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

ἀγέλη20 of 35

the herd

G34

a drove

κατὰ21 of 35

violently down

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τοῦ22 of 35
G3588

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

κρημνοῦ23 of 35

a steep place

G2911

overhanging, i.e., a precipice

εἰς24 of 35

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν25 of 35
G3588

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

θαλάσσῃ26 of 35

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ἦσαν27 of 35

(they were

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δὲ28 of 35
G1161

but, and, etc

ὡς29 of 35

about

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δισχίλιοι30 of 35

two thousand

G1367

two thousand

καὶ31 of 35

And

G2532

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

ἐπνίγοντο32 of 35

were choked

G4155

to wheeze, i.e., (causative, by implication) to throttle or strangle (drown)

ἐν33 of 35

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ34 of 35
G3588

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

θαλάσσῃ35 of 35

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)


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 5:13 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 5:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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