King James Version

What Does Mark 5:14 Mean?

Mark 5:14 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Mark 5:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The swineherds 'fled, and told it in the city, and in the country.' They reported both the exorcism and economic disaster. 'They went out to see what it was that was done'—the townspeople came to investigate. News of miraculous exorcism and drowned pigs spread rapidly. The swineherds' report was factual—they witnessed everything. The townspeople's response would reveal their values: Would they rejoice in the man's liberation or resent economic loss? This sets up revealing conclusion: they prioritize profits over person, ultimately asking Jesus to leave (Mark 5:17). Their rejection demonstrates hardened hearts valuing material wealth above spiritual transformation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

News spread quickly in ancient communities—word-of-mouth was primary communication. The economic loss affected many—herd owners, swineherds, merchants, consumers. The destroyed herd represented substantial wealth. The townspeople's investigation shows curiosity but also concern about further disruptions. Their eventual request for Jesus to leave reveals materialistic values. Mark's account demonstrates that miracles don't automatically produce faith—hardened hearts resist despite evidence. Early church experienced this: some believed after witnessing miracles; others opposed despite overwhelming evidence. Church history repeats pattern: spiritual truth confronts material interests, and many choose possessions over salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when following Jesus costs materially—with joy over spiritual gain or resentment over temporal loss?
  2. What does the townspeople's investigation reveal about curiosity versus genuine seeking?
  3. How does this passage warn against prioritizing economic security over spiritual transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
οἱ1 of 22
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 22

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

βόσκοντες3 of 22

“they that fed”

G1006

to pasture; by extension to, fodder; reflexively, to graze

τοὺς4 of 22
G3588

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

χοίρους5 of 22

“the swine”

G5519

a hog

ἔφυγον6 of 22

“fled”

G5343

to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish

καὶ7 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

ἀνήγγειλάν8 of 22

“told”

G312

to announce (in detail)

εἰς9 of 22

“in”

G1519

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

τὴν10 of 22
G3588

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

πόλιν11 of 22

“the city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

καὶ12 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

εἰς13 of 22

“in”

G1519

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

τοὺς14 of 22
G3588

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

ἀγρούς·15 of 22

“the country”

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

καὶ16 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξῆλθον17 of 22

“they went out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἰδεῖν18 of 22

“to see”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τί19 of 22

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐστιν20 of 22

“it was”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὸ21 of 22
G3588

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

γεγονός22 of 22

“that was done”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

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 5:14 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 5:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 8:33Luke 8:34

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