King James Version

What Does Mark 5:16 Mean?

Mark 5:16 in the King James Version says “And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 5:16 · KJV

Context

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.

17

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

18

And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. The eyewitnesses' testimony serves crucial purposes: verifying the miracle's authenticity and spreading news of Jesus' power. The phrase 'how it befell' (πῶς ἐγένετο, pōs egeneto) indicates detailed, sequential narration—not vague rumors but specific facts. Those who witnessed both the demon-possessed man's deliverance and the pigs' destruction provided corroborating evidence that real demonic powers were at work and real deliverance occurred.

The dual focus—'him that was possessed' and 'the swine'—reveals mixed priorities among hearers. Some fixated on the economic loss (2,000 pigs) rather than the man's restoration. This reflects the tragic reality that many value material possessions above human souls. The testimony spread through the region, giving all opportunity to respond to Jesus. Some came seeking deliverance; others, as the next verse shows, rejected Him. This pattern continues throughout church history—the same gospel that draws some repels others. Reformed theology emphasizes that natural man suppresses truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18), preferring darkness to light when self-interest conflicts with Christ's lordship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The destruction of approximately 2,000 pigs represented significant economic loss in a region dependent on pig farming. At first-century market prices, this could represent years of income for the herdsmen and owners. The eyewitnesses likely included the herdsmen who fled (v. 14) plus townspeople who came out to investigate. Their detailed report established credibility—multiple independent witnesses describing the same miraculous events. In Jewish legal tradition, testimony required multiple witnesses for validation. The spreading report fulfilled Jesus' command to the healed man to testify (v. 19). Early church history records that this region became receptive to Christian preaching, possibly due to the healed demoniac's ongoing witness. The narrative demonstrates that Christ's kingdom advance often disrupts economic systems built on practices contrary to God's will.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you found yourself more concerned about material or financial loss than spiritual transformation in yourself or others?
  2. How does the crowd's mixed response to this miracle—some seeking Jesus, others rejecting Him—illuminate why the same gospel message produces different reactions today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

διηγήσαντο2 of 13

“it told”

G1334

to relate fully

αὐτοῖς3 of 13

“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

οἱ4 of 13
G3588

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

ἰδόντες5 of 13

“they that saw”

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

πῶς6 of 13

“how”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

ἐγένετο7 of 13

“it befell”

G1096

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

τῷ8 of 13
G3588

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

δαιμονιζομένῳ9 of 13

“to him that was possessed with the devil”

G1139

to be exercised by a daemon

καὶ10 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

περὶ11 of 13

“also concerning”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τῶν12 of 13
G3588

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

χοίρων13 of 13

“the swine”

G5519

a hog

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 5:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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