King James Version
What Does Mark 5:16 Mean?
“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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd 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.
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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
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
- When have you found yourself more concerned about material or financial loss than spiritual transformation in yourself or others?
- 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 wordsκαὶ1 of 13
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς3 of 13
“them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἰδόντες5 of 13
“they that saw”
G1492used 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”
G4459an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
ἐγένετο7 of 13
“it befell”
G1096to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ10 of 13
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περὶ11 of 13
“also concerning”
G4012properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
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.