King James Version

What Does Mark 5:17 Mean?

Mark 5:17 in the King James Version says “And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 5:17 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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.

19

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. This shocking response reveals the tragedy of valuing temporal comfort above eternal salvation. 'They began to pray him' (ἤρξαντο παρακαλεῖν αὐτόν, ērxanto parakalein auton) uses the same verb (parakalein) employed for earnest pleading—the same intensity used by those seeking healing. Yet here it expresses the opposite desire: 'depart out of their coasts' (ἀπελθεῖν ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων αὐτῶν, apelthein apo tōn horiōn autōn)—leave our region.

Why would people who witnessed supernatural deliverance reject the Deliverer? Fear of further economic disruption, unwillingness to acknowledge Jesus' authority, or preference for familiar bondage over costly discipleship. This mirrors those who prefer comfortable slavery to demanding freedom (Exodus 14:11-12). The Gadarenes valued their pigs and predictable lifestyle above the Prince of Peace. Their rejection fulfilled Jesus' teaching that 'the gate is narrow and few find it' (Matthew 7:14). Reformed theology emphasizes that regeneration is necessary for willing response to Christ—natural man resists divine authority and prefers autonomy to submission. This passage warns against rejecting Christ when He disrupts comfortable sin patterns.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' miracle threatened the region's economic foundation. Pig farming was lucrative in Gentile territories where Jewish dietary laws didn't apply. The herdsmen and pig owners faced substantial financial loss, creating community-wide anxiety about Jesus' continued presence. Would He disrupt more industries? Challenge more practices? First-century economic systems were less diversified than modern economies—losing one industry could devastate a region. The townspeople faced a choice: economic stability or spiritual transformation. Their choice to prioritize economics echoes throughout history—Ephesian silversmiths rioted when Paul's preaching threatened their idol-making business (Acts 19:23-28). Early church fathers noted the irony: these Gentiles rejected Jesus while He would eventually be embraced by Gentiles worldwide. Jesus respected their free will, departing when explicitly rejected, though leaving the healed demoniac as ongoing witness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What economic interests, comfortable patterns, or familiar systems might you be protecting that prevent full surrender to Christ's lordship?
  2. How does the Gadarenes' rejection of Jesus despite witnessing His power warn against prioritizing temporal security over eternal transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

“And”

G2532

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

ἤρξαντο2 of 9

“they began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

παρακαλεῖν3 of 9

“to pray”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

αὐτῶν4 of 9

“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

ἀπελθεῖν5 of 9

“to depart”

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

ἀπὸ6 of 9

“out of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν7 of 9
G3588

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

ὁρίων8 of 9

“coasts”

G3725

a boundary-line, i.e., (by implication) a frontier (region)

αὐτῶν9 of 9

“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 5:17 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 5:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 8:34Mark 1:24Luke 8:37Luke 5:8Job 21:14-15Acts 16:39

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