King James Version

What Does Mark 5:18 Mean?

Mark 5:18 in the King James Version says “And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 5:18 · King James Version

Prayer

Context

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.

20

And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. This verse presents beautiful contrast with verse 17. While the townspeople 'prayed him to depart,' the delivered man 'prayed him that he might be with him' (παρεκάλει αὐτὸν ἵνα μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ ᾖ, parekalei auton hina met' autou ē). The same verb (parakalein) expresses opposite desires—rejection versus devotion. The healed man's request demonstrates genuine conversion: he desires Christ's presence above all else.

'That he might be with him' expresses the essence of discipleship—companionship with Christ matters more than comfort, possessions, or homeland. This man, so recently tormented and isolated, now desires intimate fellowship with his Deliverer. His request mirrors the Twelve's calling: Jesus chose them 'that they might be with him' (Mark 3:14). Though Jesus denies this specific request (v. 19), He affirms the man's devotion by giving him a greater mission. Reformed theology emphasizes that saving faith produces love for Christ and desire for His presence—true conversion transforms priorities from self-centered to Christ-centered (Philippians 1:23). The healed demoniac models proper response to grace: wholehearted devotion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The healed man faced significant challenges remaining in his homeland: the community that had chained him among tombs now rejected his Deliverer; his dramatic transformation made him a controversial figure; returning to normal life after such profound trauma and deliverance would be difficult. His desire to follow Jesus was understandable—he wanted to leave the hostile environment and remain with the only Person who showed him compassion. In first-century culture, becoming a rabbi's disciple meant leaving home and family to follow the teacher. The man's request followed this cultural pattern. However, Jesus had a different plan—making him the first missionary to the Decapolis (v. 19-20). Early church tradition suggests this man's testimony prepared the region for later Christian expansion. His obedience to remain rather than his desire to leave demonstrates mature discipleship—submitting personal preference to Christ's calling.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your response to Christ's deliverance mirror the healed demoniac's devotion or the townspeople's rejection?
  2. How does the healed man's desire to 'be with' Jesus challenge our modern tendency to view Christianity as primarily about benefits rather than relationship?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἐμβάντος2 of 14

“when he was come”

G1684

to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)

αὐτοῦ3 of 14

“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

εἰς4 of 14

“into”

G1519

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

τὸ5 of 14
G3588

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

πλοῖον6 of 14

“the ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

παρεκάλει7 of 14

“prayed”

G3870

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

αὐτοῦ8 of 14

“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

ὁ9 of 14
G3588

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

δαιμονισθεὶς10 of 14

“he that had been possessed with the devil”

G1139

to be exercised by a daemon

ἵνα11 of 14

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ᾖ12 of 14

“he might be”

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

μετ'13 of 14

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτοῦ14 of 14

“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 5:18 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 5:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 8:38-39Philippians 1:23-24Mark 5:17Luke 23:42-43Mark 5:7Psalms 116:12

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