King James Version

What Does Mark 5:19 Mean?

Mark 5:19 in the King James Version says “Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath... — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Mark 5:19 · KJV


Context

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.

21

And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Go home to thy friends tell them how great things Lord has done for thee and has had compassion. Go home hypage eis ton oikon return to household. Thy friends tous sous relatives loved ones. Tell them apaggeilon announce proclaim. How great things hosa magnificent works. Lord ho kyrios sovereign ruler. Has done soi epoiēsen accomplished performed. For thee dative personal recipient. Has had compassion ēleēsen showed mercy. Delivered demoniac commissioned as missionary to Decapolis. Go home not follow Jesus in Galilee. Ministry begins where you are. Primary mission field is those who knew you before conversion. Greatest testimony is transformed life. Friends saw demon possession now see deliverance. Cannot deny change. Reformed theology emphasizes witness beginning in Jerusalem then Judea Samaria ends of earth. Start where you are faithful in little before much. Every believer called to testify not all called to vocational ministry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Decapolis region ten Gentile cities east of Jordan. Man was from Gerasa (Gadara) area. Jesus did not usually minister in Gentile territory this was exception. Sending man home unique usually Jesus called disciples to follow Him physically. This man became missionary to his own people. Early church pattern Paul to Jews Peter to circumcised. Indigenous testimony most effective. Person from culture reaches culture better than outsider. Modern missions emphasizes indigenous leadership. Missionaries equip locals who reach their own people. Medieval missions often imposed foreign Christianity on converts. Reformation recovered biblical pattern of vernacular Scripture indigenous leadership. Cross-cultural missions requires both outside catalyst and inside ownership.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus send this man home rather than inviting him to follow as He did with others?
  2. How does missions beginning at home with friends and family demonstrate biblical evangelism pattern?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
1 of 28
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 28

Howbeit

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς3 of 28

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

οὐκ4 of 28

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀφῆκεν5 of 28

suffered

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

αὐτοῖς6 of 28

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

ἀλλὰ7 of 28

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

λέγει8 of 28

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς9 of 28

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

Ὕπαγε10 of 28

Go

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

εἰς11 of 28

home

G1519

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

τὸν12 of 28
G3588

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

οἶκόν13 of 28
G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

σου14 of 28
G4675

of thee, thy

πρὸς15 of 28

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς16 of 28
G3588

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

σούς17 of 28

thy friends

G4674

thine

καὶ18 of 28

and

G2532

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

ἀνάγγειλον19 of 28

tell

G312

to announce (in detail)

αὐτοῖς20 of 28

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

ὅσα21 of 28

how great things

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

σοι22 of 28

for thee

G4671

to thee

23 of 28
G3588

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

κύριός24 of 28

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐποίησεν25 of 28

hath done

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καὶ26 of 28

and

G2532

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

ἠλέησέν27 of 28

hath had compassion

G1653

to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)

σε28 of 28

on thee

G4571

thee


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 5:19 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 5:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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