King James Version

What Does Mark 5:2 Mean?

Mark 5:2 in the King James Version says “And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,” — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,”

Mark 5:2 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

1

And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

2

And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

3

Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:

4

Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him .

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After crossing, Jesus encountered 'a man with an unclean spirit' immediately. The phrase 'out of the tombs' (ἐκ τῶν μνημείων) indicates this demoniac lived among the dead—ritually unclean location. Jewish law forbade contact with corpses (Numbers 19:11-16), making tombs doubly defiling. Living among tombs symbolizes death's dominion over the demon-possessed. The description 'unclean spirit' (πνεῦμα ἀκάθαρτον) emphasizes moral corruption and opposition to holiness. This encounter demonstrates Jesus' authority extends beyond Jewish territory into Gentile regions, and His power transcends cultural and spiritual boundaries.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Tombs in Decapolis region were often caves carved in hillsides, used for burial. Living among dead was extreme social isolation—no one would voluntarily associate with corpse-defiled individuals. Gentile regions had different burial customs than Jewish Palestine but shared understanding of tombs as death-places. Demonic possession was recognized across cultures, though explanations varied. Early church encountered both Jewish and Gentile demonism, consistently demonstrating Christ's superior authority. This exorcism in Gentile territory foreshadows gospel's universal scope.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' authority in Gentile territory demonstrate gospel's universal power?
  2. What spiritual 'tombs' (sin, bondage, isolation) characterize those apart from Christ?
  3. How does this exorcism encourage ministry to those seemingly beyond hope?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξελθόντι2 of 16

“when he was come”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῷ3 of 16

“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

ἐκ4 of 16

“out of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ5 of 16
G3588

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

πλοίου6 of 16

“the ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

εὐθὲως7 of 16

“immediately”

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

ἀπήντησεν8 of 16

“there met”

G528

to meet away, i.e., encounter

αὐτῷ9 of 16

“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

ἐκ10 of 16

“out of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν11 of 16
G3588

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

μνημείων12 of 16

“the tombs”

G3419

a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)

ἄνθρωπος13 of 16

“a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐν14 of 16

“with”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πνεύματι15 of 16

“spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἀκαθάρτῳ16 of 16

“an unclean”

G169

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

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 5:2 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 5:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 1:23Mark 5:8Isaiah 65:4Luke 9:42Mark 1:26Mark 7:25

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