King James Version

What Does Mark 5:20 Mean?

Mark 5:20 in the King James Version says “And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 5:20 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

Read Mark 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The healed man obeyed: 'he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.' The verb 'publish' (κηρύσσειν) means herald, proclaim publicly—the same word used for preaching gospel. He proclaimed 'in Decapolis' (ἐν τῇ Δεκαπόλει)—the ten Gentile cities, not his hometown only. His message: 'how great things Jesus had done'—focusing on Christ's work. The result: 'all men did marvel' (πάντες ἐθαύμαζον)—widespread amazement. His testimony prepared region for Jesus' return (Mark 7:31). Transformed lives provide powerful evangelistic testimony. Personal experience of Christ's saving power naturally produces witness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Decapolis ('ten cities') was confederation of Greco-Roman cities in region east/southeast of Sea of Galilee. Founded after Alexander the Great's conquests, these cities maintained Greek culture under Roman rule. They were predominantly Gentile with minority Jewish populations. The healed demoniac became first Gentile evangelist recorded in Mark, foreshadowing gospel's expansion to all nations. His testimony prepared receptive audience for Jesus' later ministry. Early church emphasized testimony's evangelistic power—transformed lives authenticate gospel. Church history demonstrates that personal testimony often opens doors closed to formal preaching.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your transformation story provide natural evangelistic opportunities?
  2. What prevents you from openly 'publishing' what great things Jesus has done for you?
  3. How can you follow this man's example—proclaiming Christ's work in your sphere of influence?

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

ἀπῆλθεν2 of 16

“he departed”

G565

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

καὶ3 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

ἤρξατο4 of 16

“began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

κηρύσσειν5 of 16

“to publish”

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

ἐν6 of 16

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ7 of 16
G3588

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

Δεκαπόλει8 of 16

“Decapolis”

G1179

the ten-city region; the decapolis, a district in syria

ὅσα9 of 16

“how great things”

G3745

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

ἐποίησεν10 of 16

“had done”

G4160

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

αὐτῷ11 of 16

“for 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

ὁ12 of 16
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς13 of 16

“Jesus”

G2424

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

καὶ14 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

πάντες15 of 16

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐθαύμαζον16 of 16

“men did marvel”

G2296

to wonder; by implication, to admire

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 5:20 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 5:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 7:31Matthew 4:25

Places in This Verse

DecapolisRegion · Modern: Decapolis · 32.72°N, 35.80°E3 verses across 2 books
View all places in Mark 5 →

Test Your Knowledge

Mark 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMark Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Mark 5 with CommentaryAll Mark ChaptersComplete Mark QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes