King James Version
What Does Mark 5:4 Mean?
“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 .”
Mark 5:4 · KJV
Context
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 .
5
And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
6
But when he saw Jesus afar off , he ran and worshipped him,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryMark elaborates: '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.' The repetition emphasizes supernatural strength and human helplessness. 'Often bound' shows repeated attempts; 'plucked asunder' (διεσπάσθαι) and 'broken in pieces' (συντετρῖφθαι) demonstrate irresistible force. The conclusion: 'neither could any man tame him' (οὐδεὶς ἴσχυεν αὐτὸν δαμάσαι). The verb 'tame' (δαμάζω) is used for wild animals—the demoniac was beyond human control, dangerous, untamable. Only divine power could liberate him. This sets up Christ's victory.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient world recognized degrees of demonic possession—mild influence to complete control. This case represents extreme possession: superhuman strength, self-destructive behavior, social isolation, failed human interventions. Gentile regions practiced various exorcism methods, all ineffective against severe cases. The inability to 'tame' him reflects hopeless prognosis—society could only isolate, not cure. Mark's vivid details (possibly from Peter's eyewitness account) emphasize miracle's magnitude. Jesus' upcoming exorcism will demonstrate power surpassing all human and demonic forces. Early church used such miracles evangelistically—proving Christ's deity and authority.
Reflection Questions
- How does recognizing spiritual enemies' power (while less than Christ's) guard against naivety?
- What situations seem 'untamable' in your life, and how does Christ's authority address them?
- How does this passage demonstrate the gospel's power in seemingly hopeless situations?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 23 wordsαὐτὸν3 of 23
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ6 of 23
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ9 of 23
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑπ'11 of 23
“by”
G5259under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
αὐτὸν12 of 23
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ15 of 23
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συντετρῖφθαι18 of 23
“broken in pieces”
G4937to crush completely, i.e., to shatter (literally or figuratively)
καὶ19 of 23
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν21 of 23
“him”
G846the 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 5:4 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 5:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge