King James Version

What Does Mark 5:4 Mean?

Mark 5:4 in the King James Version says “Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fe...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · King James Version

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,

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Mark 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

  1. How does recognizing spiritual enemies' power (while less than Christ's) guard against naivety?
  2. What situations seem 'untamable' in your life, and how does Christ's authority address them?
  3. How does this passage demonstrate the gospel's power in seemingly hopeless situations?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
διὰ1 of 23

“Because”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ2 of 23
G3588

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

αὐτὸν3 of 23

“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

πολλάκις4 of 23

“had been often”

G4178

many times, i.e., frequently

πέδας5 of 23

“the fetters”

G3976

a shackle for the feet

καὶ6 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

ἁλύσεις7 of 23

“chains”

G254

a fetter or manacle

δεδέσθαι8 of 23

“bound”

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

καὶ9 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

διεσπάσθαι10 of 23

“had been plucked asunder”

G1288

to draw apart, i.e., sever or dismember

ὑπ'11 of 23

“by”

G5259

under, 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”

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

τὰς13 of 23
G3588

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

ἁλύσεις14 of 23

“chains”

G254

a fetter or manacle

καὶ15 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

τὰς16 of 23
G3588

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

πέδας17 of 23

“the fetters”

G3976

a shackle for the feet

συντετρῖφθαι18 of 23

“broken in pieces”

G4937

to crush completely, i.e., to shatter (literally or figuratively)

καὶ19 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

οὐδεὶς20 of 23
G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

αὐτὸν21 of 23

“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

ἴσχυεν22 of 23

“could”

G2480

to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)

δαμάσαι·23 of 23

“any man tame”

G1150

to tame

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

James 3:7-8

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