King James Version
What Does Mark 5:8 Mean?
“For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.”
Context
6
But when he saw Jesus afar off , he ran and worshipped him,
7
And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
8
For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9
And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
10
And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **For he said unto him.**—The Greek verb is in the imperfect tense, *he was saying,* as though the demoniac had interrupted our Lord even while the words were in the act of being uttered.
**Thou unclean spirit.**—It is noticeable that our Lord first speaks as if the men were oppressed by a single demon only, and that it is in the answer of the man himself that we learn that their name was Legion. (On the man’s use of the word “Legion,” see Note on Matthew 8:29.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 5:8 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 5:8
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge