King James Version

What Does Mark 5:9 Mean?

Mark 5:9 in the King James Version says “And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.”

Mark 5:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus asked: 'What is thy name?' The demon answered: 'My name is Legion: for we are many.' The question demanded identification—ancient belief held knowing names gave power. The answer 'Legion' (Λεγιών) is Latin military term—Roman legion contained 6,000 soldiers. Whether literal or metaphorical, 'Legion' indicates massive multiple possession. The phrase 'we are many' (πολλοί ἐσμεν) confirms numerous demons. This explains supernatural strength and failed human attempts at restraint. The case's severity makes Jesus' victory more impressive. One word from Christ defeats thousands of demons—demonstrating overwhelming superior power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman legions were well-known military units—Gentile regions experienced Roman military presence directly. The term would resonate with Mark's Roman audience. The idea of multiple demon possession appears elsewhere in Scripture (Mary Magdalene had seven demons, Luke 8:2). Jewish tradition recognized degrees and types of demonic activity. The sheer number—whether literal 6,000 or symbolically 'many'—emphasizes both the man's desperate condition and miracle's magnitude. Early church recognized corporate demonic activity. Church history records that severely demonized persons sometimes manifested multiple personalities or entities, though discernment is needed to distinguish spiritual from psychological issues.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the enemy's numbers (while vastly less than Christ's power) affect your spiritual warfare perspective?
  2. What does Jesus' victory over 'Legion' teach about His ability to overcome any spiritual opposition you face?
  3. How should recognizing demons' organized, corporate activity inform prayer and spiritual warfare strategies?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπηρώτα2 of 15

“he asked”

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

αὐτόν3 of 15

“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

Τί4 of 15

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

σοι5 of 15

“is thy”

G4671

to thee

ὄνομά6 of 15

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

καὶ7 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

ἀπεκρίθη8 of 15

“he answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

λέγων,9 of 15

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Λεγεὼν10 of 15

“is Legion”

G3003

a "legion", i.e., roman regiment (figuratively)

ὄνομά11 of 15

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

μοι12 of 15

“My”

G3427

to me

ὅτι13 of 15

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πολλοί14 of 15

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἐσμεν15 of 15

“we are”

G2070

we are

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 5:9 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 5:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 8:30Mark 5:15Matthew 26:53Luke 11:21-26Matthew 12:45

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