Mark 5:16

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 5:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they that saw it declared unto them how it befell him that was possessed with demons, and concerning the swine.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they that saw it declared unto them how it befell him that was possessed with demons, and concerning the swine.
Mark 5:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16And they that saw it declared unto them how it befell him that was possessed with demons, and concerning the swine.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And they that saw it, etc..] Not the keepers of the swine, for they were fled and gone; but others that were eyewitnesses of the whole affair, who lived in houses hard by, or were working in the fields; or the disciples of Christ: told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil; gave a particular account, how, upon first sight of Christ, he ran to meet him, and fell down and worshipped him; how Christ ordered the unclean spirit to come out of him; and how he was dispossessed of a legion of devils by a word speaking: and also concerning the swine; how, at the request of the devils, and by the leave of Christ, they entered into them; upon which they ran mad; and betaking…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this account of the demoniacs fully explained in the notes at Matthew 8:28-34. Mark 5:4 He had been often bound with fetters and chains - Efforts had been made to confine him, but his great strength - his strength increased by his malady - had prevented it. There often appears to be a great increase of strength produced by insanity, and what is here stated in regard to this maniac often occurs in Palestine and elsewhere now. Dr. Thomson (“The Land and the Book,” vol. i. p. 213) says respecting this case: “There are some very similar at the present day - furious and dangerous maniacs, who wander about the mountains, and sleep in tombs and caves. In their worst paroxysms they are quite…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification