Mark 5:8

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 5:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For he said unto him, Come forth, thou unclean spirit, out of the man.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For he said unto him, Come forth, thou unclean spirit, out of the man.
Mark 5:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8For he said unto him, Come forth, thou unclean spirit, out of the man.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For he said unto him, etc..] Or he had said unto him, as soon as he came up to him, and fell before him; even before he had confessed, and adjured him; and which indeed drew out the confession from him, that he was superior to him, and therefore became his supplicant: come out of the man, thou unclean spirit; which was said with so much authority and power, that there was no withstanding it: the devil knew he was not a match for him; that he must, at his command, quit his possession, and therefore fell to confession and entreaty. Christ will not dwell where Satan does; when therefore he is about to take up his residence in the hearts of any, he outs with Satan; he binds the strong man armed,…”
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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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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mar 1:25, Mar 9:25, Mar 9:26; Act 16:18 Mark 5:9”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification