Mark 3:11
And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματα
spirits
G4151
πνεύματα
spirits
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
3 of 20
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκάθαρτα
unclean
G169
ἀκάθαρτα
unclean
Strong's:
G169
Word #:
5 of 20
impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
6 of 20
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 20
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
ἐθεώρει,
they saw
G2334
ἐθεώρει,
they saw
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
8 of 20
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
προσέπιπτεν
fell down before
G4363
προσέπιπτεν
fell down before
Strong's:
G4363
Word #:
9 of 20
to fall towards, i.e., (gently) prostrate oneself (in supplication or homage), or (violently) to rush upon (in storm)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 20
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔκραζεν
cried
G2896
ἔκραζεν
cried
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
λέγοντα,
saying
G3004
λέγοντα,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
18 of 20
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Luke 4:41And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.Luke 8:28When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.Matthew 4:3And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.Matthew 8:29And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?James 2:19Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.Acts 16:17The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.Matthew 8:31So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.Matthew 4:6And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Historical Context
Jewish demonology understood demons as fallen angels following Satan, inhabiting and tormenting humans. 'Unclean spirits' distinguished demonic beings from human and Holy Spirit. Exorcism was practiced, but Jesus' authority was unique—He commanded with simple word, requiring no elaborate rituals. Demons' recognition as 'Son of God' acknowledges authority over spiritual realm. This title carried messianic and divine implications.
Questions for Reflection
- How does demonic recognition challenge those who intellectually affirm truth without saving faith?
- What distinguishes genuine faith from mere intellectual assent?
- How does Jesus' authority over demons demonstrate superiority over all spiritual powers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Unclean spirits confronting Jesus 'fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.' The demons recognized Jesus' true identity immediately, with no faith required. 'Fell down' (προσέπιπτον) indicates involuntary submission and terror. Their confession 'Thou art the Son of God' is theologically accurate, acknowledging divine nature and messianic identity. This demonstrates intellectual knowledge doesn't constitute saving faith—demons possess accurate Christology yet remain damned (James 2:19). 'Unclean spirits' emphasizes moral corruption and opposition to holiness.