Mark Chapter 5 · Verse 12
And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρεκάλεσαν
besought
G3870
παρεκάλεσαν
besought
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
2 of 16
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
αὐτοὺς
him
G846
αὐτοὺς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 16
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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δαίμονες
the devils
G1142
δαίμονες
the devils
Strong's:
G1142
Word #:
6 of 16
a daemon or supernatural spirit (of a bad nature)
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Πέμψον
Send
G3992
Πέμψον
Send
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
8 of 16
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
Ancient understanding recognized demons sought embodiment. Jewish tradition held that disembodied demons wandered seeking rest (Matthew 12:43-45). Pigs, being unclean animals in Jewish thought, might be 'appropriate' demonic habitation from demons' perspective. Jesus' permission demonstrates sovereign control—He determines evil's boundaries. The visible, public exorcism provided undeniable evidence of liberation. Ancient worldviews—Jewish and pagan—would understand this transaction. Early church recognized Jesus' absolute authority over demons, including permitting temporary activity for greater redemptive purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' permission demonstrate that even evil serves God's ultimate purposes within sovereign boundaries?
- What does demons' need to request permission teach about God's control over evil's limits?
- How can you trust God's sovereignty even when He permits evil's temporary expression?
Analysis & Commentary
All the demons 'besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.' The demons couldn't act without permission—showing their subjection to Christ. They preferred pig possession to disembodiment, revealing spiritual desperation. The request 'Send us' (Πέμψον ἡμᾶς) shows they needed authorization. Why did Jesus grant this?
Jesus permitted evil's temporary expression to accomplish greater good—the man's liberation and public testimony.