Mark 5:13

Authorized King James Version

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἐπέτρεψεν

G2010

gave

to turn over (transfer), i.e., allow

αὐτοῖς

G846

them

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

εὐθέως

G2112

forthwith

directly, i.e., at once or soon

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἐξελθόντα

G1831

went out

to issue (literally or figuratively)

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

πνεύματα

G4151

spirits

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

#11

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

ἀκάθαρτα

G169

the unclean

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

#13

εἰσῆλθον

G1525

and entered

to enter (literally or figuratively)

#14

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#15

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

χοίρους

G5519

the swine

a hog

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#18

ὥρμησεν

G3729

ran

to start, spur or urge on, i.e., (reflexively) to dash or plunge

#19

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

ἀγέλη

G34

the herd

a drove

#21

κατὰ

G2596

violently down

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#22

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

κρημνοῦ

G2911

a steep place

overhanging, i.e., a precipice

#24

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#25

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

θαλάσσῃ

G2281

the sea

the sea (genitive case or specially)

#27

ἦσαν

G2258

(they were

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

#28

δὲ

G1161

but, and, etc

#29

ὡς

G5613

about

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#30

δισχίλιοι

G1367

two thousand

#31

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#32

ἐπνίγοντο

G4155

were choked

to wheeze, i.e., (causative, by implication) to throttle or strangle (drown)

#33

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#34

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#35

θαλάσσῃ

G2281

the sea

the sea (genitive case or specially)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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