Mark 5:16
And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The destruction of approximately 2,000 pigs represented significant economic loss in a region dependent on pig farming. At first-century market prices, this could represent years of income for the herdsmen and owners. The eyewitnesses likely included the herdsmen who fled (v. 14) plus townspeople who came out to investigate. Their detailed report established credibility—multiple independent witnesses describing the same miraculous events. In Jewish legal tradition, testimony required multiple witnesses for validation. The spreading report fulfilled Jesus' command to the healed man to testify (v. 19). Early church history records that this region became receptive to Christian preaching, possibly due to the healed demoniac's ongoing witness. The narrative demonstrates that Christ's kingdom advance often disrupts economic systems built on practices contrary to God's will.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you found yourself more concerned about material or financial loss than spiritual transformation in yourself or others?
- How does the crowd's mixed response to this miracle—some seeking Jesus, others rejecting Him—illuminate why the same gospel message produces different reactions today?
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Analysis & Commentary
And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. The eyewitnesses' testimony serves crucial purposes: verifying the miracle's authenticity and spreading news of Jesus' power. The phrase 'how it befell' (πῶς ἐγένετο, pōs egeneto) indicates detailed, sequential narration—not vague rumors but specific facts. Those who witnessed both the demon-possessed man's deliverance and the pigs' destruction provided corroborating evidence that real demonic powers were at work and real deliverance occurred.
The dual focus—'him that was possessed' and 'the swine'—reveals mixed priorities among hearers. Some fixated on the economic loss (2,000 pigs) rather than the man's restoration. This reflects the tragic reality that many value material possessions above human souls. The testimony spread through the region, giving all opportunity to respond to Jesus. Some came seeking deliverance; others, as the next verse shows, rejected Him. This pattern continues throughout church history—the same gospel that draws some repels others. Reformed theology emphasizes that natural man suppresses truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18), preferring darkness to light when self-interest conflicts with Christ's lordship.