Mark 5:3
Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient world attempted restraining violent individuals with chains—earliest form of institutionalization for mentally ill or violent persons. Greco-Roman and Jewish societies recognized some maladies as demonic. Exorcisms were attempted through various means—incantations, rituals, amulets—usually ineffective. Jesus' simple, authoritative word contrasts with elaborate ancient exorcism rituals. The detail about broken chains emphasizes both demonic power and human impotence. Early church encountered similar cases, consistently demonstrating Christ's superior authority (Acts 16:16-18; 19:13-16). Church history records demonic activity continuing but defeated through Jesus' name.
Questions for Reflection
- How does society today try controlling spiritual problems through physical means, and why does this fail?
- What chains (sin, addiction, bondage) seem unbreakable apart from Christ's liberating power?
- How does this passage demonstrate that spiritual problems require spiritual solutions?
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Analysis & Commentary
The demoniac's dwelling 'in the tombs' emphasizes isolation and death-association. The detail 'no man could bind him, no, not with chains' stresses supernatural strength. Human restraints failed—physical bondage couldn't contain spiritual problem. This demonstrates demonic oppression's power and human helplessness apart from Christ. The emphatic 'no man...no, not with chains' (οὐδὲ...οὐδὲ) shows repeated, failed attempts. Society tried controlling symptoms without addressing spiritual cause. Only Christ can liberate from demonic bondage. The imagery foreshadows Jesus binding 'strong man' (Satan, Mark 3:27) to plunder his goods.