Mark 5:6
But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
Original Language Analysis
ἰδὼν
when he saw
G1492
ἰδὼν
when he saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 10
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 10
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἀπὸ
afar off
G575
ἀπὸ
afar off
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 10
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἔδραμεν
he ran
G5143
ἔδραμεν
he ran
Strong's:
G5143
Word #:
7 of 10
which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
James 2:19Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.Psalms 66:3Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.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.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.Psalms 72:9They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
Historical Context
Demon recognition of Jesus appears throughout Gospels (Mark 1:24; 3:11). Demons possess superior knowledge—they know Jesus' identity clearly without faith's necessity. James 2:19 notes demons believe and tremble—theological accuracy without saving faith. Ancient exorcism practices involved lengthy rituals; Jesus required none. His presence alone compelled demonic submission. Early church experienced similar demonic recognition (Acts 16:16-17; 19:15). Church history affirms spiritual warfare reality—demons are real, powerful, yet completely subject to Christ's authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How does demonic forced worship of Jesus demonstrate His absolute authority over all spiritual powers?
- What does this teach about the difference between acknowledging Jesus' identity and saving faith?
- How should understanding demons' terror of Jesus affect your confidence in spiritual warfare?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The possessed man's response to Jesus is paradoxical: 'when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him.' The demons recognized Jesus immediately—'afar off' (ἀπὸ μακρόθεν) suggests supernatural perception. The verb 'worshipped' (προσεκύνησεν) indicates falling prostrate, though not willing worship but involuntary submission to superior power. This demonstrates demons recognize Jesus' authority and are compelled to acknowledge it. Even hell's forces cannot resist Creator's presence. The man ran to Jesus despite demonic resistance—perhaps human personality crying for liberation alongside demonic forced submission.