Mark 1:23

KJV

¶ And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there was {G2258} in {G1722} their {G846} synagogue {G4864} a man {G444} with {G1722} an unclean {G169} spirit {G4151}; and {G2532} he cried out {G349},

Complete Jewish Bible

In their synagogue just then was a man with an unclean spirit in him, who shouted,

Berean Standard Bible

Suddenly a man with an unclean spirit cried out in the synagogue:

American Standard Version

And straightway there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 1:23 presents a pivotal moment early in Jesus' public ministry, immediately following His authoritative teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. This verse introduces a dramatic encounter with a man possessed by an unclean spirit, whose sudden and distressed outcry serves as the first public, tangible demonstration of Jesus' unparalleled divine authority over the forces of spiritual darkness, setting a foundational precedent for the nature of His mission to confront and conquer evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed by Mark immediately after his concise introduction to Jesus' ministry in Galilee, which emphasizes Jesus' call of the first disciples and His arrival in Capernaum ([Mark 1:16-21](/mark/1-16-21 "Mark 1:16-21 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples")). The preceding verses, [Mark 1:21-22](/mark/1-21-22 "Mark 1:21-22 - Jesus Teaches with Authority"), highlight the astonishment of the people at Jesus' teaching, noting that "he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes." Mark 1:23 then provides the immediate, undeniable evidence of this authority, shifting from the power of Jesus' words to the power of His presence. The spontaneous manifestation of the unclean spirit underscores that Jesus' authority is not merely intellectual or pedagogical but extends into the spiritual realm, initiating a direct confrontation with the kingdom of darkness. This episode serves as a powerful inaugural miracle, validating Jesus' claims and setting the stage for subsequent demonstrations of His power throughout [Mark's Gospel](/mark/1 "The Gospel of Mark").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Capernaum, a bustling fishing town on the Sea of Galilee, served as Jesus' adopted home base during His Galilean ministry, making its synagogue a significant location for His early teachings and miracles. Synagogues in first-century Judaism were not only places of worship and Torah instruction but also central community hubs where local affairs were discussed and disputes settled. The presence of a man with an "unclean spirit" within such a sacred space would have been deeply unsettling, as Jewish thought understood such spirits as agents of defilement and opposition to God. While exorcism practices existed in the ancient world, they were often ritualistic, lengthy, and of questionable efficacy. The immediate and visceral reaction of the spirit to Jesus, without any ritual or prolonged struggle, would have profoundly shocked and impressed those present, distinguishing Jesus' power from any known contemporary practice. This event challenged the conventional understanding of spiritual reality and the perceived sanctity of religious spaces.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 1:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus' Authority**, which is powerfully demonstrated not only through His teaching but, more dramatically, through His immediate and unchallenged power over demonic forces. This authority is divine and inherent, contrasting sharply with the derivative authority of the scribes ([Mark 1:22](/mark/1-22 "Mark 1:22 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching")). Secondly, the passage vividly portrays the reality of **Spiritual Conflict** and **Spiritual Warfare**, establishing that Jesus' ministry is fundamentally a confrontation between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. The "unclean spirit" is a tangible manifestation of this opposition. Thirdly, the spirit's immediate recognition and subsequent cry, though not fully articulated until [Mark 1:24](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - The Unclean Spirit's Confession"), introduces the theme of **Recognition of Christ's Identity**, where even demonic entities inherently perceive Jesus' true nature as the Holy One of God, a recognition that often precedes human understanding in Mark's narrative. This initial encounter foreshadows Jesus' ongoing mission to liberate humanity from the dominion of evil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unclean (Greek, _akáthartos'_):** From the negative particle 'a' and a word meaning 'cleansed,' this term signifies impurity in various forms: ceremonially defiled, morally corrupt (lewd), or specifically, demonic. In this context, it points to a spirit that is inherently defiled and defiling, separated from God's holiness, and an agent of evil. It is not merely a physical ailment but a spiritual affliction.
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** This word denotes a current of air, breath, or breeze, but in a theological context, it refers to a spirit, whether human (the rational soul, vital principle), superhuman (an angel, demon), or divine (God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit). Here, it specifically refers to a malevolent, non-physical entity, a demon, that has taken possession of a human being.
* **cried out (Greek, _anakrázō'_):** Derived from 'ana' (up) and 'krazō' (to scream), this verb means "to scream up" or "to cry aloud suddenly." It conveys a sharp, involuntary, and often distressed shriek or shout. In this context, it indicates a compelled, visceral reaction of fear, pain, or protest from the demon upon encountering the overwhelming holiness and authority of Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was in their synagogue a man":** This clause sets the scene for the dramatic encounter. The synagogue, a place of worship and instruction, emphasizes the unexpected and intrusive nature of the spiritual evil. The "man" is an ordinary individual, highlighting that demonic influence can affect anyone, even within a religious setting, and that Jesus' ministry directly addresses human suffering caused by such forces.
* **"with an unclean spirit;":** This phrase identifies the specific nature of the man's affliction. It is not a physical illness but a spiritual possession by a malevolent entity. The term "unclean" (akáthartos) immediately signals the spirit's defiling and unholy nature, contrasting sharply with the sacred space and the holy presence of Jesus. This establishes the spiritual battleground.
* **"and he cried out,":** This final clause describes the immediate and involuntary reaction of the unclean spirit to Jesus' presence. The "cry" (anakrázō) is not a polite greeting but a sudden, loud shriek, indicative of distress, fear, and a forced recognition of Jesus' overwhelming authority. It signifies the demon's discomfort and agitation in the face of divine power, even before Jesus speaks a word.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs several potent literary devices in this verse to heighten its impact. The immediate **Juxtaposition** of Jesus' authoritative teaching (Mark 1:22) with the sudden manifestation of an unclean spirit in the sacred space of the synagogue creates a powerful dramatic effect, underscoring the direct conflict between divine authority and spiritual darkness. The demon's involuntary "cried out" serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the spirit's forced recognition of Jesus' identity in the subsequent verse ([Mark 1:24](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - The Unclean Spirit's Confession")) and establishing a pattern where demons often recognize Jesus before humans do. This also introduces **Dramatic Irony**, as the spiritual forces, though evil, possess a clearer understanding of Jesus' true nature than many of the human observers or even His own disciples initially. The "unclean spirit" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing the pervasive spiritual darkness and opposition that Jesus came to confront and conquer, making this initial encounter a microcosm of His entire redemptive mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:23 profoundly establishes Jesus' divine authority and the reality of spiritual warfare as central to His ministry. This encounter is not merely an isolated miracle but a foundational demonstration that the Kingdom of God, embodied in Jesus, has decisively invaded the domain of darkness. Jesus' presence alone causes the unclean spirit to react in distress, signifying that His authority is inherent and absolute, not derived or earned. This immediate confrontation underscores the cosmic scope of Jesus' mission: to liberate humanity from the oppressive power of sin and evil, inaugurated by His triumph over spiritual forces. It reveals that the spiritual realm is real, active, and fundamentally opposed to God's will, yet utterly subservient to Christ's power.

* [Luke 4:33-37](/luke/4-33-37 "Luke 4:33-37 - Jesus Casts Out a Demon in Capernaum")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")
* [James 2:19](/james/2-19 "James 2:19 - Even Demons Believe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 1:23 offers profound insights and encouragement for believers today. The immediate and visceral reaction of the unclean spirit to Jesus' presence assures us that Christ's authority over all forms of darkness remains absolute and unchallenged. In a world where spiritual oppression, evil influences, and various forms of bondage manifest, this passage reminds us that no power can ultimately stand against the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This provides immense comfort and hope, empowering us to face our own spiritual battles, anxieties, or societal evils with confidence in His sovereign power. It also calls us to spiritual discernment, recognizing that the battle is not always against flesh and blood, and that evil can manifest in unexpected places, even within contexts that appear religious or respectable. Ultimately, this verse invites us to trust in Jesus as our liberator, knowing that He continues to offer freedom and transformation to those who are bound, just as He did for the man in the Capernaum synagogue.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' immediate demonstration of authority over evil spirits in Mark 1:23 challenge or affirm your understanding of spiritual reality and Christ's power?**
* **In what ways might "unclean spirits" (whether literal or metaphorical manifestations of evil, sin, or oppressive systems) manifest in our world today, and how can we respond with faith in Christ's authority?**
* **Considering the spirit's involuntary outcry, what does this passage teach us about the inherent nature of evil in the presence of divine holiness, and how might this inform our approach to spiritual warfare in our own lives?**

### FAQ

**What is an "unclean spirit" in the biblical context, and how does it differ from physical illness?**

Answer: In the biblical context, particularly in the Gospels, an "unclean spirit" refers to a malevolent spiritual entity, a demon, that possesses or afflicts a human being. The term "unclean" (Greek: _akáthartos'_) signifies not merely physical dirtiness but a state of ritual, moral, or spiritual defilement, contrasting with God's holiness. These spirits are agents of evil, opposing God's will and often causing physical symptoms (like muteness or convulsions) or mental distress, but they are distinct from natural illnesses. While their presence might manifest physically, their root cause is spiritual, representing a direct assault from the kingdom of darkness. Jesus' encounters with unclean spirits, as seen here in [Mark 1:23](/mark/1-23 "Mark 1:23 - The Unclean Spirit in the Synagogue") and throughout the Gospels, demonstrate His unique authority over these supernatural forces.

**Why did the unclean spirit "cry out" immediately upon Jesus' appearance?**

Answer: The unclean spirit's immediate and distressed "cry out" (Greek: _anakrázō'_) was a compelled, involuntary reaction of fear and recognition in the presence of overwhelming divine holiness and authority. Demons, unlike many humans, inherently recognize Jesus' true identity as the Son of God, the Holy One. Their outcry is a sign of their torment and distress at encountering the one who has power over them. It's a manifestation of their forced submission and an early, dramatic testimony to Jesus' divine nature, even before He speaks. This reaction underscores that Jesus' authority is not something He earns or performs, but an inherent quality of His being, causing immediate agitation and exposure within the realm of spiritual darkness ([James 2:19](/james/2-19 "James 2:19 - Even Demons Believe and Tremble")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:23, with its dramatic depiction of an unclean spirit crying out in the presence of Jesus, serves as a powerful microcosm of Christ's entire redemptive mission. This initial confrontation in the Capernaum synagogue foreshadows the ultimate victory of the Son of God over all the powers of darkness. Jesus did not merely come to teach or heal; He came to "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Purpose of Christ's Incarnation")). The demon's immediate and involuntary outcry reveals that Jesus is the "stronger man" who has come to bind the "strong man" (Satan) and plunder his house ([Matthew 12:29](/matthew/12-29 "Matthew 12:29 - Binding the Strong Man")). This early display of authority culminates in Christ's triumph on the cross and resurrection, where He "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). Thus, the man in the synagogue finds his freedom in the same Christ who, through His death and resurrection, offers liberation from the dominion of sin, death, and all spiritual bondage to all who believe, ushering in the new creation where evil's power is broken ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - Freedom from Sin")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 9:25

When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, [Thou] dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

Mark 1:34

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

Matthew 12:43

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

Mark 5:2

And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

Luke 4:33

And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

Luke 4:37

And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

Mark 7:25

For a [certain] woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: