Mark 1:24

Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

Saying {G3004}, Let us alone {G1436}; what {G5101} have we {G2254} to do {G2532} with thee {G4671}, thou Jesus {G2424} of Nazareth {G3479}? art thou come {G2064} to destroy {G622} us {G2248}? I know {G1492} thee {G4571} who {G5101} thou art {G1488}, the Holy One {G40} of God {G2316}.

"What do you want with us, Yeshua from Natzeret? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are -- the Holy One of God!"

“What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus thou Nazarene? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

Mark 1:24 records the dramatic confrontation between Jesus and an unclean spirit in the synagogue at Capernaum. This event immediately follows Jesus' initial teachings, where the people were astonished by His authority (Mark 1:22). The demon, speaking through the possessed man, immediately recognizes Jesus, highlighting His unique identity and power.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' very first public exorcism recorded in Mark's Gospel. Jesus had just begun His ministry, calling His first disciples and entering the synagogue in Capernaum on the Sabbath. His teaching style was notably different from the scribes, carrying an inherent authority that captivated His audience. The sudden outburst from the demon-possessed man disrupts the service but serves to powerfully demonstrate Jesus' divine power over evil forces. The demon's immediate recognition of Jesus underscores the spiritual reality of His presence.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Authority Over Evil: The demon's panicked cry, "Let us alone; what have we to do with thee?", immediately acknowledges Jesus' superior power and the threat He poses to their domain. This demonstrates that Jesus' authority extended not only to teaching but also to controlling supernatural entities.
  • Supernatural Recognition of Jesus' Identity: While many people were still questioning who Jesus was, the unclean spirit unequivocally declares, "I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God." This title signifies Jesus' unique purity, divine nature, and special relationship with God, distinguishing Him from all creation and specifically from the realm of evil. Evil spirits often recognized Jesus' divine identity before many humans did, as seen in other passages like Mark 3:11.
  • Spiritual Warfare: This encounter vividly portrays the ongoing conflict between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness. The demon's question, "art thou come to destroy us?", reveals its fear of Jesus' ultimate purpose to defeat evil and reclaim what has been lost.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Let [us] alone" or "What have we to do with thee?" translates the Greek word Ea (ἔα), which is an exclamation of protest, alarm, or indignation, akin to "Leave us alone!" or "Stop it!" It conveys the demon's immediate reaction of being confronted by an unbearable presence. The title "Holy One of God" (Greek: ho hagios tou theou) is profound. It's a clear confession of Jesus' divine purity and unique relationship with God, a title that stands in stark contrast to the "unclean spirit" from which it emanates. This title connects Jesus to Old Testament concepts of holiness and separation unto God, emphasizing His divine mission and authority.

Practical Application

This passage offers profound reassurance and insight for believers today:

  • Jesus' Unchallengeable Authority: We are reminded that Jesus possesses ultimate authority over all spiritual forces, including those that seek to harm or mislead. There is no power, visible or invisible, that can stand against Him.
  • The Reality of Spiritual Evil: The Bible consistently affirms the existence of spiritual forces of evil. However, this verse provides comfort that these forces are not sovereign; they are subject to Christ's command.
  • Knowing Who Jesus Is: Just as the demon recognized Jesus' true identity, it is crucial for us to truly know and acknowledge Jesus as the "Holy One of God," our Lord and Savior. This knowledge is foundational to our faith and our ability to stand firm in spiritual challenges, understanding that we are called to put on the full armor of God to resist the enemy's schemes.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 8:29

    And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

  • Luke 4:34

    Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, [thou] Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

  • James 2:19

    Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

  • Acts 3:14

    But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

  • Revelation 3:7

    And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

  • Luke 8:28

    When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, [thou] Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

  • Acts 2:27

    Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back