Mark 1:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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!"

Berean Standard Bible

“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!”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 1:24 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' early ministry, where an unclean spirit, speaking through a possessed man in the synagogue at Capernaum, immediately recognizes Jesus' divine identity and authority. This dramatic confrontation serves as a powerful public declaration of Jesus' unique status as the "Holy One of God" and His inherent power over the forces of evil, revealing the spiritual realm's acute awareness of His presence and purpose even before many humans grasped it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the opening chapter of Mark's Gospel, which rapidly introduces Jesus' ministry. It immediately follows Jesus' authoritative teaching in the synagogue, where the people were "astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes" ([Mark 1:22](/mark/1-22 "Mark 1:22 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching")). The sudden outburst from the demon-possessed man directly interrupts the worship service, highlighting the disruptive nature of evil in the presence of divine holiness. This exorcism is the first public demonstration of Jesus' power over evil spirits in Mark, serving as a concrete manifestation of the authority He had just displayed in His teaching. It sets the stage for a series of healing and exorcism accounts that underscore Jesus' dominion over sickness and spiritual oppression throughout [Mark's Gospel](/mark/1 "Mark Chapter 1 - The Beginning of the Gospel").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly in Galilee, was deeply immersed in a worldview that acknowledged the reality of spiritual forces, both good and evil. Demonic possession was a recognized phenomenon, often associated with physical ailments or mental distress, and exorcism was practiced by various individuals, though often through ritualistic means or incantations. Capernaum, a bustling fishing town on the Sea of Galilee, was a significant center for Jesus' early ministry, serving as His "home base" ([Mark 2:1](/mark/2-1 "Mark 2:1 - Jesus Returns to Capernaum")). Synagogues were not merely places of worship but also community centers where teaching, discussion, and healing sometimes occurred. The Sabbath, the day this event takes place, was a sacred day of rest and worship, making the demon's public disruption even more shocking and the display of Jesus' power more profound against the backdrop of religious observance.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 1:24 powerfully contributes to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it immediately establishes **Jesus' Authority** not only over human teaching but also over the supernatural realm. His command is effective, demonstrating a power far beyond that of any scribe or traditional exorcist. Secondly, the passage highlights the theme of **Jesus' Identity**. While humans are still grappling with who Jesus is, the unclean spirit unequivocally declares Him to be "the Holy One of God," a title that points to His unique divine nature and special relationship with the Father. This supernatural recognition foreshadows the "Messianic Secret" theme in Mark, where Jesus often silences demons and even disciples from proclaiming His full identity prematurely ([Mark 1:34](/mark/1-34 "Mark 1:34 - Jesus Heals Many and Casts Out Demons") and [Mark 3:11-12](/mark/3-11-12 "Mark 3:11-12 - Unclean Spirits Recognize Jesus")). Finally, the verse clearly introduces the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, portraying the direct conflict between the kingdom of God, embodied in Jesus, and the kingdom of darkness. The demon's fear of destruction reveals its awareness of Jesus' ultimate purpose to dismantle the works of the devil ([1_john/3-8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **alone (Greek, _éa'_):** This word, an apparent imperative of `eáō`, functions as an interjection expressing alarm, protest, or indignation, akin to "Aha!" or "Let it be!" In this context, it conveys the demon's immediate, startled reaction to Jesus' presence, a desperate plea for Jesus to cease His intrusion into their domain and leave them undisturbed. It signifies a recognition of Jesus' power and an immediate, visceral recoil from His holiness.
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to see," this word, when used in the perfect tense as it is here, carries the implication of "to know" or "to be aware." The demon's declaration, "I know thee," is not mere intellectual assent but a profound, experiential recognition of Jesus' true nature, a supernatural insight into His identity that transcends human understanding. It implies an awareness of Jesus' divine origin and purpose.
* **Holy One (Greek, _hágios'_):** This term, meaning "sacred," "pure," or "consecrated," describes Jesus' unique and inherent holiness, setting Him apart from all creation and especially from the realm of evil. When combined with "of God," it signifies Jesus' divine purity, His special relationship with God, and His consecration for a divine mission. It is a title of profound theological weight, recognizing Jesus' unblemished nature and His unique status as God's chosen and consecrated agent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying, Let [us] alone;":** The unclean spirit, speaking through the possessed man, immediately reacts with a desperate, almost panicked exclamation. This is not a request but a demand, revealing its profound discomfort and fear in the presence of Jesus. It signifies the demon's recognition of Jesus' inherent power and the threat He poses to its dominion.
* **"what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth?":** This rhetorical question expresses antagonism and a desire for separation. It's a common idiom indicating a lack of common ground or a hostile disengagement. The demon acknowledges Jesus by His earthly name and origin, "Jesus of Nazareth," yet simultaneously challenges His presence, implying that Jesus' arrival disrupts their established order.
* **"art thou come to destroy us?":** This question reveals the demon's acute awareness of Jesus' ultimate mission and its own impending doom. It recognizes Jesus as an existential threat, implying that His purpose is to dismantle the power and influence of evil spirits. This highlights the eschatological dimension of Jesus' ministry, bringing about the defeat of Satan and his forces.
* **"I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.":** Despite its hostility, the demon is compelled to confess Jesus' true identity. This is a profound, supernatural declaration, contrasting sharply with the human confusion surrounding Jesus' identity at this early stage. The title "Holy One of God" signifies Jesus' unique purity, divine nature, and special relationship with the Father, affirming His divine authority and sacred mission.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 1:24 employs several significant literary devices. The **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the unclean spirit, an agent of darkness, declares Jesus' true identity as the "Holy One of God" before many human characters fully grasp it. This creates a powerful contrast between spiritual awareness and human ignorance. The demon's outburst serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the ongoing spiritual conflict that will characterize Jesus' ministry and ultimately culminate in His victory over evil. The repeated use of direct address and questions ("what have we to do with thee?", "art thou come to destroy us?") creates a sense of **Dialogue** and immediate confrontation, drawing the reader into the intensity of the scene. Furthermore, the demon's compelled confession of Jesus' divine title functions as an **Epiphany**, a sudden manifestation of Jesus' true nature, even if it comes from an unexpected and unwilling source.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:24 profoundly underscores Jesus' inherent authority and divine identity, revealing that even the forces of darkness are compelled to acknowledge His unique status. The demon's immediate recognition of Jesus as the "Holy One of God" serves as a powerful, albeit unwilling, testimony to His divine nature and His mission to confront and overcome evil. This encounter sets a precedent for Jesus' ministry, demonstrating that His authority extends beyond mere teaching to absolute dominion over spiritual powers, affirming His role as the sovereign Lord who has come to reclaim creation from the grip of sin and darkness. It reminds us that spiritual realities are profound and that Jesus' presence fundamentally challenges the domain of evil.

* [Mark 3:11](/mark/3-11 "Mark 3:11 - Unclean Spirits Recognize Jesus as Son of God")
* [Luke 4:34](/luke/4-34 "Luke 4:34 - Demon's Recognition in Synagogue")
* [Acts 19:15](/acts/19-15 "Acts 19:15 - The Evil Spirit's Recognition of Jesus and Paul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The confrontation in Mark 1:24 offers profound reassurance and practical insight for believers today. It vividly reminds us that Jesus possesses ultimate and unchallenged authority over all spiritual forces, including those that seek to oppress, deceive, or harm. The demon's panicked cry and compelled confession demonstrate that no power, visible or invisible, can stand against the presence and command of Christ. This truth should instill courage and confidence in believers, knowing that we serve a God who is sovereign over all spiritual realms. While spiritual warfare is a reality, this passage assures us that the victory has already been secured through Christ. Our role is to stand firm in His authority, recognizing that the very forces of evil acknowledge His Lordship. This foundational understanding empowers us to live without fear, trusting in Jesus' protective power and His ultimate triumph over all darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the demon's immediate recognition of Jesus' identity challenge or affirm your own understanding of who Jesus is?**
* **What comfort or challenge do you draw from the fact that Jesus possesses ultimate authority over all spiritual forces?**
* **In what ways might we, like the demon, need to more fully acknowledge Jesus' "Holy One of God" status in our lives and actions?**

### FAQ
**Why did the demon recognize Jesus when many people did not?**
Answer: The Scriptures often portray spiritual beings, both angelic and demonic, as having a heightened awareness of spiritual realities and divine identity compared to humans. Unlike humans, who often rely on physical sight and intellectual reasoning, demons operate in the spiritual realm and have direct knowledge of God's power and presence. The unclean spirit in [Mark 1:24](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - The Unclean Spirit's Confession") immediately recognized Jesus' divine nature and authority because it was a spiritual being confronting the very source of holiness and power that threatened its existence. This supernatural recognition serves to underscore Jesus' true identity for the human audience, even if they initially struggled to comprehend it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:24, with the demon's unwilling confession of Jesus as "the Holy One of God" and its fearful question, "art thou come to destroy us?", powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. This early confrontation demonstrates that Jesus' very presence inaugurated the decisive battle against the kingdom of darkness. The demon's recognition of Jesus' holiness and its fear of destruction point directly to the cross and resurrection, where Jesus, the truly "Holy One," would decisively defeat sin, death, and the devil. The author of Hebrews declares that Jesus "shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus' Death Destroys the Devil's Power")). The demon's question, "art thou come to destroy us?", finds its ultimate answer in Christ's atoning work, which disarmed the powers and authorities of darkness, making a public spectacle of them by triumphing over them at the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, the demon's forced confession in Capernaum serves as an early, prophetic glimpse into the cosmic victory of Christ, who, as the Holy One of God, came not merely to teach or heal, but to utterly destroy the works of the devil and establish His eternal kingdom ([1_john/3-8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")).

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

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.