Mark 1:25

KJV

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} rebuked {G2008} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Hold thy peace {G5392}, and {G2532} come {G1831} out of {G1537} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Yeshua rebuked the unclean spirit, "Be quiet and come out of him!"

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus rebuked the spirit. “Be silent!” He said. “Come out of him!”

American Standard Version

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 1:25 vividly portrays Jesus' profound and immediate authority over spiritual forces, marking a pivotal moment in His early ministry in Capernaum. Following an unclean spirit's unsolicited recognition of His divine identity, Jesus silences the demon with a sharp, authoritative command, compelling it to exit the possessed man. This concise yet powerful encounter underscores Jesus' supremacy over the realm of darkness, His control over the timing and revelation of His messianic identity, and the liberation He brings to those under spiritual oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum, where His authority astonished the crowds, distinguishing Him from the scribes ([Mark 1:22](/mark/1-22 "Mark 1:22 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching")). The unclean spirit's outburst in [Mark 1:23-24](/mark/1-23-24 "Mark 1:23-24 - The Unclean Spirit's Recognition") serves as a dramatic interruption, highlighting the spiritual realm's immediate recognition of Jesus' true identity as "the Holy One of God." Jesus' response in [Mark 1:25](/mark/1-25 "Mark 1:25 - Jesus Rebukes the Demon") is a direct, forceful rebuttal to this premature and unwelcome revelation, leading to the demon's expulsion and the people's further amazement at His unprecedented power ([Mark 1:26-27](/mark/1-26-27 "Mark 1:26-27 - The People's Amazement")). This sequence establishes Jesus' authority not just in teaching, but also in action, setting the stage for His subsequent miracles and ministry throughout Galilee.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly in Galilee, was deeply immersed in a worldview that acknowledged the pervasive influence of spiritual forces, both good and evil. Demonic possession was understood as a real and terrifying affliction, often manifesting in physical and mental distress. Exorcism was practiced by some, but often involved elaborate rituals, incantations, or reliance on external power. Jesus' method, however, was strikingly different: a simple, direct, and authoritative command, demonstrating an inherent power that transcended conventional practices. Capernaum, a bustling fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, served as Jesus' primary base of operations in Galilee, making this public demonstration of authority in its synagogue particularly significant for establishing His reputation and challenging existing religious paradigms.
* **Key Themes:** This passage significantly contributes to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. Foremost is **Jesus' Divine Authority**, which is powerfully demonstrated not only in His teaching but also in His direct and effortless subjugation of spiritual entities. This authority sets Him apart from all other religious figures and healers of His time, signaling His unique relationship with God. Another crucial theme is the **Messianic Secret**, a recurring motif in Mark where Jesus frequently silences those who recognize His divine identity, including demons and disciples ([Mark 8:30](/mark/8-30 "Mark 8:30 - Peter's Confession and Jesus' Command")). This silencing is often interpreted as Jesus' desire to prevent misunderstanding of His messianic role, particularly to avoid a political or nationalistic interpretation that would overshadow His true mission as a suffering servant who must die and rise again ([Mark 8:31-33](/mark/8-31-33 "Mark 8:31-33 - Jesus Predicts His Death")). Finally, the encounter highlights the **Confrontation with Evil**, showcasing Jesus' active engagement in spiritual warfare and His ultimate purpose to liberate humanity from the dominion of sin and spiritual darkness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rebuked (Greek, _epitimáō'_):** From G2008, this word means "to tax upon, i.e. censure or admonish; by implication, forbid." It conveys a strong, authoritative, and often stern command to silence or restrain. It is not merely a verbal correction but an exercise of power to impose control, as seen when Jesus rebukes the wind and sea ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). Here, it signifies Jesus' absolute dominion over the demon.
* **Hold thy peace (Greek, _phimóō'_):** From G5392, this term literally means "to muzzle." It emphasizes the absolute nature of Jesus' command, demanding complete silence and cessation of activity from the demon. It is a forceful and immediate silencing, leaving no room for argument or further proclamation.
* **come out of (Greek, _exérchomai ek'_):** From G1831 and G1537, this phrase means "to issue forth from" or "to go out from." The combination of _exérchomai_ (to come/go out) with the preposition _ek_ (from, out of) stresses the complete and definitive expulsion of the demon from the man, signifying a total liberation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus rebuked him,"**: This opening clause establishes Jesus as the active agent and initiator of the confrontation. The word "rebuked" (Greek: _epitimáō_) signifies a forceful, authoritative command, not a mere suggestion or request. It highlights Jesus' inherent power and control over the spiritual realm, immediately asserting His dominance over the unclean spirit.
* **"saying, 'Hold thy peace,'"**: This is the first part of Jesus' direct command to the demon. "Hold thy peace" (Greek: _phimóō_) literally means "be muzzled" or "be silenced." It underscores Jesus' desire to control the narrative and timing of His messianic revelation, preventing the demon from proclaiming His identity. This command is an absolute order, demonstrating Jesus' power to enforce silence upon a spiritual being.
* **"and come out of him.'"**: This is the second, equally authoritative command. "Come out of him" (Greek: _exérchomai ek autou_) is a direct expulsion order, demanding the demon's immediate and complete departure from the possessed man. This command reveals Jesus' mission to liberate individuals from the oppressive power of evil, not through elaborate rituals, but through His inherent divine authority.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Direct Address** is prominent as Jesus speaks directly to the unclean spirit, highlighting the personal and confrontational nature of the encounter. The use of **Imperative Verbs** ("Hold thy peace," "come out") underscores Jesus' absolute **Authority**; these are not pleas but commands that demand immediate obedience. The **Dramatic Irony** is also at play, as the demon, an agent of darkness, recognizes Jesus' divine identity ("Holy One of God" in [Mark 1:24](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - The Unclean Spirit's Recognition")) before many of Jesus' human followers fully grasp it. This recognition, however, is immediately silenced, introducing the theme of the **Messianic Secret**, where Jesus strategically controls the revelation of His identity to prevent misunderstanding of His mission. The scene also serves as a **Foreshadowing** of Jesus' ultimate victory over all forces of evil and death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:25 profoundly reveals Jesus' unique and unparalleled authority, not only over physical ailments and natural elements but, most significantly, over the spiritual realm. This immediate and effortless subjugation of an unclean spirit establishes Jesus as the sovereign Lord, whose power far exceeds any human or demonic force. His command to "hold thy peace" also introduces the "Messianic Secret" motif, indicating that Jesus controls the timing and manner of His identity's revelation, often to prevent a premature or politically charged understanding of His messiahship. This encounter serves as a foundational declaration that the Kingdom of God, embodied in Jesus, has invaded the domain of darkness, bringing liberation and challenging the very foundations of evil's dominion.

* [Luke 4:35](/luke/4-35 "Luke 4:35 - Jesus Rebukes a Demon in Capernaum")
* [Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus Heals Many and Casts Out Demons")
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 1:25 provides a powerful reminder of Jesus' enduring authority over all spiritual forces, offering profound comfort and assurance to believers today. In a world where spiritual oppression, fear, and unseen battles are very real, this verse declares that Jesus remains sovereign. We are reminded that the same power that silenced and expelled the demon in Capernaum is at work in and through Christ's church, offering liberation and victory. This passage calls us to trust in Christ's ultimate triumph over evil, to recognize that His authority extends to every sphere of life, and to live in the freedom He has secured. It also challenges us to discern the voices we listen to, understanding that even truth can be spoken with malicious intent if it seeks to undermine God's purposes or distort Christ's identity. Our freedom is found not in our own strength, but in the liberating power of the One who commands even the forces of darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' immediate and authoritative command to the demon in Mark 1:25 challenge my understanding of His power and sovereignty?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust more fully in Jesus' authority to bring liberation or silence the voices of fear and doubt?**
* **How does the concept of the "Messianic Secret" in this passage inform my understanding of how God reveals Himself and His plans?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus tell the demon to "Hold thy peace" if it was speaking the truth about Him?**

Answer: Jesus commanded the demon to "Hold thy peace" (literally, "be muzzled!") for several crucial reasons, primarily related to the "Messianic Secret" in Mark's Gospel. While the demon's statement ("Holy One of God") was factually true, Jesus did not want His identity proclaimed by an unclean spirit. Such a proclamation could have been misunderstood by the crowds, leading to a premature or politically charged perception of His messiahship, rather than the true understanding of Him as the suffering servant who would die and rise again ([Mark 8:31-33](/mark/8-31-33 "Mark 8:31-33 - Jesus Predicts His Suffering")). Jesus desired people to come to faith through His teaching and miracles, not through the testimony of demons, which could also taint the message or suggest a partnership with evil. His silencing of the demon demonstrated His complete authority over the forces of darkness, even over their speech.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:25 is a profound Christ-centered moment, showcasing Jesus as the ultimate deliverer and the triumphant King. His authoritative command, "Hold thy peace, and come out of him," is not merely an act of exorcism but a powerful demonstration of His inherent divine nature and His mission to dismantle the kingdom of darkness. This event foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over sin, death, and all spiritual principalities and powers, as promised in the New Testament. The authority displayed here finds its full expression in His atoning work on the cross, where He disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The liberation of the man from the unclean spirit points to the greater spiritual liberation that Jesus offers to all who believe, setting them free from the dominion of sin and darkness and transferring them into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption and Forgiveness")). This early miracle in Mark thus serves as a powerful declaration that the Son of God has come to destroy 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")), establishing His reign of righteousness and peace.

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 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.

Acts 16:17

The 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.

Luke 4:41

And 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.

Mark 3:11

And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

Mark 3:12

And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.

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.

Luke 4:35

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.