Mark 5:1

KJV

¶ And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they came over {G2064} unto {G1519} the other side {G4008} of the sea {G2281}, into {G1519} the country {G5561} of the Gadarenes {G1046}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua and his talmidim arrived at the other side of the lake, in the Gerasenes' territory.

Berean Standard Bible

On the other side of the sea, they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes.

American Standard Version

And they came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:1 serves as a pivotal geographical and thematic transition in Jesus' ministry, immediately following His demonstration of authority over nature by calming the storm. This verse describes Jesus and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee from the Jewish region of Galilee to the eastern, predominantly Gentile territory known as the country of the Gadarenes. This deliberate journey signifies the expansive and inclusive nature of Jesus' mission, setting the stage for a powerful encounter that transcends conventional boundaries and highlights His authority over spiritual forces in a non-Jewish context.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse directly follows the dramatic account of Jesus calming a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee in [Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35-41 "Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm"), where He powerfully demonstrates His divine authority over creation. The disciples' fear and question, "What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" ([Mark 4:41](/mark/4-41 "Mark 4:41 - The Disciples' Awe")), sets the stage for the next display of His authority, this time over demonic powers in a new, unexpected location. The transition across the sea is not merely travel but a purposeful movement into a new sphere of ministry, emphasizing Jesus' active pursuit of those in need, regardless of their background or location.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "country of the Gadarenes" refers to the region associated with Gadara, a prominent Hellenistic city and a member of the Decapolis, a league of ten Greek-influenced cities located primarily east of the Jordan River. This area was distinctly Gentile, in contrast to the Jewish Galilee from which Jesus had just sailed. The presence of swine (implied by the later narrative in [Mark 5:11](/mark/5-11 "Mark 5:11 - Herd of Pigs")) further confirms its non-Jewish character, as pigs were unclean animals for Jews. This journey into Gentile territory underscores Jesus' willingness to cross cultural and religious boundaries, challenging the prevailing Jewish exclusivism of the time and foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 5:1 introduces several significant themes that resonate throughout the Gospel and beyond. Firstly, it highlights the **universal scope of Jesus' ministry**, demonstrating His mission extends beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles, a theme powerfully developed in the New Testament, as seen in passages like [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, it emphasizes **divine initiative and purpose in Jesus' journey**; this is not a random crossing but a deliberate movement guided by God's sovereign plan to bring liberation to a specific individual and region. Thirdly, it sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation with **spiritual darkness in new territories**, showcasing Jesus' supreme authority over demonic forces, even in areas considered outside traditional Jewish influence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came over (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This verb signifies a purposeful movement or arrival. In this context, it highlights the deliberate action of Jesus and His disciples to cross the sea, not merely drifting but actively setting a course for a specific destination. It implies an intentional shift in their ministry's geographical focus.
* **other side (Greek, _péran'_):** This term literally means "across" or "beyond." Its use here emphasizes the act of crossing a significant boundary – the Sea of Galilee – which served as a natural divide between Jewish Galilee and the Gentile Decapolis region. This crossing is not just physical but symbolic, representing a move into new cultural and spiritual territory.
* **Gadarenes (Greek, _Gadarēnós'_):** Derived from Gadara, a major city of the Decapolis, this term identifies the specific Gentile region Jesus entered. The name signals a shift from the familiar Jewish context to a foreign, Hellenistic environment, immediately informing the reader of the non-Jewish setting for the events that follow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And they came over unto the other side of the sea,"**: This phrase describes the completion of the journey initiated in [Mark 4:35](/mark/4-35 "Mark 4:35 - Jesus Suggests Crossing the Sea"). The "they" refers to Jesus and His disciples. The act of "coming over" signifies the successful navigation of the stormy waters, reinforcing Jesus' authority over nature. The "other side of the sea" is crucial, indicating a deliberate departure from the more familiar, Jewish-populated western shore of Galilee.
* **"into the country of the Gadarenes."**: This specifies the destination, a region known for its Gentile population and Hellenistic culture. This detail is highly significant, as it immediately alerts the reader to the shift in the target audience for Jesus' ministry. It sets the stage for an encounter that will demonstrate Jesus' power and compassion extending beyond the boundaries of Israel, into a territory considered "unclean" by Jewish standards.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 5:1 employs several key literary devices. **Transition** is the most prominent, marking a clear shift in geographical setting and, by extension, the scope of Jesus' ministry. The simple act of crossing the sea serves as a narrative bridge from the demonstration of power over nature to the confrontation with spiritual darkness in a new, Gentile context. This transition also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the universal reach of the Gospel message that will ultimately extend to all nations. The "country of the Gadarenes" itself carries **Geographical Symbolism**, representing the "otherness" and the non-Jewish world that Jesus intentionally enters, signifying His mission to break down barriers and bring salvation to all people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:1 powerfully underscores the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' deliberate crossing into Gentile territory reveals a divine heart that is not limited by human-made boundaries of ethnicity, culture, or religious affiliation. This act prefigures the universal call of the Gospel, demonstrating that God's love and saving power are available to all who believe, regardless of their background. It challenges the narrow, ethnocentric views prevalent in Jesus' day and lays the groundwork for the global mission of the church. Jesus' willingness to enter a "foreign" land to deliver one man reveals the profound value God places on every individual soul, no matter how marginalized or demonized.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles")
* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 5:1 invites us to consider the boundaries we might inadvertently erect in our own lives and ministries. Just as Jesus intentionally crossed the sea into a culturally and religiously distinct region, we are called to step out of our comfort zones and familiar environments to reach those who are different from us, those on the "other side" of our perceived divides. This verse challenges us to expand our understanding of God's love and mission, recognizing that His compassion extends to all people, regardless of their background, beliefs, or social standing. It encourages us to be instruments of His inclusive grace, actively seeking out opportunities to share the hope of the Gospel in unexpected places and to unexpected people, remembering that every journey, whether physical or spiritual, can be part of God's sovereign plan to bring light into new territories and lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "seas" or boundaries (cultural, social, economic, or personal) might God be calling me to cross in my own life or ministry to reach others?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to enter Gentile territory challenge my own preconceived notions about who is worthy or deserving of God's grace?**
* **In what ways can I intentionally extend compassion and the message of hope to those who are different from me or are outside my usual sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**Why do other Gospels mention "Gergesenes" or "Gerasenes" instead of "Gadarenes"?**

Answer: The apparent discrepancy among the Gospels (Matthew 8:28 uses "Gergesenes," Luke 8:26 uses "Gerasenes," and Mark 5:1 uses "Gadarenes") can be understood by recognizing the geographical realities of the region. Gadara was a prominent city of the Decapolis, and its "country" or territory (Greek: *chora*) would have encompassed a broad area, including smaller towns like Gergesa (modern Kursi) and Gerasa (modern Jerash). While Gerasa was further inland, Gergesa was directly on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It's likely that "Gadarenes" is used in Mark as a general term for the larger region under Gadara's influence, while Matthew and Luke may refer to more specific localities within that broader territory where the miracle actually occurred. All accounts agree on the essential point: Jesus crossed into a Gentile region on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee to perform a significant miracle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:1, with its depiction of Jesus crossing the Sea of Galilee into Gentile territory, powerfully foreshadows the universal scope of His redemptive work and the ultimate reach of the Gospel. Jesus, the Son of God, intentionally steps beyond the familiar confines of Jewish Galilee to minister to those considered "outsiders." This act is a microcosm of His entire mission: to break down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, making peace through His cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the one who reconciles all things to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). His journey to the Gadarenes prefigures the Great Commission, where His followers are commanded to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), and the vision of a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Thus, Mark 5:1 is not just a geographical detail but a profound Christological statement about the boundless nature of God's love and the inclusive salvation offered through Jesus, the Messiah for all humanity.

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

Luke 8:26

And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

Luke 8:39

Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

Matthew 8:28

¶ And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

Matthew 8:34

And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought [him] that he would depart out of their coasts.

Mark 4:35

¶ And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.