Mark 5:10

KJV

And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he besought {G3870} him {G846} much {G4183} that {G3363} he would {G649} not {G3363} send {G649} them {G846} away {G649} out of {G1854} the country {G5561}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and he kept begging Yeshua not to send them out of that region.

Berean Standard Bible

And he begged Jesus repeatedly not to send them out of that region.

American Standard Version

And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:10 captures the desperate plea of a legion of demons, speaking through a man they possessed, to Jesus Christ. Recognizing His divine authority and fearing immediate judgment, these malevolent spirits implore Jesus not to expel them from the specific geographical region of the Gerasenes. This pivotal moment underscores Jesus' absolute sovereignty over all spiritual forces and reveals the strategic, territorial inclinations of demonic entities, setting the stage for their subsequent request to enter a herd of pigs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of Jesus' encounter with the Gerasene demoniac, immediately following the demons' chilling self-identification as "Legion, for we are many" ([Mark 5:9](/mark/5-9 "Mark 5:9 - The Demons Identify Themselves as Legion")). The preceding verses vividly describe the man's horrific condition—uncontrollable, living among tombs, and prone to self-harm—highlighting the immense power and destructive nature of the demonic oppression ([Mark 5:1-5](/mark/5-1-5 "Mark 5:1-5 - The Gerasene Demoniac's Condition")). The demons, despite their multitude, acknowledge Jesus' supreme power, addressing Him as "Jesus, Son of the Most High God" ([Mark 5:7](/mark/5-7 "Mark 5:7 - Demons Recognize Jesus' Authority")), a recognition that sets the stage for their urgent supplication in verse 10. This plea then directly leads to their request to be sent into the herd of pigs, which Jesus permits, culminating in the pigs' destruction and the man's deliverance ([Mark 5:11-13](/mark/5-11-13 "Mark 5:11-13 - Demons Enter the Swine")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place in the "country of the Gerasenes" ([Mark 5:1](/mark/5-1 "Mark 5:1 - Jesus Arrives in the Country of the Gerasenes")), a Gentile region on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. This setting is significant because it demonstrates Jesus' authority extending beyond Jewish territories, indicating His universal mission. The presence of a large herd of pigs (Mark 5:11), animals considered unclean by Jewish law, further confirms the Gentile context. In the ancient world, it was common to believe in the existence of spirits, both benevolent and malevolent, and their ability to possess individuals. However, the sheer number of demons (a "legion" typically referred to 6,000 Roman soldiers) and their profound fear of Jesus would have been utterly shocking and unprecedented to the contemporary audience, emphasizing Jesus' unique and unparalleled authority over the spiritual realm. The concept of spirits being "sent away" or confined to certain places, like the "abyss" mentioned in the parallel account in [Luke 8:31](/luke/8-31 "Luke 8:31 - Demons Fear the Abyss"), was also part of the prevailing worldview regarding the fate of evil spirits.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 5:10 profoundly contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus' Unquestionable Authority** over all creation, including the most formidable spiritual forces. The demons' desperate plea and their immediate submission highlight that even a "legion" is utterly subject to His command, reinforcing the [sovereignty of Christ over unclean spirits](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits"). Another prominent theme is **Demonic Fear and Desperation** in the face of divine power. Their urgent request not to be "sent away out of the country" suggests a profound dread of being dislodged from their sphere of influence or confined to a more restrictive place of torment, possibly the "abyss" as noted in [Luke 8:31](/luke/8-31 "Luke 8:31 - Demons' Fear of the Abyss"). This reveals a glimpse into the eschatological fate of evil, often linked to concepts like the [binding of Satan in the abyss](/revelation/20-3 "Revelation 20:3 - Satan Bound in the Abyss"). Finally, the verse touches upon the **Territoriality of Evil**, as the demons express a clear preference to remain within a specific "country" or region, hinting at the organized and strategic nature of spiritual wickedness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **besought (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** This verb, G3870, means "to call near," implying an invitation, invocation, or, as here, an imploration, exhortation, or consolation. In this context, it conveys an intense, urgent, and earnest pleading. The demons are not merely asking; they are begging, highlighting their profound desperation and complete subjugation to Jesus' will. It signifies a profound recognition of Jesus' power and their own helplessness before Him.
* **much (Greek, _polýs'_):** As G4183, this adverb signifies "much," "many," or "largely." When combined with "besought," it amplifies the intensity of the demons' plea. It indicates that their supplication was not casual but fervent and persistent, underscoring the depth of their fear and their urgent desire to avoid a particular outcome. The sheer volume of their entreaty matches the "legion" they represent.
* **country (Greek, _chṓra'_):** This feminine noun, G5561, refers to a "room," "space of territory," "region," or "land." The demons' desire not to be sent "out of the country" (Greek: _exō tēs chōras_) emphasizes their attachment to this specific geographical area. It suggests that evil spirits may operate within or prefer certain environments or territories, indicating a strategic aspect to their operations and a fear of being dislodged from their established sphere of influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he besought him much":** This phrase refers to the collective voice of the "Legion" of demons, speaking through the possessed man. The use of "he" (singular) emphasizes that the man is merely a conduit for the multitude of spirits within him. The verb "besought" (_parakaléō_) combined with "much" (_polýs_) powerfully conveys the extreme urgency, desperation, and intensity of the demons' plea. It reveals their profound fear and their full recognition of Jesus' overwhelming authority, compelling them to beg for a concession rather than resist.
* **"that he would not send them away":** This clause reveals the specific content of the demons' desperate request. The verb "send away" (from _apostéllō_, G649) implies a forceful dismissal or expulsion. The demons are terrified of being dislodged from their current state of operation and sent to a place of greater confinement or torment, such as the "abyss" mentioned in the parallel account in [Luke 8:31](/luke/8-31 "Luke 8:31 - Demons' Fear of the Abyss"). This highlights Jesus' absolute power to command and dispatch spiritual entities at will.
* **"out of the country.":** This final phrase specifies the desired location for the demons' continued presence. Their plea to remain "out of the country" (from _exō tēs chōras_) suggests a territorial preference or a strategic reason for wanting to stay within that particular region. It implies that being cast out of this specific area would be a form of judgment or a loss of their sphere of influence, indicating a deeper understanding among demonic entities of their own spiritual geography and limitations.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 5:10 employs several potent literary devices. The most striking is **Personification**, where the collective "Legion" of demons, though unseen spirits, is presented as a singular entity ("he") capable of intense, articulate pleading. This gives a tangible and dramatic quality to the spiritual conflict. The phrase "besought him **much**" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme desperation and earnestness of the demons' supplication, highlighting the overwhelming power of Jesus that could elicit such a fervent response from a multitude of evil spirits. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present: these powerful, destructive entities, who had terrorized the region, are now reduced to begging before the Son of God, demonstrating their utter subjugation. Finally, the demons' fear of being sent "out of the country" could be seen as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at a future, ultimate judgment and confinement for evil spirits, as depicted in various apocalyptic texts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:10 serves as a profound theological statement on the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ over all spiritual powers. The demons' desperate plea is not born of respect, but of terror and an undeniable recognition of His divine authority. This encounter demonstrates that no force, however numerous or malevolent, can withstand the will of God incarnate. It reveals a glimpse into the hierarchy of the spiritual realm, where even "Legion" is ultimately subservient to the Creator. This passage reassures believers that Jesus has already decisively triumphed over the powers of darkness, and His victory is comprehensive, extending even to the territorial claims of evil.

* [Luke 8:31](/luke/8-31 "Luke 8:31 - Demons Fear the Abyss"): In the parallel account, the demons explicitly ask Jesus not to send them into "the abyss," revealing their fear of a specific place of confinement and torment.
* [Matthew 8:28-34](/matthew/8-28-34 "Matthew 8:28-34 - The Gadarene Demoniacs") & [Luke 8:26-39](/luke/8-26-39 "Luke 8:26-39 - The Gerasene Demoniac"): These parallel accounts provide additional details and perspectives on the same event, reinforcing Jesus' supreme authority over demons.
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces"): This verse reminds believers that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms," a reality powerfully illustrated in Mark 5:10.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 5:10 offers profound spiritual nourishment and practical application for believers today. The scene of a "legion" of demons begging for mercy before Jesus should instill in us an unshakeable confidence in His supreme power. If such formidable spiritual adversaries tremble and plead before Him, then those who are united with Christ through faith have absolutely nothing to fear from the forces of darkness. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus has decisively triumphed over every principality and power, disarming them and making a public spectacle of them through His cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). We are called to live not in fear, but in the boldness that comes from knowing our Savior holds all authority. This also underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, not as something to dread, but as a battle already won by our Commander. Our role is to stand firm in the Lord and in the strength of His might ([Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord")), knowing that the same power that cast out Legion dwells within us through the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the demons' desperate plea in Mark 5:10 deepen your understanding of Jesus' ultimate authority and power?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to fear spiritual opposition, and how does this passage encourage you to trust in Jesus' victory?**
* **What does the demons' desire to remain "in the country" teach us about the nature of spiritual warfare and the strategic operations of evil?**

### FAQ
**Why were the demons so afraid of being "sent away out of the country"?**

Answer: The demons' fear of being "sent away out of the country" (Greek: _exō tēs chōras_) likely stemmed from several factors. Firstly, it implies a loss of their current sphere of influence and activity. Demonic entities often seek to establish strongholds in specific regions or among certain populations. Being expelled would mean losing their established territory. Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, it suggests a fear of being sent to a place of greater confinement or judgment. The parallel account in [Luke 8:31](/luke/8-31 "Luke 8:31 - Demons Fear the Abyss") states they begged Jesus "that he would not command them to go out into the abyss." The "abyss" (Greek: _abyssos_) is depicted in other biblical texts as a temporary prison for evil spirits or a place of torment, distinct from their ultimate eternal condemnation ([Revelation 9:1-2](/revelation/9-1-2 "Revelation 9:1-2 - The Abyss Opened") and [Revelation 20:1-3](/revelation/20-1-3 "Revelation 20:1-3 - Satan Bound in the Abyss")). Thus, their plea was a desperate attempt to avoid immediate, severe judgment and to retain some measure of freedom and influence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:10, though a scene of demonic desperation, powerfully points to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the ultimate victor over all spiritual darkness. The demons' recognition of Jesus as the "Son of the Most High God" ([Mark 5:7](/mark/5-7 "Mark 5:7 - Demons Recognize Jesus' Authority")) and their abject pleading underscore that He is the promised Messiah, the one who came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")). His authority to cast them out, even to permit their entry into the swine, demonstrates His complete dominion over every spiritual force, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a King who would crush the head of the serpent ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). This episode foreshadows the cross, where Jesus would ultimately disarm the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The demons' fear of being sent into the "abyss" (as mentioned in [Luke 8:31](/luke/8-31 "Luke 8:31 - Demons Fear the Abyss")) also prefigures Christ's role as the righteous Judge who will ultimately cast all evil, including Satan and his demons, into eternal punishment ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Fire for the Devil and His Angels"); [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire")). Thus, Mark 5:10 is not merely an exorcism story; it is a dramatic revelation of Christ's unparalleled power, His mission to liberate humanity from spiritual bondage, and His ultimate victory over evil, offering profound hope and assurance to all who follow Him.

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 3:22

¶ And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

Mark 5:13

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.