Mark 5:11

KJV

Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} there was {G2258} there {G1563} nigh {G4314} unto the mountains {G3735} a great {G3173} herd {G34} of swine {G5519} feeding {G1006}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now there was a large herd of pigs feeding near the hill,

Berean Standard Bible

There on the nearby hillside a large herd of pigs was feeding.

American Standard Version

Now there was there on the mountain side a great herd of swine feeding.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:11 presents a seemingly minor yet profoundly significant detail: the presence of a large herd of swine feeding near the mountains in the region of the Gerasenes. This verse serves as a critical narrative bridge, setting the immediate stage for one of Jesus' most dramatic displays of power over demonic forces, as the evil spirits expelled from the Gerasene demoniac seek refuge in these very animals. It subtly underscores the Gentile context of the miracle and introduces a key element that will facilitate the subsequent, powerful demonstration of Christ's authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the larger narrative of Jesus' encounter with the Gerasene demoniac, which spans [Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "Mark 5 - The Gerasene Demoniac"). Immediately prior, Jesus and His disciples have crossed the Sea of Galilee, arriving in a predominantly Gentile region. The preceding verses ([Mark 5:1-10](/mark/5-1-10 "Mark 5:1-10 - Jesus Heals the Gerasene Demoniac")) vividly describe the terrifying condition of the demon-possessed man and his desperate interaction with Jesus. Verse 11, by introducing the swine, provides the "exit strategy" for the legion of demons, directly leading into their request to enter the pigs ([Mark 5:12](/mark/5-12 "Mark 5:12 - Demons Request to Enter Swine")) and the subsequent catastrophic plunge of the herd into the sea ([Mark 5:13](/mark/5-13 "Mark 5:13 - The Swine Drown")). Thus, the swine are not a coincidental detail but an integral component of the miracle's unfolding.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this event is the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes in parallel accounts), located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, within the Decapolis, a federation of ten Hellenistic cities. This area was primarily Gentile, contrasting sharply with the Jewish Galilean towns where much of Jesus' ministry occurred. For Jews, swine were considered profoundly unclean animals according to Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - Unclean Swine") and [Deuteronomy 14:8](/deuteronomy/14-8 "Deuteronomy 14:8 - Unclean Swine")). Therefore, the presence of a "great herd of swine" unequivocally signals a non-Jewish, Gentile environment, where such livestock would be raised for consumption and commerce. This detail highlights Jesus' willingness to extend His ministry beyond the geographical and cultural boundaries of Israel, demonstrating His universal compassion and authority.

* **Key Themes:** The introduction of the swine in [Mark 5:11](/mark/5-11 "Mark 5:11 - A Great Herd of Swine") contributes to several significant themes. Firstly, it underscores the **universal scope of Jesus' ministry**, showing His authority extending even into Gentile territories and over their economic interests. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the **reality and power of the spiritual realm**, setting the stage for a tangible demonstration of demonic activity and Jesus' absolute supremacy over it. The demons' preference for inhabiting living creatures, even unclean ones, rather than being cast into the abyss, emphasizes their malevolent nature and the tangible impact of spiritual warfare. Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **Jesus' radical authority**, where even a vast economic asset is sacrificed to achieve the liberation and healing of a single human soul, subtly challenging the region's priorities and demonstrating the immense value Jesus places on human life and spiritual deliverance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **herd (Greek, _agélē'_):** From the verb `agō` (to lead), this noun refers to a "drove" or "herd" of animals. Its use here specifically denotes a group of swine, emphasizing the collective nature and potentially large number of the animals. The term highlights the organized, albeit animal, collective that will become the vessel for the expelled demons, underscoring the scale of the subsequent event.
* **swine (Greek, _choîros'_):):** This word directly translates to "hog" or "swine." Its inclusion is crucial for understanding the cultural and religious context, as pigs were considered unclean animals by Jewish law. The explicit mention of "swine" immediately signals a non-Jewish setting and foreshadows the dramatic and culturally provocative nature of the miracle that follows, where unclean spirits enter unclean animals.
* **feeding (Greek, _bóskō'_):** A prolonged form of a primary verb meaning "to pasture" or "to fodder," and reflexively, "to graze." This participle describes the current activity of the swine. It paints a vivid, albeit mundane, picture of the herd in its natural state, providing a stark contrast to the supernatural chaos that is about to engulf them. The present participle suggests an ongoing action, making the sudden, violent disruption even more impactful.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now there was there nigh unto the mountains":** This clause establishes the immediate geographical setting of the event. "Now" (G1161, _dé_) serves as a continuative particle, linking this detail to the preceding narrative. "There" (G1563, _ekeî_) and "nigh unto the mountains" (G4314, _prós_ G3735, _óros_) precisely locate the herd in relation to the demoniac and Jesus, indicating their close proximity to the hilly terrain adjacent to the Sea of Galilee. This detail is important for the subsequent narrative, as the steep slope will facilitate the herd's demise.
* **"a great herd of swine":** This phrase introduces the central element of the verse. "Great" (G3173, _mégas_) emphasizes the considerable size of the herd, suggesting a significant commercial enterprise. The "herd of swine" (G34, _agélē_ G5519, _choîros_) clearly identifies the type of animals, immediately signaling the Gentile context of the region and setting the stage for the demons' request to enter them, a request that will have massive economic implications.
* **"feeding.":** This final word describes the activity of the herd. "Feeding" (G1006, _bóskō_) indicates that the animals were engaged in their normal, peaceful routine. This mundane detail creates a powerful contrast with the impending supernatural intervention and the violent destruction that is about to befall the herd, highlighting the sudden and overwhelming power of Jesus over both the spiritual and physical realms.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 5:11 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact. **Descriptive Language** is evident in the precise detailing of the scene: "nigh unto the mountains," "a great herd of swine," and "feeding." This vivid imagery grounds the supernatural event in a tangible, relatable setting, making the subsequent miracle more impactful. The verse also functions as a powerful example of **Foreshadowing**. The seemingly innocuous detail of the swine's presence is not random; it explicitly prepares the reader for the demons' desperate request to enter them and the dramatic, destructive outcome. This detail builds narrative tension and anticipation. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** at play. In a region where unclean animals are a source of livelihood, the ultimate display of divine cleansing and authority over evil will lead to the destruction of these very animals, highlighting a spiritual priority that transcends material concerns.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:11, though brief, is rich with theological implications, particularly concerning the nature of spiritual warfare and Jesus' absolute authority. The presence of the swine in a Gentile region underscores Jesus' mission to bring liberation and healing beyond the boundaries of Israel, demonstrating that His power is not limited by geography, culture, or the depth of spiritual oppression. The fact that demons, powerful spiritual beings, seek refuge in animals, even unclean ones, reveals their desperate state when confronted by Christ's authority. This incident powerfully illustrates that spiritual battles have tangible, often costly, consequences in the physical world, challenging the prevailing value systems where economic interests might supersede the immense value of a human soul. It is a profound declaration that nothing, not even a "legion" of demons, can withstand the command of the Son of God.

* [Matthew 8:30-32](/matthew/8-30-32 "Matthew's Account of the Swine and Demons")
* [Luke 8:32-33](/luke/8-32-33 "Luke's Account of the Swine and Demons")
* [Leviticus 11:7-8](/leviticus/11-7-8 "Dietary Laws Regarding Swine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly incidental detail of the swine in Mark 5:11 carries profound implications for our understanding of God's power and priorities. It reminds us that Jesus' authority extends not only over human bodies and minds but also over the spiritual realm and even the natural world. No situation, no matter how deeply entrenched in evil or how seemingly hopeless, is beyond His reach. This passage challenges us to consider what we truly value: are we more concerned with material possessions or the spiritual well-being and liberation of individuals? The loss of the swine, while economically devastating for the owners, pales in comparison to the spiritual victory achieved in the demoniac's deliverance. This calls us to re-evaluate our own priorities, recognizing that true freedom and spiritual health are of immeasurable worth. It also encourages us to trust in Christ's supreme authority when facing our own "legions" of struggles, knowing that He has the power to command even the most formidable spiritual forces.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the presence of the swine, and their subsequent destruction, reveal about Jesus' priorities in His ministry?**
* **How does this passage challenge our own values regarding material possessions versus spiritual freedom and human dignity?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge Jesus' supreme authority over forces that seem overwhelming?**

### FAQ

**Why were there pigs in this region if Jesus was a Jew?**

Answer: The region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes) was part of the Decapolis, a collection of ten Hellenistic cities on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. This area was predominantly Gentile, meaning its inhabitants were not Jewish. For Gentiles, pigs were a common source of food and livelihood, unlike for Jews who considered them unclean animals according to Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - Unclean Swine")). The presence of a "great herd of swine" therefore indicates the non-Jewish, commercial character of the area, highlighting that Jesus' ministry extended beyond Jewish territories.

**Why did Jesus allow the demons to enter the swine?**

Answer: The text indicates that the demons themselves "begged" Jesus to send them into the swine, rather than casting them "out of the country" ([Mark 5:10](/mark/5-10 "Mark 5:10 - Demons Beg Jesus")). While the exact theological reasons are debated, several insights emerge. Firstly, it demonstrates the demons' preference for inhabiting living beings over being sent into the abyss, confirming their malevolent nature and the reality of their existence. Secondly, the immediate and catastrophic destruction of the herd ([Mark 5:13](/mark/5-13 "Mark 5:13 - The Swine Drown")) served as undeniable, public proof that the man had been delivered from a "legion" of demons, a visible testament to Jesus' immense power over evil. It was a dramatic, undeniable sign to the community of the spiritual reality at play and the authority of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:11, with its seemingly ordinary detail of a herd of swine, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound truth of Jesus' absolute and unchallengeable authority over all creation, including the darkest spiritual forces and the very concept of "uncleanliness." The presence of the swine, considered unclean under the Old Covenant Law ([Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - Unclean Swine")), foreshadows Jesus' ultimate mission to cleanse and redeem not just individuals, but to inaugurate a new covenant where the distinctions of clean and unclean are transcended by His purity. The subsequent act of the demons entering the swine and their destruction in the sea is a powerful visual metaphor for Christ's victory over the powers of darkness. Just as He commanded a "legion" of demons, so too does He hold ultimate dominion over sin and death. His cleansing power, prefigured in this event, is fully realized in His atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He became sin for us to make us righteous ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), and in His resurrection, which demonstrates His triumph over all spiritual principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The Gerasene demoniac's liberation, facilitated by the presence of the swine, points to the greater spiritual liberation offered to all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who purifies us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Cleansing")) and brings us into His kingdom of light.

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

Isaiah 65:4

Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels;

Deuteronomy 14:8

And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it [is] unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.

Luke 8:32

And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

Leviticus 11:7

And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he [is] unclean to you.

Leviticus 11:8

Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they [are] unclean to you.

Isaiah 66:3

He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

Matthew 8:30

And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.