Mark 5:11

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

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

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

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

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

Mark 5:11 is a brief but crucial detail that sets the stage for one of Jesus' most dramatic miracles: the healing of the Gerasene (or Gadarene) demoniac. This verse provides important context for understanding the events that immediately follow.

Context

The scene described is in the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes in other accounts), which was east of the Sea of Galilee, primarily Gentile territory within the Decapolis. Unlike predominantly Jewish areas, the presence of a "great herd of swine feeding" would not have been unusual here, as pigs were a common livestock for consumption among Gentiles. However, for Jews, swine were considered unclean animals according to Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 14:8). The mention of a "great herd" suggests a significant commercial enterprise, highlighting the economic value placed on these animals in the region.

Key Themes

  • Setting the Scene for Deliverance: The presence of the swine is not incidental; it becomes the immediate destination for the legion of demons expelled from the man. This detail is vital for the narrative flow of the subsequent miracle, illustrating the power of Jesus over even a multitude of evil spirits.
  • Geographic and Cultural Significance: This verse underscores that Jesus' ministry extended beyond Jewish lands into Gentile territories, demonstrating His universal mission. The very existence of such a large herd of swine in this region underscores its non-Jewish character, providing a natural setting for the demons' desperate request.
  • The Reality of the Spiritual Realm: The mention of the swine, coupled with the preceding account of the demoniac, emphasizes the tangible interaction between the spiritual and physical worlds. It prepares the reader for a powerful display of divine authority.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text of Mark 5:11 is quite literal and direct. The Greek phrase for "great herd" (agē chourōn pollē) simply emphasizes the large number of swine present, underscoring the scale of the subsequent event where the demons enter them.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

While seemingly a minor detail, the presence of the swine reminds us of several truths:

  • Jesus' Authority is Supreme: Even in a place filled with "unclean" animals and demonic oppression, Christ's authority reigns supreme. No place or situation is outside His power to redeem and transform.
  • Spiritual Battles Have Real-World Impact: The destruction of the swine herd demonstrates that spiritual warfare is not abstract; it can have significant, tangible consequences, affecting livelihoods and communities.
  • The Cost of Deliverance: The loss of the swine, while tragic for the owners, highlights that spiritual deliverance sometimes comes with a visible cost, challenging people's priorities and material attachments. It underscores the immense value Jesus places on human souls over economic interests.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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