Mark 5:12

And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.

And {G2532} all {G3956} the devils {G1142} besought {G3870} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Send {G3992} us {G2248} into {G1519} the swine {G5519}, that {G2443} we may enter {G1525} into {G1519} them {G846}.

and the unclean spirits begged him, "Send us to the pigs, so we can go into them."

So the demons begged Jesus, “Send us to the pigs, so that we may enter them.”

And they besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.

Commentary

Mark 5:12 is a pivotal moment in the dramatic account of Jesus delivering a man possessed by a "Legion" of demons in the country of the Gadarenes (or Gerasenes). This verse specifically highlights the demons' desperate plea to Jesus.

Context

Before this verse, Jesus encounters a man living among tombs, tormented by many unclean spirits, so powerful that no one could bind him, as described in Mark 5:3. The demons immediately recognize Jesus as the "Son of the Most High God" and implore Him not to torment them. They understand His supreme authority and their impending judgment. Seeing a large herd of swine nearby, they request permission to enter them, a desire rooted in their nature to inhabit a physical host.

Key Themes

  • Unquestionable Authority of Christ: The demons, despite their malevolence, acknowledge Jesus' absolute power. They don't command; they "besought him," indicating a position of submission and desperation. This underscores Jesus' dominion over all spiritual forces, good and evil.
  • Demonic Nature and Activity: This verse reveals that demons prefer to inhabit physical bodies, whether human or animal, rather than be disembodied. Their request to enter the swine demonstrates their ongoing desire for a host and their inability to act without divine permission.
  • Divine Permission and Sovereignty: Jesus grants their request, showcasing that even evil spirits operate under God's ultimate sovereignty. They cannot act independently of His will or without His explicit allowance (compare Job 1:12). This demonstrates that God is in control, even amidst manifestations of evil.
  • Value of a Human Soul: The narrative implicitly contrasts the value of a human life with that of livestock. Jesus prioritizes the man's deliverance, even if it results in significant economic loss for the swineherds.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "devils" in this context translates the Greek word daimonia (δαιμόνια), which refers to evil spirits or demons, distinct from diabolos (διάβολος), which refers specifically to Satan, the Devil. The phrase "besought him" comes from the Greek parekaloun (παρεκάλουν), an imperfect verb suggesting persistent or repeated pleading, emphasizing the urgency and earnestness of their request to Jesus.

Practical Application

Mark 5:12 reminds us of the profound authority of Jesus Christ over all spiritual forces. For believers, this offers great comfort and assurance: no demonic power can operate outside of God's sovereign control. It also highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of recognizing that Christ has already triumphed over all principalities and powers. We are called to trust in His power for deliverance and protection, knowing that He cares deeply for the salvation and freedom of every individual.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 5:8

    ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

  • Luke 22:31

    And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:

  • Luke 22:32

    But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

  • Job 1:10

    Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

  • Job 1:12

    And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath [is] in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:11

    Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

  • Job 2:5

    But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.
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