Mark 5:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:12 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' encounter with the demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes, where the numerous evil spirits, recognizing Jesus' divine authority and their impending judgment, desperately plead with Him for permission to enter a nearby herd of swine rather than be cast out into the abyss. This verse underscores the absolute dominion of Christ over all spiritual forces and reveals the nature of demonic activity, which seeks physical hosts and operates only under divine allowance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic narrative of Jesus' deliverance of the Gerasene demoniac, found in [Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "Mark 5:1-20 - The Gerasene Demoniac"). Immediately prior, Jesus has crossed the Sea of Galilee, demonstrating His authority over nature. Upon arrival, He is confronted by a man possessed by a "Legion" of unclean spirits, a man so violently afflicted that no one could bind him, living among the tombs. The demons immediately recognize Jesus as the "Son of the Most High God" and implore Him not to torment them, revealing their fear of His power and their awareness of a coming judgment ([Mark 5:7](/mark/5-7 "Mark 5:7 - Demons Acknowledge Jesus")). The request to enter the swine in [Mark 5:12](/mark/5-12 "Mark 5:12 - Demons Request Swine") is a direct follow-up to this initial confrontation, setting the stage for the dramatic expulsion of the demons and the subsequent destruction of the herd.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, the "country of the Gerasenes" (or Gadarenes in Matthew), was a Decapolis region, meaning it was predominantly Gentile. This explains the presence of a large herd of swine, which would have been considered unclean animals by Jewish law ([Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - Unclean Animals")). For Jews, raising pigs was an abomination, making the economic loss of the herd particularly impactful for the local Gentile community. The act of demons entering swine and then rushing into the sea would have been a profoundly shocking and culturally significant event, highlighting Jesus' power not only over spiritual forces but also over the economic interests and cultural norms of the region. The fear and subsequent request for Jesus to leave the area ([Mark 5:17](/mark/5-17 "Mark 5:17 - People Ask Jesus to Leave")) reflect the local community's concern over their livelihood and perhaps their discomfort with such overwhelming supernatural power.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 5:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark. It powerfully underscores the **unquestionable authority of Christ** over all spiritual powers, as even a "Legion" of demons must submit to His command and seek His permission, demonstrating His absolute dominion over evil ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")). The verse also illuminates the **nature of demonic activity**, revealing their preference for inhabiting physical bodies (whether human or animal) rather than existing disembodied, and their inability to act without divine allowance, even in their malevolence. Furthermore, the narrative implicitly highlights the **value of a human soul** over material possessions, as Jesus prioritizes the deliverance and restoration of the man, even at the cost of significant economic loss to the swineherds, a theme consistent with His mission to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **devils (Greek, _daímōn'_):** This term, specifically _daímōn_ (G1142), refers to a supernatural spirit of a bad nature, an evil spirit or demon. It is distinct from _diabolos_, which specifically refers to Satan. The use of the plural "devils" (or "demons" in modern translations) here emphasizes the multitude of spirits comprising the "Legion" mentioned earlier in the narrative, highlighting the overwhelming spiritual oppression the man endured and the formidable power Jesus confronts.
* **besought (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** The Greek word _parakaléō_ (G3870) means "to call near," "invite," or "invoke by imploration, hortation, or consolation." In this context, it signifies an earnest, persistent pleading or entreaty. The imperfect tense of the verb in the original Greek (παρεκάλουν) suggests a continuous or repeated action, emphasizing the urgency and desperation of the demons' plea to Jesus, acknowledging His supreme authority over them and their inability to act independently.
* **swine (Greek, _choîros'_):** The term _choîros_ (G5519) simply means "a hog" or "swine." Its significance here lies in the cultural context of the Gerasenes, a Gentile region where pigs were raised, in contrast to Jewish dietary laws which forbade their consumption. The demons' request to enter these unclean animals is a strategic move, demonstrating their desire for a physical host and their understanding of the local environment, ultimately leading to their destruction in the sea.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the devils besought him":** This phrase immediately establishes the subservience of the demonic forces to Jesus. Despite their malevolent nature and the "Legion" of their numbers, they do not command or resist, but "besought" (pleaded with) Jesus. This highlights Jesus' unquestionable authority and the demons' recognition of His divine power, which they cannot withstand. Their plea is not one of negotiation but of desperate submission.
* **"saying, Send us into the swine":** The content of their urgent request is to be "sent" into a nearby herd of swine. This reveals a key aspect of demonic nature: a preference for inhabiting a physical host, even an animal, rather than being disembodied. The term "send" (Greek _pémpō_) implies that they require permission and cannot simply act on their own volition, reinforcing the idea that even evil operates within the bounds of God's ultimate sovereignty. The choice of "swine" is significant, as these were unclean animals in Jewish culture, perhaps indicating the demons' continued affinity for uncleanness or a strategic choice to cause maximum economic and social disruption.
* **"that we may enter into them":** This final clause clarifies the purpose of their request: to "enter into" the swine. The Greek word _eisérchomai_ (G1525) means "to enter in" or "come into," indicating their desire for embodiment. This phrase underscores the parasitic nature of demons, their need for a physical vessel to manifest their influence and activity in the physical realm. It also sets up the dramatic culmination of the narrative, where Jesus grants their request, leading to the destruction of the herd and the ultimate deliverance of the man.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to enhance its dramatic and theological impact. **Irony** is evident in the demons, powerful spiritual beings, being forced to plead with Jesus for permission, highlighting the supreme power of Christ over all creation, even the forces of evil. The very entities that torment humanity are themselves in torment and submission before the Son of God. **Hyperbole** is suggested by the term "Legion" (mentioned earlier in the chapter), which, while indicating a vast number, also evokes the image of a Roman military unit, emphasizing the overwhelming force of evil Jesus confronts and decisively defeats. The **contrast** between the man's former state of bondage and violence and his subsequent state of calm and sanity ([Mark 5:15](/mark/5-15 "Mark 5:15 - The Man Restored")) powerfully illustrates the transformative power of Jesus' deliverance. Finally, the **symbolism** of the swine rushing headlong into the sea and drowning can be seen as a powerful visual representation of the complete and utter defeat and destruction of the demonic forces, banished from the land and plunged into the abyss.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:12 powerfully illustrates the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ over all spiritual powers. The demons, despite their malevolence and numbers, are utterly subject to His authority, unable to act without His explicit permission. This demonstrates that even the forces of evil operate within the confines of God's ultimate plan and control. The narrative emphasizes that Jesus' power is not merely human or even angelic, but divine, capable of confronting and conquering the most entrenched spiritual strongholds. This encounter reassures believers that no demonic force can ultimately thwart God's purposes or overcome the authority of Christ, who has triumphed over all principalities and powers.

* [Job 1:12](/job/1-12 "Job 1:12 - God Permits Satan to Test Job")
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")
* [James 2:19](/james/2-19 "James 2:19 - Demons Believe and Tremble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 5:12 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us of the enduring reality of spiritual warfare and the unparalleled authority of Jesus Christ. In a world that often dismisses or sensationalizes the demonic, this passage grounds us in the biblical truth that evil spirits exist, seek to oppress, and are ultimately powerless before our Lord. For those who feel overwhelmed by spiritual attacks, personal struggles, or the pervasive presence of evil in the world, this verse offers immense comfort: no power, no "legion," can operate outside the sovereign will of God. Our trust must be firmly placed in Christ, who has already secured victory over all dark forces. We are called to live in the freedom and authority He has granted us, to resist the devil, knowing that he will flee ([James 4:7](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil")). This passage encourages us to pray for deliverance, to exercise spiritual discernment, and to rest in the confidence that our Savior is utterly supreme.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the demons' desperate plea to Jesus in this verse deepen your understanding of Christ's absolute authority?**
* **In what ways might the preference of demons to inhabit a physical host (even animals) inform your view of spiritual influence in the world today?**
* **How does the knowledge that even evil spirits operate under God's ultimate sovereignty bring you comfort or challenge your perspective on suffering and evil?**

### FAQ
**Why did the demons ask to go into the swine instead of just leaving the man?**

Answer: The text implies that demons prefer to inhabit a physical body rather than exist disembodied. Being cast out into the "abyss" (a place of confinement, mentioned in [Luke 8:31](/luke/8-31 "Luke 8:31 - Demons Fear the Abyss")) was a terrifying prospect for them. Their request to enter the swine was a desperate attempt to avoid this disembodied state and continue their existence in the physical realm, even if in animals. This also served their malevolent nature by causing destruction and economic loss to the community, as seen when the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea ([Mark 5:13](/mark/5-13 "Mark 5:13 - The Swine Drown")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:12, though a dramatic display of Christ's power over evil spirits, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the expulsion of demons but in Jesus' complete victory over sin, death, and all the powers of darkness through His crucifixion and resurrection. The demons' desperate plea to be sent into the swine, rather than being cast into the abyss, foreshadows the final judgment and ultimate defeat of Satan and his forces. Jesus' authority demonstrated here is a glimpse of His cosmic reign, culminating in His triumph on the cross where He disarmed principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The deliverance of the Gerasene demoniac points to the greater salvation offered by Christ, who came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Came to Destroy the Works of the Devil")) and set captives free from the bondage of sin and spiritual oppression ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission to Proclaim Liberty")). Thus, Mark 5:12 is a powerful testament to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, including its spiritual bondage, and who will one day cast all evil into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Fire for the Devil and His Angels")).

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

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.