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.

And {G2532} forthwith {G2112} Jesus {G2424} gave {G2010} them {G846} leave {G2010}. And {G2532} the unclean {G169} spirits {G4151} went out {G1831}, and entered {G1525} into {G1519} the swine {G5519}: and {G2532} the herd {G34} ran {G3729} violently down {G2596} a steep place {G2911} into {G1519} the sea {G2281},{G1161}(they were {G2258} about {G5613} two thousand {G1367};) and {G2532} were choked {G4155} in {G1722} the sea {G2281}.

Yeshua gave them permission. They came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering around two thousand, rushed down the hillside into the lake and were drowned.

He gave them permission, and the unclean spirits came out and went into the pigs, and the herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the water.

And he gave them leave. And the unclean spirits came out, and entered into the swine: and the herd rushed down the steep into the sea, in number about two thousand; and they were drowned in the sea.

Commentary

Context

Mark 5:13 is a pivotal moment in the dramatic account of Jesus healing the Gerasene demoniac, often referred to as the Gadarene or Gergesene demoniac in other Gospels. Prior to this verse, Jesus and His disciples have crossed the Sea of Galilee. Upon landing, they are immediately confronted by a man possessed by a multitude of "unclean spirits" who call themselves "Legion" because they are many. These demons recognize Jesus' divine authority and plead with Him not to torment them or send them out of the country. Instead, they beg to be allowed to enter a large herd of swine feeding nearby. Jesus, demonstrating His absolute power over evil, grants their request.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Unquestionable Authority: The most prominent theme is Jesus' supreme authority over demonic forces. The spirits cannot act without His permission, and even their destructive actions are a direct consequence of His allowance. This underscores His identity as the Son of God and His power over all spiritual realms.
  • The Destructive Nature of Evil: The immediate and violent destruction of the two thousand swine graphically illustrates the inherent goal of demonic activity: chaos, destruction, and death. The spirits' entry into the pigs leads directly to their violent demise, symbolizing the ultimate end of those under the influence of evil.
  • The Value of a Soul: The loss of two thousand pigs, a significant economic blow to the region, pales in comparison to the restoration of one human soul. Jesus prioritizes the deliverance and healing of the man over material possessions, highlighting the immense value God places on human life and salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the word "forthwith," which means "immediately" or "at once." This emphasizes the swiftness and decisiveness of Jesus' command. The term "unclean spirits" (Greek: pneumata akatharta) consistently describes malevolent supernatural entities throughout the Gospels, emphasizing their moral impurity and opposition to God's holiness. The description of the herd being "choked in the sea" (Greek: epnigonto en te thalasse) vividly portrays their sudden and complete demise, likely by drowning, reinforcing the finality of the demons' destructive path when given leave.

Related Scriptures

  • For the initial encounter with the demoniac, see Mark 5:1-2.
  • The demons' request to enter the swine is found in Mark 5:12.
  • The reaction of the townspeople to this event and their subsequent fear is detailed in Mark 5:14-17.
  • This event is also recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, providing additional perspectives: Matthew 8:32 and Luke 8:33.

Practical Application

This powerful narrative reminds us that evil is real, personal, and destructive, but it is ultimately subordinate to the power of Jesus Christ. We can draw comfort and strength from knowing that no spiritual force, however numerous or powerful, can operate outside of God's sovereign will and permission. For believers, this account offers assurance in spiritual battles, knowing that "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). It also challenges us to consider what we value most: the temporary and material, or the eternal well-being of human souls.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Job 2:6

    And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he [is] in thine hand; but save his life.

  • Revelation 20:7

    And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

  • John 8:44

    Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

  • Revelation 13:5

    And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months.

  • Revelation 13:7

    And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

  • Revelation 9:11

    And they had a king over them, [which is] the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue [is] Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath [his] name Apollyon.

  • 1 Peter 3:22

    Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
← Back