Mark 5:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:13 describes the dramatic climax of Jesus' encounter with the Gerasene demoniac, where, upon Jesus' command, a multitude of unclean spirits exit the man and enter a large herd of swine. This immediate transfer of demonic presence results in the entire herd, numbering approximately two thousand, violently rushing down a steep bank into the Sea of Galilee, where they are drowned. The verse powerfully demonstrates Jesus' absolute authority over demonic forces and highlights the destructive nature of evil when given permission to act.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 5:13 is the culmination of the narrative concerning the Gerasene demoniac, which begins in [Mark 5:1](/mark/5-1 "Mark 5:1 - Jesus Crosses the Sea"). Jesus and His disciples have just crossed the Sea of Galilee into Gentile territory. Immediately upon landing, they are confronted by a man possessed by a "Legion" of unclean spirits, so powerful that no one could bind him. The demons recognize Jesus' divine authority and plead with Him not to send them out of the country or torment them. Instead, they request permission to enter a nearby herd of swine. Jesus grants their request in [Mark 5:12](/mark/5-12 "Mark 5:12 - The Demons' Plea to Enter the Swine"), setting the stage for the dramatic events of verse 13. This episode immediately precedes the healing of Jairus's daughter and the woman with the issue of blood in [Mark 5:21-43](/mark/5-21-43 "Mark 5:21-43 - Jairus's Daughter and the Woman with the Hemorrhage"), further showcasing Jesus' multifaceted power over sickness, death, and spiritual forces.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes/Gergesenes in parallel accounts), was predominantly Gentile, which explains the presence of a large herd of swine. For Jews, pigs were considered unclean animals according to Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - Unclean Animals")). The destruction of such a large herd, estimated at two thousand, represents a significant economic loss for the swine owners and the local community. This context highlights the clash of cultures and values: Jewish purity laws versus Gentile practices, and the economic concerns of the locals versus the spiritual deliverance of an individual. The reaction of the townspeople, who later beg Jesus to leave their region ([Mark 5:17](/mark/5-17 "Mark 5:17 - The Townspeople's Fear")), underscores their prioritization of economic stability over the miraculous spiritual liberation witnessed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Foremost is **Jesus' Unquestionable Authority** over all spiritual forces. The demons, despite their multitude and destructive power, are utterly subject to Jesus' command; they cannot act without His explicit "leave" or permission. This theme is consistently demonstrated throughout Mark, such as when Jesus casts out an unclean spirit in the synagogue in [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits"). Another prominent theme is **The Destructive Nature of Evil**. The immediate and violent demise of the swine vividly illustrates that the ultimate aim of demonic activity is chaos, destruction, and death. The demons' desire to enter the swine was not for peaceful habitation but for destructive expression, leading directly to the animals' violent end. Finally, the narrative underscores **The Immeasurable Value of a Human Soul**. The loss of two thousand pigs, a substantial economic blow, is presented as secondary to the deliverance and restoration of one human being from profound spiritual bondage. Jesus' actions consistently prioritize the spiritual and physical well-being of individuals over material possessions or societal norms, a principle echoed in His teaching about the worth of a soul in [Mark 8:36-37](/mark/8-36-37 "Mark 8:36-37 - The Value of the Soul").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **forthwith (Greek, _euthéōs_):** This adverb emphasizes the immediate and decisive nature of Jesus' action. There was no hesitation or delay; Jesus' command was instantly effective, demonstrating His absolute and inherent authority over the demonic realm. This word is characteristic of Mark's Gospel, often used to convey the rapid pace and dynamic action of Jesus' ministry.
* **unclean (Greek, _akáthartos_):** This adjective, used to describe the "spirits," signifies their moral and spiritual impurity. In Jewish thought, "unclean" referred to anything ritually impure or defiled, making it unfit for sacred use or presence before God. Applied to spirits, it highlights their inherent opposition to God's holiness and their corrupting influence, reinforcing their malevolent nature.
* **choked (Greek, _pnígō_):** This verb describes the final fate of the swine, meaning "to throttle, strangle, or drown." It vividly conveys the sudden, violent, and complete demise of the herd. The use of this word underscores the finality of the demons' destructive path and the utter helplessness of their hosts once they are given "leave" to act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And forthwith Jesus gave them leave."**: This opening clause highlights Jesus' supreme authority. The "leave" (permission) granted by Jesus is not a sign of weakness or negotiation, but a demonstration that even demonic forces are entirely subject to His will. Their actions are not independent but are permitted by His sovereign power. The word "forthwith" emphasizes the immediate and decisive nature of this divine authorization.
* **"And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine:"**: This describes the immediate consequence of Jesus' permission. The "unclean spirits" (demons) are compelled to obey, exiting the man and transferring into the waiting herd of pigs. This transfer confirms the reality of spiritual possession and the ability of demons to inhabit living creatures, albeit with divine permission.
* **"and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea,"**: Upon entering the swine, the demons immediately drive the animals to destructive behavior. The "violent" rush "down a steep place" into the sea indicates a chaotic, uncontrollable, and self-destructive impulse, directly attributable to the demonic influence. This action is not accidental but a direct result of the spirits' presence.
* **"(they were about two thousand;)"**: This parenthetical remark provides a significant detail about the size of the herd. The sheer number—approximately two thousand—underscores the scale of the demonic presence (Legion, meaning many) and the magnitude of the destruction. It also highlights the economic impact on the local community, setting up their subsequent reaction.
* **"and were choked in the sea."**: This final clause describes the ultimate fate of the swine. "Choked" implies drowning, signifying a complete and irreversible destruction. The sea, often a symbol of chaos and the unknown in biblical narratives, here becomes the instrument of the demons' self-inflicted destruction through their hosts. This act visually represents the ultimate end of evil: self-destruction and annihilation when confronted by divine power.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs several potent **literary devices** in this verse to convey its profound theological meaning. The **Symbolism** of the swine, considered unclean animals, being possessed by "unclean spirits" is striking, reinforcing the nature of the demonic entities and their affinity for impurity. The dramatic plunge into the sea, a place often associated with chaos and the abyss in ancient thought, serves as a powerful **metaphor** for the ultimate fate of evil—self-destruction and consignment to oblivion when confronted by divine authority. The sheer number of pigs, "about two thousand," functions as **hyperbole** to emphasize the immense power of the "Legion" of demons and the overwhelming scale of Jesus' deliverance. Furthermore, the rapid succession of events, marked by "forthwith," creates a sense of **dramatic urgency** and underscores the swift and decisive nature of Jesus' power over the spiritual realm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:13 powerfully illustrates the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ over the forces of darkness. It reveals that evil, though real and destructive, operates only within the bounds of God's permissive will. The demons' immediate and self-destructive action upon entering the swine underscores the inherent nature of evil: it leads to chaos, death, and ultimately, its own undoing. This event serves as a vivid object lesson that Jesus' mission is not merely to heal physical ailments but to confront and conquer the spiritual powers that enslave humanity. It highlights the immense value God places on human life and spiritual freedom, prioritizing the deliverance of one soul over significant material loss. The narrative affirms that in Christ, believers have a deliverer who has decisive authority over every spiritual adversary, offering hope and assurance in the face of spiritual oppression.

* [Matthew 8:32](/matthew/8-32 "Parallel Account of the Swine's Destruction")
* [Luke 8:33](/luke/8-33 "Luke's Account of the Swine's Drowning")
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in Mark 5:13 is a profound reminder of the reality and destructive nature of spiritual evil, but more importantly, it is a testament to the unparalleled authority of Jesus Christ. In a world where spiritual forces often feel unseen and overwhelming, this passage offers immense comfort and empowerment. It assures us that no demonic power, however numerous or entrenched, can withstand the command of Jesus. For believers, this means that we do not face spiritual battles alone or without hope; the One who has already demonstrated absolute dominion over "unclean spirits" is our advocate and protector. This narrative also challenges us to reflect on our own priorities: do we, like the townspeople, value material security and comfort more than the spiritual liberation and eternal well-being of individuals? It calls us to cultivate a deeper reliance on Christ's power for deliverance in our own lives and to participate in His mission of setting captives free.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' immediate "leave" to the demons in Mark 5:13 affirm His absolute sovereignty over all spiritual forces, even those that appear destructive?**
* **What does the violent destruction of the two thousand swine reveal about the inherent nature and ultimate goal of demonic activity?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Gerasene townspeople, prioritize material comfort or social norms over the spiritual freedom and well-being of others?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to trust in Jesus' power when facing spiritual battles or oppressive circumstances in our own lives?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus allow the demons to enter the swine, knowing it would destroy them?**

Answer: Jesus allowed the demons to enter the swine for several profound reasons. Firstly, it served as a powerful, undeniable demonstration of His absolute authority over demonic forces. The demons' immediate and violent destruction of the herd proved they had truly departed from the man and highlighted their inherent destructive nature. Secondly, it provided a visible, tangible proof of the man's deliverance, which was crucial for the surrounding community to witness and understand the magnitude of the miracle. The loss of the swine, while economically significant, underscored the immense value Jesus placed on a single human soul, demonstrating that the spiritual liberation of one individual far outweighs material possessions. Finally, it may have been a judgment on the local inhabitants for engaging in the unclean practice of pig farming, or a means to prompt a decision about Jesus' presence in their region, as they subsequently asked Him to leave ([Mark 5:17](/mark/5-17 "Mark 5:17 - The Townspeople's Request for Jesus to Leave")).

**What is the significance of the "two thousand" swine mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The mention of "about two thousand" swine underscores the immense scale of the demonic possession and the subsequent destruction. The demons identified themselves as "Legion" ([Mark 5:9](/mark/5-9 "Mark 5:9 - The Demons' Name 'Legion'")), implying a vast number. The destruction of such a large herd vividly illustrates the power of this "Legion" and the magnitude of the deliverance Jesus performed. It also highlights the significant economic loss incurred by the local community, which helps explain their fearful and unwelcoming reaction to Jesus after witnessing the event ([Mark 5:14-17](/mark/5-14-17 "Mark 5:14-17 - The Spread of the News and the Townspeople's Reaction")). This detail emphasizes that Jesus' power is not limited to small-scale interventions but can confront and overcome overwhelming spiritual forces.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:13, though a dramatic display of Jesus' power over demons, points profoundly to His ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment as the victorious King and Deliverer. The immediate and destructive departure of the "unclean spirits" from the Gerasene demoniac, culminating in their self-destruction in the sea, foreshadows Christ's decisive triumph over all the powers of darkness through His death and resurrection. Just as the demons were utterly subject to His command here, so too did Christ, through His sacrifice on the cross, disarm and make a public spectacle of the principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The drowning of the swine in the sea symbolizes the finality of evil's defeat and its ultimate consignment to destruction, echoing the fate of Satan and his angels who will eventually be cast into the lake of fire ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire")). This narrative affirms that Jesus is the true Son of God, not merely a healer, but the One who has come 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 to establish His kingdom of light and freedom, offering deliverance to all who are held captive by sin and spiritual oppression ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission to Proclaim Liberty")).

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

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.