Mark 5:14

KJV

And they that fed the swine fled, and told [it] in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they that fed {G1006} the swine {G5519} fled {G5343}, and {G2532} told {G312} it in {G1519} the city {G4172}, and {G2532} in {G1519} the country {G68}. And {G2532} they went out {G1831} to see {G1492} what {G5101} it was {G2076} that was done {G1096}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The swineherds fled and told it in the town and in the surrounding country, and the people went to see what had happened.

Berean Standard Bible

Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened.

American Standard Version

And they that fed them fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they came to see what it was that had come to pass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:14 vividly portrays the immediate and dramatic aftermath of Jesus's exorcism of a legion of demons into a herd of swine. This verse captures the critical moment when the terrified swineherds flee the scene, spreading the news of the catastrophic event throughout the nearby city and surrounding countryside, thereby prompting the local populace to venture out and witness for themselves the astonishing outcome of Jesus's powerful intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the narrative found in [Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "Mark 5:1-20 - The Gerasene Demoniac"), which describes Jesus's encounter with the Gerasene demoniac. Preceding this verse, Jesus has just demonstrated His unparalleled authority over a multitude of demonic spirits, casting them out of a man and, at their request, permitting them to enter a large herd of approximately two thousand swine. The immediate consequence, as detailed in [Mark 5:13](/mark/5-13 "Mark 5:13 - Demons Enter Swine"), is the stampede of the entire herd down a steep bank into the Sea of Galilee, where they drown. Mark 5:14 serves as the narrative bridge, shifting the focus from the miraculous deliverance of the man to the broader community's reaction, setting the stage for their subsequent interaction with Jesus in [Mark 5:15-17](/mark/5-15-17 "Mark 5:15-17 - The People's Reaction to Jesus").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Mark 5](/mark/5 "Mark 5 - Jesus' Miracles") unfold in the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes, depending on the Gospel account), which was predominantly a Gentile territory on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. Unlike Jewish areas where pigs were considered unclean animals according to Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11:7-8](/leviticus/11-7-8 "Leviticus 11:7-8 - Unclean Animals")), pig farming was a common and economically significant enterprise in this Gentile region. The sudden and complete destruction of such a large herd represented a massive financial loss for the owners and the community. This economic devastation, coupled with the sheer supernatural power displayed, explains the swineherds' panicked flight and the community's subsequent mixed reaction of fear, curiosity, and ultimately, a desire for Jesus to leave their region, as seen in [Mark 5:17](/mark/5-17 "Mark 5:17 - The Request for Jesus to Depart").

* **Key Themes:** Mark 5:14 contributes to several significant themes within the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus's absolute authority** not only over demonic forces but also over the natural world, as evidenced by the pigs' immediate obedience and destruction. Secondly, it underscores the **human response to divine power**, often characterized by fear and self-preservation, especially when confronted with events that disrupt their established order or economic stability. The swineherds' flight and the community's subsequent inquiry demonstrate a blend of **terror and intense curiosity** about the unknown power that has entered their midst. Finally, this verse subtly introduces the theme of **material loss versus spiritual gain**, as the community's focus quickly shifts to the destruction of their livelihood rather than the profound spiritual liberation of the demon-possessed man, foreshadowing their request for Jesus to depart, which stands in stark contrast to the healed man's desire to follow Him, as described in [Mark 5:18-20](/mark/5-18-20 "Mark 5:18-20 - The Healed Man's Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fled (Greek, _pheúgō'_):** This verb signifies a rapid, urgent, and often panicked escape. It conveys more than just leaving; it implies running away from danger or something terrifying. In this context, it vividly describes the swineherds' immediate and instinctive reaction to the cataclysmic event they had just witnessed—the sudden, violent death of two thousand pigs, orchestrated by unseen forces under Jesus's command. Their flight was driven by profound fear and a desire to distance themselves from the overwhelming and incomprehensible power.
* **told (Greek, _anangéllō'_):** This word means to announce in detail, to report thoroughly, or to declare. It suggests that the swineherds did not merely whisper the news but actively and comprehensively recounted what had transpired. Their report was not a casual conversation but a frantic, detailed account designed to convey the shocking reality of the event, ensuring the news spread quickly and accurately throughout the community, prompting a collective response.
* **done (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This versatile verb means "to come into being," "to happen," or "to be brought to pass." In this context, it refers to "what had been done" or "what had occurred." It highlights the community's desire to understand the nature of the event—not just that something happened, but *what* it was, implying a search for explanation or comprehension of the extraordinary and unsettling incident that had so dramatically impacted their region.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they that fed the swine fled":** This clause immediately establishes the reaction of the direct witnesses—the swineherds. Their flight is a visceral response to the terrifying and inexplicable destruction of the herd. It emphasizes their fear and the overwhelming nature of the event, suggesting a primal instinct for self-preservation and a desire to escape the immediate vicinity of such supernatural power.
* **"and told [it] in the city, and in the country":** This part highlights the rapid and widespread dissemination of the news. The swineherds, acting as involuntary heralds, ensure that the extraordinary event is not confined to the remote hillside but reaches every corner of the local community—both the urban center and the surrounding rural areas. This widespread reporting underscores the magnitude and shock value of what had occurred, creating a ripple effect of alarm and curiosity.
* **"And they went out to see what it was that was done":** This final clause describes the community's collective response to the news. Driven by a mix of fear, curiosity, and perhaps concern for their economic well-being, the populace actively seeks to verify the reports. Their desire "to see what it was that was done" indicates a need for firsthand observation and understanding of the unprecedented event, setting the stage for their direct encounter with Jesus and the newly healed man.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 5:14 employs several effective literary devices. The immediate flight of the swineherds serves as a powerful instance of **Hyperbole** and **Dramatic Irony**, exaggerating their terror to underscore the immense power of Jesus, while ironically, they flee from the very source of divine liberation. The phrase "told [it] in the city, and in the country" is an example of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts represent the whole, indicating that the news spread everywhere, reaching all inhabitants regardless of their location. This rapid dissemination also contributes to the **Pacing** of the narrative, building suspense and anticipation for the community's confrontation with Jesus. Furthermore, the verse uses **Cause and Effect** to show the direct consequence of Jesus's miracle (the pigs' destruction) leading to the swineherds' flight, which in turn causes the community to investigate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:14 serves as a crucial theological pivot, illustrating the profound impact of divine power on human society. It highlights the often-uncomfortable intersection of the spiritual and the material, where the miraculous intervention of God can lead to significant earthly disruption. The swineherds' immediate flight and the community's subsequent investigation reveal a common human tendency to prioritize economic stability and personal comfort over spiritual liberation. While a man was miraculously freed from torment, the community's immediate concern gravitated towards the loss of their livelihood, demonstrating a spiritual blindness to the greater miracle. This verse sets up a powerful contrast between the value of a single human soul, liberated by Christ, and the perceived value of material possessions, prompting reflection on where our own priorities lie when confronted with God's transformative work.

* [Matthew 16:26](/matthew/16-26 "Matthew 16:26 - What Good Is It?")
* [Luke 8:39](/luke/8-39 "Luke 8:39 - The Man's Testimony")
* [Acts 19:18-19](/acts/19-18-19 "Acts 19:18-19 - Confession and Burning of Magic Scrolls")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 5:14 offers a poignant mirror for our own reactions to God's power and presence in the world. The swineherds' fear and the community's curiosity, tinged with economic concern, remind us that encountering the divine often elicits complex human responses—not always immediate faith or worship. When God works in ways that challenge our comfort zones, disrupt our routines, or even impact our material security, how do we respond? Do we, like the swineherds, flee in fear or report with alarm, focusing on what might be lost? Or do we, like the curious crowd, seek to understand, but then allow material considerations to overshadow the profound spiritual work God is doing? This verse challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities, asking whether we truly value the liberation of souls and the demonstration of God's authority above all else, or if our earthly concerns still hold sway. It also underscores the inevitability of God's work being made known; whether through willing witnesses or unwitting ones, His power will be declared, and people will be prompted to respond.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When confronted with powerful spiritual events, do I tend to react with fear, curiosity, or faith?**
* **How do my material concerns sometimes overshadow my appreciation for God's spiritual work in my life or in the world?**
* **In what ways am I, like the swineherds, an unwitting messenger of God's power, even if my initial reaction is not one of full understanding or faith?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the value of a single soul compared to material possessions?**

### FAQ

**Why did the swineherds flee and tell everyone?**

Answer: The swineherds fled primarily out of intense fear and panic. They had just witnessed an extraordinary and terrifying event: a large herd of two thousand pigs, their livelihood, suddenly and violently rushing into the sea and drowning, immediately after demons were cast into them by Jesus. This was a cataclysmic and supernatural occurrence that deeply unsettled them. They told everyone in the city and country not just to report a disaster, but likely to share their shock, seek help, or warn others about the immense and unsettling power they had just encountered. Their report was driven by a need to communicate the unprecedented nature of "what it was that was done" and its profound impact on their community, as described in [Mark 5:14](/mark/5-14 "Mark 5:14 - Swineherds Flee and Report").

**What was the significance of the people coming out to see what was done?**

Answer: The people's decision to "go out to see what it was that was done" signifies a mixture of intense curiosity, concern, and perhaps a degree of apprehension. The news reported by the swineherds was so shocking and economically devastating that it compelled the entire community to investigate firsthand. They wanted to verify the incredible reports, understand the cause of such a massive loss, and assess the presence of this powerful individual, Jesus, who was clearly at the center of the event. Their coming out sets the stage for their direct encounter with Jesus and the now-healed demoniac, which ultimately leads to their request for Jesus to depart from their region, as detailed in [Mark 5:17](/mark/5-17 "Mark 5:17 - The People Ask Jesus to Leave").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:14, with its depiction of the swineherds' flight and the community's fearful curiosity, powerfully foreshadows the broader human reaction to Christ's radical presence and transformative power throughout history. Just as the Gerasene community was confronted with an unsettling display of divine authority that disrupted their economic stability, so too does the gospel of Jesus Christ challenge the established orders and comfortable routines of the world. The destruction of the swine, though a material loss, was a necessary consequence of the liberation of a soul held captive by a "Legion" of demons, highlighting Christ's ultimate mission to set the captives free from spiritual bondage ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). The people's desire to "see what it was that was done" reflects humanity's innate, though often misdirected, search for truth and meaning in the face of the miraculous, a search that ultimately finds its answer in the person of Jesus Christ, the one who has authority over all things—sin, sickness, demons, and even death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). This verse, therefore, points to the profound truth that Christ's coming inevitably brings a confrontation with His supreme authority, demanding a response from all who witness His work, whether in fear or in faith, ultimately calling them to acknowledge Him as the Son of God who came to save the lost ([John 3:16-17](/john/3-16-17 "John 3:16-17 - God So Loved the World")).

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

Luke 8:34

When they that fed [them] saw what was done, they fled, and went and told [it] in the city and in the country.

Matthew 8:33

And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.