Mark 5:15

KJV

And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they come {G2064} to {G4314} Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} see {G2334} him that was possessed with the devil {G1139}, and had {G2192} the legion {G3003}, sitting {G2521}, and {G2532} clothed {G2439}, and {G2532} in his right mind {G4993}: and {G2532} they were afraid {G5399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They came to Yeshua and saw the man who had had the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were frightened.

Berean Standard Bible

When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons sitting there, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.

American Standard Version

And they come to Jesus, and behold him that was possessed with demons sitting, clothed and in his right mind, even him that had the legion: and they were afraid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:15 vividly portrays the aftermath of Jesus' dramatic deliverance of the Gerasene demoniac, showcasing the man's profound transformation from a wild, uncontrollable individual to one sitting peacefully, clothed, and in his right mind. This astonishing sight, witnessed by the local populace who had gathered after the destruction of the swine, evoked not joy or wonder, but a deep-seated fear, highlighting the unsettling nature of encountering raw divine power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic observation following one of Jesus' most extraordinary miracles. Immediately preceding this, Jesus and His disciples had crossed the Sea of Galilee, encountering a man so fiercely possessed by a "Legion" of demons that no one could bind him, and he lived among the tombs, constantly crying out and cutting himself ([Mark 5:1-5](/mark/5-1-5 "Mark 5:1-5 - The Gerasene Demoniac")). Jesus confronted the demons, who, recognizing His authority, begged Him not to send them out of the region but into a nearby herd of pigs. Upon Jesus' command, the demons entered the approximately two thousand pigs, which then rushed down a steep bank into the sea and drowned ([Mark 5:11-13](/mark/5-11-13 "Mark 5:11-13 - The Demons Enter the Swine")). The swineherds fled to the city and countryside, spreading the news, which prompted the people to come out and see what had happened, setting the stage for their encounter with the transformed man in [Mark 5:15](/mark/5-15 "Mark 5:15 - The Transformed Man").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the "country of the Gerasenes" (or Gadarenes in some accounts), a predominantly Gentile region on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. This explains the presence of a large herd of pigs, which were considered unclean animals under Jewish law ([Leviticus 11:7-8](/leviticus/11-7-8 "Leviticus 11:7-8 - Unclean Animals")). The term "Legion" (Greek: _legiōn_) refers to a Roman military unit, typically comprising several thousand soldiers, underscoring the immense number and organized nature of the demonic forces that had possessed the man. The people's fear, while partly due to the significant economic loss from the drowned pigs, also stemmed from a deep-seated awe and terror when confronted with the raw, untamed power of God, a common reaction in biblical narratives when humans encounter the divine ([Luke 5:26](/luke/5-26 "Luke 5:26 - Amazement and Fear at Jesus' Power")).

* **Key Themes:** Mark 5:15 powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is Jesus' unparalleled **authority over the spiritual realm**, demonstrating His sovereignty not only over nature (as seen in [Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35-41 "Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) but also over the most formidable demonic forces. The radical **transformation** of the demoniac—from a wild, self-destructive outcast to a calm, clothed, and "in his right mind" individual—serves as a profound testament to Christ's power to bring comprehensive healing and restoration, symbolizing the new creation found in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Finally, the people's reaction of **fear** highlights the often-unsettling nature of encountering divine power, which can challenge human comfort zones and economic interests, prompting a range of responses from reverence to rejection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **possessed with the devil (Greek, _daimonízomai'_):** This term, derived from _daimōn_ (demon), signifies being under the influence or control of a demon or evil spirit. In this context, it describes the man's prior state of being afflicted and tormented by a multitude of demonic entities, highlighting the severity of his spiritual bondage.
* **in his right mind (Greek, _sōphronéō'_):** This word conveys the idea of being of sound mind, sane, or moderate. It denotes a state of mental clarity, self-control, and rational thought, representing a complete reversal from the man's previous chaotic and irrational behavior. It speaks to a restoration not just of sanity, but of inner composure and spiritual order.
* **were afraid (Greek, _phobéō'_):** This verb means to frighten or, passively, to be alarmed. It can also imply being in awe of or revering. In this verse, it captures the profound fear and awe experienced by the witnesses, a reaction to the overwhelming display of Jesus' power and the dramatic, costly consequences of the miracle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they come to Jesus":** This phrase marks the arrival of the local inhabitants—from the city and countryside—who had heard the news from the swineherds. Their approach is driven by curiosity and concern, seeking to verify the extraordinary reports.
* **"and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion":** This clause describes the object of their gaze: the very man who had been notoriously afflicted by a vast number of demons (a "legion"). The emphasis is on recognizing him as the same individual, making his subsequent state even more astounding.
* **"sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind":** This is the core of the verse's astonishing revelation. The man, previously uncontrollable, naked, and self-harming, is now depicted in a state of remarkable peace and normalcy. "Sitting" implies a posture of calm and composure, "clothed" signifies dignity and social integration, and "in his right mind" denotes mental and spiritual restoration. This tripartite description powerfully contrasts his former chaotic existence.
* **"and they were afraid":** This final clause reveals the profound and unexpected reaction of the witnesses. Instead of rejoicing at the man's deliverance, they are struck with fear. This fear is not merely of the economic loss (the drowned pigs) but a deep, unsettling awe at the raw, untamed power of Jesus, which disrupted their familiar world and demonstrated a divine authority beyond their comprehension.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 5:15 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is central to the verse's power. The man's former state—wild, naked, uncontrollable, demon-possessed—is starkly contrasted with his new condition: "sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind." This dramatic juxtaposition underscores the profound nature of Jesus' transformative power. **Symbolism** is also at play; the "Legion" of demons symbolizes overwhelming, organized evil, while the man being "clothed" symbolizes restored dignity and social acceptance, and "sitting" symbolizes peace and submission to Christ's authority. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** in the people's reaction: instead of celebrating a miraculous healing and deliverance, they respond with fear, highlighting humanity's often-uncomfortable encounter with divine power that disrupts the status quo.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:15 profoundly illustrates Jesus' absolute sovereignty over all spiritual forces, demonstrating that no bondage, however severe or numerous its agents, is beyond His power to break. The man's complete restoration—physical, mental, and spiritual—serves as a powerful testament to the holistic nature of Christ's redemptive work, bringing order out of chaos and sanity to the afflicted. This encounter also highlights the challenging reality that divine power, while bringing liberation and healing, can also provoke fear and discomfort in those who witness it, especially when it disrupts established norms or economic interests. It compels us to consider our own response to God's transformative work: do we embrace it with faith and worship, or are we intimidated by its magnitude and the changes it might demand?

* [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")
* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")
* [Luke 8:37](/luke/8-37 "Luke 8:37 - The People's Request for Jesus to Depart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The radical transformation of the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 5:15 offers immense hope and a powerful reminder of Jesus' ability to bring wholeness to even the most desperate and seemingly irredeemable situations. This narrative assures us that no spiritual bondage, mental affliction, or emotional brokenness is too entrenched for Christ to overcome. For believers, it reinforces the truth that God's power is not limited by the severity of our past or present struggles; He can bring order out of chaos, sanity out of madness, and dignity to the marginalized. The people's fear, while understandable given the circumstances, also serves as a poignant challenge: when confronted with God's raw, transformative power, do we respond with awe and faith, or with fear and a desire for Him to depart? This passage calls us to embrace the disruptive, yet ultimately liberating, power of Christ and, like the delivered man who later became a missionary in the Decapolis ([Mark 5:20](/mark/5-20 "Mark 5:20 - The Man's Testimony in the Decapolis")), to share our own testimonies of His mighty work in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need Christ's transformative power to bring order, sanity, or wholeness?**
* **How do you typically react when God's power manifests in ways that challenge your comfort zone or expectations?**
* **What does this passage teach you about Jesus' authority over spiritual forces, and how does that encourage you in your own spiritual battles?**
* **Considering the man's transformation, how might you be called to share your personal testimony of God's work in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why were the people afraid of the transformed man and Jesus, rather than rejoicing?**

Answer: The people's fear was multifaceted. While the significant economic loss from the drowned pigs certainly played a role, their primary fear was likely a deep-seated awe and terror at the sheer, untamed power displayed by Jesus. They witnessed a dramatic, supernatural event that defied their understanding and disrupted their familiar world. This kind of fear often arises when humans encounter the raw, uncontrollable might of God, which can be both comforting and profoundly unsettling. It was a fear of the divine, a recognition of a power that could not be managed or contained by human means, leading them to ask Jesus to leave their region ([Mark 5:17](/mark/5-17 "Mark 5:17 - The People's Request for Jesus to Depart")).

**What happened to the man after he was delivered and found in his right mind?**

Answer: After his miraculous deliverance, the man desired to follow Jesus ([Mark 5:18](/mark/5-18 "Mark 5:18 - The Man's Desire to Follow Jesus")). However, Jesus had a different mission for him. Instead of allowing him to join the disciples, Jesus commanded him to return home to his friends and family and "declare how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you" ([Mark 5:19](/mark/5-19 "Mark 5:19 - Jesus' Command to the Delivered Man")). The man obeyed, going throughout the Decapolis (a region of ten Gentile cities) and proclaiming what Jesus had done for him, astonishing everyone ([Mark 5:20](/mark/5-20 "Mark 5:20 - The Man's Testimony in the Decapolis")). He became an unexpected and powerful missionary to a Gentile region.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:15, with its vivid depiction of radical transformation, points powerfully to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' authority over the "Legion" of demons foreshadows His ultimate victory over all the powers of darkness, sin, and death. He is the one who comes 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")), liberating humanity from spiritual bondage. The man's transition from a state of wildness and self-destruction to being "clothed, and in his right mind" is a profound illustration of the new creation that takes place in Christ. Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), offering true freedom and restoration to all who believe. He brings not just physical or mental healing, but a spiritual renewal that reorders the very core of one's being, transforming individuals from slaves to sin and darkness into children of light, empowered to live in the "right mind" of Christ, marked by peace, self-control, and purpose ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1-2 "Romans 8:1-2 - Freedom from Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). The fear of the onlookers, though a natural human reaction to overwhelming divine power, ultimately points to the necessity of recognizing Jesus as Lord, the one before whom "every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")).

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

Colossians 1:13

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1 Samuel 6:20

And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?

1 Samuel 6:21

And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, [and] fetch it up to you.

Luke 8:27

And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in [any] house, but in the tombs.

Mark 5:9

And he asked him, What [is] thy name? And he answered, saying, My name [is] Legion: for we are many.

Luke 10:39

And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.