Mark 5:16

KJV

And they that saw [it] told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and [also] concerning the swine.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they that saw {G1492} it told {G1334} them {G846} how {G4459} it befell {G1096} to him that was possessed with the devil {G1139}, and {G2532} also concerning {G4012} the swine {G5519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who had seen it told what had happened to the man con trolled by demons and to the pigs;

Berean Standard Bible

Those who had seen it described what had happened to the demon-possessed man and also to the pigs.

American Standard Version

And they that saw it declared unto them how it befell him that was possessed with demons, and concerning the swine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:16 records the immediate aftermath of Jesus' dramatic deliverance of the Gerasene demoniac, focusing on the eyewitnesses who reported the extraordinary events to the surrounding community. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, detailing the content of the herdsmen's testimony regarding both the man's miraculous healing from severe demonic oppression and the unexpected destruction of the large herd of swine, thereby setting the stage for the local populace's bewildered and fearful response to Jesus' power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the powerful narrative of Jesus' authority over demonic forces, specifically the healing of the Gerasene demoniac (also known as the Gadarene or Gergesene demoniac, depending on the manuscript and geographical interpretation). It immediately follows the climactic moment where Jesus permits a "Legion" of demons to enter a herd of approximately two thousand swine, which then rush headlong into the Sea of Galilee and drown [Mark 5:13](/mark/5-13 "Mark 5:13 - The Swine Drown"). The preceding verses vividly describe the man's tormented state—living among tombs, uncontrollable, self-harming—and the demons' recognition of Jesus' divine authority [Mark 5:7](/mark/5-7 "Mark 5:7 - Demons Recognize Jesus"). Verse 16, therefore, acts as the pivotal report that disseminates news of this astonishing miracle and its associated economic consequence, leading directly to the community's arrival and their subsequent reaction to Jesus [Mark 5:14-15](/mark/5-14-15 "Mark 5:14-15 - Herdsmen Report and People See").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Decapolis region, specifically the area of Gerasa (or Gadara/Gergesa), a Gentile territory on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. This explains the presence of swine, which were unclean animals according to Jewish law [Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - Unclean Animals"). The local economy likely included pig farming, making the loss of two thousand swine a significant financial blow to the community. In the ancient world, demonic possession was a widely accepted reality, often attributed to evil spirits or divine judgment, and those afflicted were frequently ostracized and feared. Jesus' power over such forces would have been perceived as utterly revolutionary and deeply unsettling, challenging existing understandings of spiritual authority and the natural order. The people's fear and request for Jesus to leave [Mark 5:17](/mark/5-17 "Mark 5:17 - People Ask Jesus to Leave") can be understood in light of this cultural context, where such raw, uncontained power, coupled with economic disruption, evoked terror rather than immediate faith.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 5:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it underscores the **unparalleled authority of Jesus** over all spiritual forces, even a vast multitude of demons like "Legion," demonstrating His divine power to restore wholeness and sanity to those utterly broken by evil [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **witness and testimony**, as those who "saw it" become the conveyors of the news, initiating the community's response. This foreshadows the broader call for disciples to bear witness to Jesus' works [Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission"). Thirdly, the verse implicitly touches upon the **cost of discipleship and divine intervention**; while a man is miraculously restored, there is a tangible economic loss, prompting a complex reaction from the community. This tension between spiritual deliverance and material consequence is a recurring motif in the Gospels, challenging the audience to prioritize the kingdom of God above worldly possessions [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb signifies not merely a casual glance but a direct, often profound, observation. In this context, it implies that the herdsmen were not just present but truly witnessed the entire, astonishing sequence of events—the demons' exodus, their entry into the swine, and the subsequent destruction of the herd. This direct seeing forms the basis of their credible, though fear-inducing, report.
* **told (Greek, _diēgéomai'_):** Derived from *dia* (through) and *hēgeomai* (to lead), this verb means "to relate fully" or "to declare." It suggests a comprehensive and detailed account, not just a brief mention. The herdsmen recounted the entire narrative, ensuring that the villagers understood the full scope of what had "befell" both the man and the swine, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of Jesus' actions.
* **possessed with the devil (Greek, _daimonízomai'_):** This term describes the state of being "exercised by a dæmon." It denotes a condition of being under the oppressive control or influence of an evil spirit. The use of this specific term highlights the severity of the man's previous affliction and underscores the miraculous nature of his complete liberation, as reported by the eyewitnesses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they that saw [it]":** This clause identifies the primary source of the information: the herdsmen who were directly present during the entire encounter between Jesus, the demoniac, and the swine. Their eyewitness status lends credibility and immediacy to the report that follows, emphasizing that the events were not hearsay but directly observed.
* **"told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil":** This specifies the first and most significant part of the herdsmen's testimony: the miraculous transformation of the demon-possessed man. "How it befell" (Greek: *pōs egéneto*) means "what happened" or "how it came about." The report would have detailed the man's former terrifying state and his sudden, complete restoration to sanity and composure, a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority over spiritual darkness.
* **"and [also] concerning the swine":** This second part of the report addresses the fate of the two thousand swine. While the healing of the man was the central miracle, the destruction of the swine was a highly visible and economically impactful consequence that would have been equally, if not more, shocking to the local, Gentile community. The inclusion of this detail highlights the full scope of the event and its tangible repercussions.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 5:16 effectively employs **Eyewitness Testimony** as a core narrative device, establishing the credibility and impact of the preceding miracle. By stating "they that saw it told them," the text immediately grounds the extraordinary events in verifiable human experience, making the subsequent reactions of the crowd more understandable. The verse also functions as a crucial piece of **Narrative Progression**, serving as the conduit through which the news of Jesus' power spreads, directly leading to the community's arrival and their subsequent interaction with Jesus. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** presented: the spiritual triumph of the man's deliverance is juxtaposed with the material loss of the swine, setting up the complex, fear-driven response of the local populace in the verses that follow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:16 powerfully illustrates the transformative power of Jesus and the human response to divine intervention. It underscores that true spiritual deliverance, while glorious, can have unexpected and sometimes costly earthly consequences, challenging people to confront their priorities. The eyewitnesses' report, though factual, elicits fear rather than faith from the community, revealing how human beings often react to overwhelming displays of God's power when it disrupts their comfort or economic stability. This verse highlights the tension between the kingdom of God breaking into the world and the world's often resistant or fearful reception of it.

* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")
* [Luke 8:39](/luke/8-39 "Luke 8:39 - The Healed Man Testifies")
* [Matthew 8:33-34](/matthew/8-33-34 "Matthew 8:33-34 - Parallel Account of the Swine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 5:16 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us of the critical role of testimony in sharing the Gospel: just as the herdsmen reported what they saw, we are called to be faithful witnesses to the transformative power of Christ in our own lives and in the world. Our stories, rooted in personal experience of God's work, can be powerful tools for evangelism, even if they sometimes provoke fear or discomfort in others. This verse also challenges us to examine our own reactions to God's intervention. Do we prioritize spiritual restoration and the miraculous display of God's power, or are we more concerned with material comfort and the disruption of our established norms? The Gerasenes' response serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to embrace God's kingdom with faith, even when it demands a reordering of our priorities or challenges our worldly security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the eyewitness account in Mark 5:16 encourage or challenge your own willingness to share your testimony of God's work?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Gerasenes, prioritize material comfort or earthly security over the radical transformation offered by Jesus?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the potential "cost" or unexpected consequences of God's powerful work in the world?**

### FAQ

**Why did the destruction of the swine evoke such a strong, fearful reaction from the community?**

Answer: The destruction of the swine, numbering around two thousand, represented a significant economic loss to the local community in the Decapolis region. While the healing of the demoniac was a profound miracle, the immediate and tangible impact of such a massive financial setback, coupled with the sheer, raw power displayed by Jesus, overwhelmed the people. Their fear was likely a combination of awe at Jesus' authority, alarm over the economic damage, and perhaps a superstitious dread of a power that could so easily disrupt their lives and livelihoods. They preferred their familiar, albeit demon-plagued, existence to the unsettling presence of a divine power that operated beyond their control and understanding, leading them to ask Jesus to leave their region [Mark 5:17](/mark/5-17 "Mark 5:17 - People Ask Jesus to Leave").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:16, while detailing a specific miracle of deliverance, points profoundly to the broader Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' authority over "Legion" of demons and His ability to restore a man from utter brokenness foreshadow His ultimate victory over sin, death, and all the powers of darkness that hold humanity captive. The man's transformation from a self-destructive, outcast individual to one "clothed, and in his right mind" [Mark 5:15](/mark/5-15 "Mark 5:15 - The Healed Man Transformed") is a vivid picture of the spiritual liberation that Christ offers to all who are enslaved by sin. Just as the demons were cast out and destroyed, so too does Christ, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, disarm and triumph over the spiritual forces of evil [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). The "cost" of the swine, though a material loss, prefigures the infinitely greater cost of our salvation—the very life of the Son of God, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Ultimately, this narrative in Mark highlights Jesus as the powerful Savior who came to set the captives free, not just from demonic oppression, but from the spiritual bondage of sin, offering true and lasting restoration to all who believe in Him [Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from the Law of Sin and Death").

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.