Mark 5:18

And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.

And {G2532} when he {G846} was come {G1684} into {G1519} the ship {G4143}, he that had been possessed with the devil {G1139} prayed {G3870} him {G846} that {G2443} he might be {G5600} with {G3326} him {G846}.

As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been demonized begged him to be allowed to go with him.

As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by the demons begged to go with Him.

And as he was entering into the boat, he that had been possessed with demons besought him that he might be with him.

Mark 5:18 KJV captures a poignant moment immediately following one of Jesus' most dramatic miracles: the exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac. This verse reveals the heartfelt desire of the newly freed man to remain with his deliverer, Jesus.

Context

This verse directly follows the remarkable account of Jesus casting a "legion" of demons out of a man who lived among the tombs, terrorizing the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes in some accounts). The demons, at their own request, were sent into a herd of pigs, which then rushed down a steep bank into the sea and drowned. The herdsmen fled and reported what happened, causing the local people to come out and find the formerly possessed man sitting, clothed, and in his right mind. Their reaction was fear, and they begged Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus prepared to depart by ship, the healed man approached Him.

Key Themes

  • Profound Gratitude and Transformation: The man's request to be with Jesus is a powerful testament to the radical change he experienced. From being a tormented, outcast individual, he was restored to sanity and peace, demonstrating the liberating power of Christ. His desire to follow Jesus reflects a deep appreciation for his deliverance.
  • Desire for Discipleship: The man's plea, "that he might be with him," echoes the common pattern of those who wished to become Jesus' followers. In ancient Jewish culture, students would often "be with" their rabbi to learn from him. This man instinctively wanted to be a disciple.
  • Divine Commission: While his desire was noble, Jesus' response in the subsequent verses (Mark 5:19-20) reveals a different, yet equally vital, calling for this individual. This highlights that God's plan for individuals may not always align with their initial expectations, but is always for a greater purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "prayed him" (from the Greek parekalei) indicates a strong plea or earnest request, not just a casual ask. It conveys the sincerity and intensity of the man's desire to accompany Jesus, underscoring his profound gratitude and newfound devotion after his deliverance.

Practical Application

Mark 5:18 offers several lessons for believers today:

  • Response to Deliverance: When we experience God's transforming power in our lives, whether through salvation from sin or deliverance from specific struggles, our natural response should be profound gratitude and a desire to draw closer to Him.
  • Diverse Callings: While this man desired to join Jesus' immediate circle of disciples, Jesus had a unique mission for him: to return home and testify to what the Lord had done for him. This reminds us that God calls people to serve Him in various ways and places, often right where they are. Our personal testimony is a powerful tool for evangelism, as seen in Mark 5:20.
  • The Power of Witness: The man's willingness to "be with" Jesus was transformed into a commission to "go and tell." This emphasizes the importance of sharing our personal stories of God's grace and power with our families, friends, and communities.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 8:38

    Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

  • Luke 8:39

    Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

  • Philippians 1:23

    For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

  • Philippians 1:24

    Nevertheless to abide in the flesh [is] more needful for you.

  • Mark 5:17

    And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.

  • Mark 5:7

    And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, [thou] Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

  • Psalms 116:12

    What shall I render unto the LORD [for] all his benefits toward me?

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