Mark 5:19

KJV

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit {G1161} Jesus {G2424} suffered {G863} him {G846} not {G3756}, but {G235} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Go {G5217} home {G1519}{G3624}{G4675} to {G4314} thy friends {G4674}, and {G2532} tell {G312} them {G846} how great things {G3745} the Lord {G2962} hath done {G4160} for thee {G4671}, and {G2532} hath had compassion {G1653} on thee {G4571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Yeshua would not permit it. Instead, he said to him, "Go home to your people, and tell them how much ADONAI in his mercy has done for you."

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus would not allow him. “Go home to your own people,” He said, “and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy He has shown you.”

American Standard Version

And he suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go to thy house unto thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and how he had mercy on thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:19 captures a profound moment following the miraculous deliverance of the Gerasene demoniac, where Jesus, contrary to the man's desire to follow Him, issues a unique and powerful directive: to return to his own community and bear witness to the transformative work the Lord had accomplished in his life. This command emphasizes the power of personal testimony, God's boundless compassion, and the strategic importance of sharing one's experience of divine grace within one's immediate sphere of influence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows one of the most dramatic and extensive healing narratives in the Gospels, detailed in [Mark 5:1-18](/mark/5-1-18 "Mark 5:1-18 - The Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac"). The man, possessed by a "legion" of demons, lived a tormented existence among the tombs, uncontrollable and violent. Jesus' encounter with him culminates in the casting out of these demons into a herd of swine, which then rush into the sea and drown. This act not only demonstrates Jesus' absolute authority over demonic forces but also brings complete restoration to the man, who is subsequently found "clothed, and in his right mind." The man, overwhelmed with gratitude and newfound freedom, naturally desires to accompany Jesus. However, Jesus' response in [Mark 5:19](/mark/5-19 "Mark 5:19 - Jesus' Command to the Healed Demoniac") is unexpected, diverging from His usual practice of commanding silence after miracles, setting the stage for a unique form of evangelism.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this miracle is the Decapolis, specifically the region of Gerasa (or Gadara, depending on the manuscript tradition), which was predominantly Gentile territory. Unlike Jewish areas where Jesus often commanded secrecy regarding His messianic identity (the "Messianic Secret"), this Gentile context may have influenced Jesus' directive. In a region less familiar with Jewish messianic expectations, a direct proclamation of Jesus as Messiah might have been misunderstood or prematurely incited political unrest. Instead, a personal testimony of God's power and compassion, expressed through the man's dramatic healing, would have been a more effective and less politically charged means of spreading the good news. The command to return "home to thy friends" underscores the importance of family and community ties in the ancient Near East, where one's identity and social network were deeply intertwined with their household and kin.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 5:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Personal Testimony and Witnessing**, demonstrating that the most effective evangelism often stems from a transformed life and the authentic sharing of one's experience with God's power. Secondly, it underscores **The Compassion of Christ**, as Jesus' actions are driven by profound empathy for the suffering, culminating in a complete restoration that extends beyond physical healing to spiritual and social reintegration. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's mercy, as seen in [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord's Compassion and Steadfast Love"). Thirdly, the "great things the Lord hath done" points to the theme of **Divine Power and Deliverance**, showcasing God's supreme authority over all evil and His ability to bring about radical, life-altering change. Finally, the directive "Go home to thy friends" introduces the theme of **Mission Begins at Home**, emphasizing that one's primary mission field often lies within one's closest relationships and immediate community before extending to a wider audience, a principle echoed in the broader call to be witnesses in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Scope of Apostolic Witness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **suffered (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This word, G863, means "to send forth," but in this context, "to permit" or "to allow." Jesus "suffered him not" indicates a deliberate and active refusal to grant the man's request to follow Him. It highlights Jesus' sovereign control over the situation and His specific, intentional purpose for the man.
* **tell (Greek, _anangéllō'_):** This word, G312, means "to announce (in detail)," "declare," or "report." It implies a full and comprehensive recounting of the events, not just a casual mention. The man is commissioned to give a detailed, personal account of his deliverance, emphasizing the thoroughness of his witness.
* **compassion (Greek, _eleéō'_):** This word, G1653, derived from _eleos_, means "to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)." It signifies active pity and kindness, often leading to tangible acts of deliverance and mercy. Here, it underscores the deep, empathetic motivation behind the Lord's "great things" done for the man, revealing a core attribute of God's character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howbeit Jesus suffered him not,"**: This clause immediately establishes a contrast with the man's desire to follow Jesus. Jesus' refusal is not a rejection but a redirection, indicating a specific purpose for the man that differs from the typical discipleship call. It highlights Jesus' authority and intentionality in His ministry.
* **"but saith unto him,"**: This serves as a transitional phrase, introducing Jesus' direct command. It underscores that Jesus' subsequent words are not merely suggestions but authoritative instructions, given with clarity and purpose.
* **"‹Go home to thy friends,"**: This is the first part of Jesus' specific command. Instead of joining Jesus' itinerant ministry, the man is sent back to his familiar environment and social network. This directive emphasizes the immediate and local sphere of influence as the primary mission field, leveraging existing relationships for the spread of the good news.
* **"and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee,"**: This is the core of the man's commission. He is to share his personal testimony, focusing on the magnitude ("how great things") of God's intervention. The emphasis is on what "the Lord" (God) has accomplished, framing the miracle within a broader divine narrative rather than solely on Jesus' personal power, which would be particularly significant in a Gentile context.
* **"and hath had compassion on thee.›"**: This final phrase provides the underlying motivation and character of the "great things." It reveals that God's powerful acts are not arbitrary displays of might but flow from His profound mercy and active pity for suffering humanity. This adds a crucial theological dimension, presenting God as not only powerful but also deeply benevolent.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 5:19 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast** or **Antithesis**, as Jesus' command ("suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home...") directly opposes the man's expressed desire to follow Him, creating a moment of unexpected redirection. This highlights Jesus' unique wisdom and strategic approach to evangelism. The passage also utilizes **Direct Discourse**, presenting Jesus' exact words, which lends immediacy and authority to His commission. Furthermore, the phrase "how great things the Lord hath done for thee" functions as a form of **Emphasis** or **Hyperbole**, underscoring the extraordinary and undeniable nature of the miracle. It is a powerful, declarative statement meant to impress upon the hearers the profound transformation that has occurred. Finally, the entire verse serves as a **Commissioning** or **Mandate**, where Jesus formally assigns a specific task to the newly healed man, transforming him from a recipient of grace into an active participant in God's redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:19 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God's mission and the role of the believer. It reveals that God's redemptive work is not confined to specific geographical locations or to a select group of followers, but extends to all, even those in Gentile territories. The command to "tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee" underscores that personal testimony, rooted in a genuine experience of divine grace and mercy, is a powerful and authentic means of proclaiming the Gospel. It shifts the focus from abstract theological concepts to the tangible, life-changing reality of God's intervention, making the message relatable and compelling to those within one's immediate sphere. This directive also highlights God's strategic wisdom, knowing that a transformed life, lived openly among one's own people, can be a more effective witness than a distant, theoretical proclamation.

* [Psalm 66:16](/psalms/66-16 "Psalm 66:16 - Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.")
* [Psalm 107:2](/psalms/107-2 "Psalm 107:2 - Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.")
* [Acts 4:20](/acts/4-20 "Acts 4:20 - For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 5:19 serves as a timeless reminder that our personal story of God's work in our lives is a potent tool for evangelism and discipleship. In a world often skeptical of abstract doctrines, a genuine, heartfelt testimony of "how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee" can cut through cynicism and touch hearts. This verse challenges us to consider our own "home" and "friends"—our families, neighbors, colleagues, and immediate communities—as our primary mission field. It reminds us that God often calls us to be witnesses right where we are, utilizing the relationships we already possess. Our transformed lives, lived out authentically and openly, become living sermons, demonstrating the power and compassion of Christ. This passage encourages us to embrace our unique journey with God and to courageously share the specific ways He has intervened, healed, and shown mercy, trusting that our personal narrative can powerfully point others to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great things" has the Lord done in your life that you can share with others?**
* **Who are the "friends" and "family" in your life with whom you are uniquely positioned to share your testimony?**
* **How does your personal story of God's compassion align with the broader message of the Gospel?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to be a witness in your immediate sphere of influence, rather than seeking a more distant or public platform?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus not allow the man to follow Him, as He did with other disciples?**

Answer: Jesus' decision not to allow the Gerasene demoniac to follow Him, unlike many others He called to discipleship (e.g., [Mark 1:16-20](/mark/1-16-20 "Mark 1:16-20 - The Calling of the First Disciples")), was a strategic and unique commissioning. Firstly, the setting was predominantly Gentile territory (the Decapolis). In this context, a direct proclamation of Jesus as Messiah might have been misunderstood or prematurely incited political or nationalistic fervor. Instead, a personal testimony of God's power and compassion, without explicit messianic claims, was a more effective way to prepare the ground for the Gospel. Secondly, Jesus often commanded silence in Jewish areas (the "Messianic Secret") to manage expectations and timing (e.g., [Mark 1:44](/mark/1-44 "Mark 1:44 - Jesus' Command to the Leper")). Here, in a Gentile region, the open proclamation of God's work was appropriate and necessary. Lastly, it highlights the principle that not everyone is called to the same form of ministry; some are called to itinerant ministry, while others are called to be witnesses within their local communities, leveraging their existing relationships. The man's transformed life served as a powerful, living witness in his own hometown.

**What is the significance of telling "friends" and "home" rather than a broader audience?**

Answer: The instruction to return "home to thy friends" is profoundly significant. It emphasizes that the first and often most impactful mission field for a believer is their immediate sphere of influence—family, friends, and community. These are the people who knew the man in his previous tormented state, making his testimony of complete transformation all the more compelling and undeniable. His life, now sane and restored, would serve as a living testament to "how great things the Lord hath done for thee." This directive teaches that effective evangelism often begins with authentic relationships and the sharing of personal experience, rather than solely through formal preaching to strangers. It underscores the power of relational evangelism and the idea that our transformed lives are powerful witnesses right where we are, as seen in the early church's growth in [Acts 2:42-47](/acts/2-42-47 "Acts 2:42-47 - The Fellowship of the Believers").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:19, while focusing on the Gerasene demoniac's testimony, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "great things the Lord hath done" for the man are a direct manifestation of God's power and compassion, fully embodied in Jesus. He is the Lord who casts out legions of demons, demonstrating absolute authority over the forces of darkness, a power that culminates in His triumph over sin and death on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The compassion shown to the demoniac foreshadows the boundless mercy of God extended to all humanity through Christ's atoning sacrifice, where He takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The man's commission to "tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee" becomes a prototype for the universal call to evangelism, fulfilled in the Great Commission, where disciples are sent to proclaim the "great things" of God's salvation through Christ to all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, the Gerasene demoniac's testimony, empowered by the Spirit, becomes a living parable of the Gospel's power to transform lives and the church's mission to bear witness to the compassionate, redeeming work of God in Christ 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

Psalms 66:16

Come [and] hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

John 4:29

Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

Daniel 6:25

¶ Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

Daniel 6:27

He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

Acts 22:1

¶ Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence [which I make] now unto you.

Acts 22:21

And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

Isaiah 38:9

¶ The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness: