Mark 5:3

KJV

Who had [his] dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3739} had {G2192} his dwelling {G2731} among {G1722} the tombs {G3419}; and {G2532} no man {G3762} could {G1410} bind {G1210} him {G846}, no, not {G3777} with chains {G254}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He lived in the burial caves; and no one could keep him tied up, not even with a chain.

Berean Standard Bible

This man had been living in the tombs and could no longer be restrained, even with chains.

American Standard Version

who had his dwelling in the tombs: and no man could any more bind him, no, not with a chain;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:3 vividly portrays the desperate and terrifying condition of the Gerasene demoniac, a man utterly alienated from human society and consumed by demonic power. Living among tombs, a place of ritual impurity and death, his existence was marked by profound isolation and an uncontrollable, supernatural strength that rendered all human attempts at restraint futile. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' dramatic encounter, highlighting the extreme bondage from which only divine intervention could deliver.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:**
Mark 5:3 is an integral part of the narrative of Jesus' encounter with the Gerasene demoniac, which spans [Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "Mark 5:1-20 - The Gerasene Demoniac"). Immediately preceding this verse, [Mark 5:1-2](/mark/5-1-2 "Mark 5:1-2 - Jesus Arrives in Gerasa") describes Jesus and His disciples arriving on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, a predominantly Gentile region, and being immediately met by a man with an unclean spirit. Verse 3, along with [Mark 5:4-5](/mark/5-4-5 "Mark 5:4-5 - The Demoniac's Uncontrollable State"), elaborates on the man's horrific condition, emphasizing his dwelling place among the tombs and the futility of any human attempt to control him. This detailed description serves to heighten the dramatic tension and underscore the profound spiritual bondage the man experienced, setting the stage for Jesus' unparalleled display of authority over demonic forces. The narrative then progresses to the demons' plea, their entry into a herd of pigs, and the subsequent reaction of the local populace, culminating in the man's restoration and his mission to proclaim Jesus' power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:**
The setting for this event is the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes/Gergesenes, depending on the Gospel account), located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. This area was predominantly Gentile, characterized by a different cultural and religious landscape than Jewish Galilee. Tombs, or burial caves, were considered ritually unclean in Jewish law ([Numbers 19:16](/numbers/19-16 "Numbers 19:16 - Ritual Impurity from a Corpse")). For a person to dwell among them indicated extreme social ostracization, ritual impurity, and a profound state of spiritual and physical degradation. Such individuals were often feared and avoided, seen as dangerous or cursed. The mention of "chains" (Greek: `hálysis`) reflects common methods of restraint used in the ancient world for dangerous individuals, whether criminals or those deemed mad. The inability of "no man" to bind him, even with such strong implements, highlights the supernatural nature of his affliction, distinguishing it from mere mental illness and pointing to a demonic source. This context underscores the man's utter helplessness and the community's inability to provide a solution.

* **Key Themes:**
Mark 5:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Extreme Spiritual Bondage**, depicting a man utterly enslaved by demonic forces, beyond any human capacity for control or liberation. This highlights the devastating reality of spiritual warfare and the profound need for divine intervention, a theme echoed in other accounts of Jesus' exorcisms, such as the healing of the boy with a demon in [Mark 9:14-29](/mark/9-14-29 "Mark 9:14-29 - Jesus Heals a Demoniac Boy"). Secondly, the man's dwelling among the tombs underscores themes of **Isolation and Despair**, portraying a life cut off from community, hope, and peace, a common consequence of severe spiritual oppression. This resonates with the broader biblical understanding of sin and evil leading to separation from God and humanity, as seen in the lamentations of the psalmist in [Psalm 88:5-6](/psalm/88-5-6 "Psalm 88:5-6 - A Prayer from the Depths"). Thirdly, the repeated failure of human attempts to bind him emphasizes **Human Helplessness** in the face of supernatural evil, a motif that consistently points to the limitations of human power and wisdom when confronting spiritual darkness. This sets the stage for the demonstration of Jesus' unique and supreme authority, a recurring theme throughout Mark's Gospel, where Jesus' power over sickness, nature, and demons is consistently displayed, as in [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:17 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwelling (Greek, _katoíkēsis'_):** Derived from `katoikeō` (to settle down, dwell), this noun signifies a permanent residence or habitation. Its use here emphasizes that the man's presence among the tombs was not temporary or accidental, but a settled, entrenched condition. It conveys the depth of his alienation and the fixed nature of his tragic existence, highlighting his complete severance from normal human society and domesticity.
* **could (Greek, _dýnamai'_):** This verb means "to be able" or "to be possible." In the negative ("no man could"), it underscores the absolute inability of any human agent to control or restrain the demoniac. It points to a power beyond human capacity, indicating that the man's strength was supernatural, a direct consequence of the demonic influence, and thus immune to conventional human force.
* **bind (Greek, _déō'_): evidently):** A primary verb meaning "to bind" or "to tie," often referring to physical restraint with ropes or chains. Its repeated application in this context (implied by the futility of binding) highlights the desperate and persistent attempts by people to subdue the man. The failure to "bind" him, even with "chains," emphasizes the extraordinary, uncontrollable power exerted by the demonic entity, rendering human efforts utterly ineffective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who had his dwelling among the tombs":** This clause immediately establishes the man's profound social and spiritual isolation. "Tombs" (Greek: `mnēmeîon`) were places of death and ritual impurity in Jewish culture, making them an abhorrent dwelling for a living person. This detail paints a vivid picture of a life utterly cut off from community, hygiene, and hope, suggesting a state of extreme degradation and perhaps even a symbolic living death. It underscores the extent of his affliction and his complete alienation from the normal patterns of human existence.
* **"and no man could bind him, no, not with chains":** This powerful declaration underscores the supernatural nature of the man's strength and the futility of human intervention. The phrase "no man" (Greek: `oudeís`) emphasizes the universal failure of all attempts to restrain him, regardless of the method or strength applied. The explicit mention of "chains" (Greek: `hálysis`), a robust means of physical restraint, further highlights that his power transcended ordinary human capability. This detail serves to magnify the severity of his demonic possession, setting the stage for the display of Jesus' unique and supreme authority, which alone could overcome such a formidable force.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 5:3 effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey the man's horrific condition and build dramatic tension. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the man's uncontrollable strength, where "no man could bind him, no, not with chains" emphasizes the absolute futility of human efforts. This exaggeration highlights the supernatural nature of his power, far beyond normal human capabilities. The setting, "among the tombs," serves as powerful **symbolism** for death, impurity, and isolation. It visually represents the man's spiritual and social death, his severance from the living, and his profound alienation. This **setting** also functions as a **foreshadowing** device, preparing the reader for the extraordinary power that Jesus will demonstrate, as only a divine authority could overcome such an entrenched and formidable evil. The vivid imagery used to describe his dwelling and the failed attempts to bind him creates a strong sense of **pathos**, evoking sympathy for the man's plight and underscoring the desperate need for intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:3 profoundly illustrates the destructive power of spiritual bondage and the limitations of human strength in confronting supernatural evil. The man's dwelling among the tombs and his uncontrollable strength signify a state of complete alienation from God and humanity, a living testament to the devastating effects of sin and demonic influence. Theologically, this verse underscores the biblical truth that true liberation from such profound spiritual captivity cannot be achieved through human means, whether physical restraint or conventional remedies. It sets the stage for the revelation of Jesus' unique divine authority, demonstrating that He alone possesses the power to confront and conquer the forces of darkness, bringing about radical transformation and restoration. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's desperate need for a divine deliverer, one who can break chains that no human hand can sever.

* [Luke 8:29](/luke/8-29 "Luke 8:29 - The Demoniac's Chains Broken")
* [Acts 19:16](/acts/19-16 "Acts 19:16 - The Sons of Sceva Overpowered")
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling depiction of the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 5:3 serves as a stark reminder of the reality of spiritual bondage and the profound limitations of human power in the face of overwhelming spiritual forces. In our own lives, we may encounter situations, whether personal struggles, societal ills, or spiritual attacks, that feel as uncontrollable and insurmountable as the demoniac's condition. This verse calls us to acknowledge that some battles are beyond our human capacity to resolve through sheer willpower, intellect, or conventional means. It challenges us to recognize the spiritual dimension of suffering and to cultivate a posture of humility, understanding that true and lasting freedom often requires a power far greater than our own. Just as no chain could hold the demoniac, we too can find ourselves bound by habits, fears, or spiritual strongholds that defy our best efforts. This passage compels us to look beyond human solutions and to place our trust in the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ, who alone possesses the power to break every chain and bring light into the darkest of tombs. It invites us to consider where we might be attempting to "bind" what only Christ can truly set free.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "chains" in your life or the lives of those you know seem unbreakable by human effort?**
* **How does the man's dwelling "among the tombs" speak to conditions of isolation or despair that people experience today?**
* **In what areas are you tempted to rely solely on your own strength or conventional solutions, rather than seeking divine intervention?**
* **How does this verse prepare you to appreciate Jesus' power and authority in a deeper way?**

### FAQ

**Why was the man living among the tombs?**

Answer: The man was living among the tombs primarily due to his severe demonic possession, which had alienated him from human society and driven him to a desolate, unclean existence. In ancient Jewish culture, tombs were considered ritually impure places ([Numbers 19:16](/numbers/19-16 "Numbers 19:16 - Ritual Impurity from a Corpse")), and contact with them rendered a person unclean. For someone to dwell there indicated a complete severance from community, a profound state of degradation, and perhaps a reflection of his "living death" under the control of evil spirits. It was a place of isolation and despair, highlighting the extreme extent of his affliction and his inability to function within normal human society. The demons likely compelled him to this fringe existence, further emphasizing their destructive power over his life.

**What does it mean that "no man could bind him, no, not with chains"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the supernatural and uncontrollable strength the man possessed due to his demonic influence. It means that despite repeated attempts by people to restrain him, even using the strongest available physical means like chains (as further detailed in [Mark 5:4](/mark/5-4 "Mark 5:4 - Breaking Chains and Fetters")), all human efforts proved utterly futile. This detail serves to highlight that his condition was not merely a physical or mental illness that could be managed by conventional means, but a profound spiritual bondage requiring a power far beyond human capability. It sets the stage for Jesus' dramatic intervention, underscoring that only divine authority could overcome such a formidable and entrenched evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:3, with its vivid portrayal of a man utterly enslaved by demonic power and beyond human remedy, powerfully foreshadows the comprehensive liberating work of Jesus Christ. The man's dwelling among the tombs, a place of death and ritual impurity, symbolizes humanity's fallen state, alienated from God and living in the shadow of spiritual death, as described by Paul in [Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1-3 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sins"). Just as no earthly chain could bind the demoniac, no human effort or law could truly liberate humanity from the bondage of sin and the dominion of darkness. Christ, however, entered into this realm of spiritual death, not to be defiled, but to conquer. His encounter with the Gerasene demoniac is a microcosm of His greater mission: to "proclaim liberty to the captives" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")) and to "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Purpose of Christ's Coming")). Through His cross and resurrection, Jesus decisively triumphed over "principalities and powers" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")), breaking the chains of sin, death, and demonic oppression that bind humanity. He is the only one who can bring the dead to life and restore those living in spiritual tombs to true freedom and fellowship with God, offering a new dwelling place in His presence rather than among the graves.

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

Isaiah 65:4

Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels;

Daniel 4:32

And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling [shall be] with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

Daniel 4:33

The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' [feathers], and his nails like birds' [claws].

Luke 8:29

(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

Mark 9:18

And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

Mark 9:22

And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.