Mark 5:4

KJV

Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any [man] tame him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because {G1223} that he {G846} had been often {G4178} bound {G1210} with fetters {G3976} and {G2532} chains {G254}, and {G2532} the chains {G254} had been plucked asunder {G1288} by {G5259} him {G846}, and {G2532} the fetters {G3976} broken in pieces {G4937}: neither {G2532} could {G2480} any man tame {G1150} him {G846}{G3762}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He had often been chained hand and foot, but he would snap the chains and break the irons off his feet, and no one was strong enough to control him.

Berean Standard Bible

Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him.

American Standard Version

because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been rent asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: and no man had strength to tame him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:4 vividly portrays the terrifying and uncontrollable state of the Gerasene demoniac, emphasizing the utter futility of human attempts to restrain or subdue him. Despite repeated efforts to bind him with chains and fetters, his demonic strength enabled him to shatter these restraints, highlighting his feral nature and the profound helplessness of those around him, thereby setting the stage for the unparalleled divine authority of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the dramatic encounter between Jesus and the Gerasene demoniac, immediately following Jesus' miraculous calming of the storm on the Sea of Galilee in [Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35-41 "Jesus Calms the Storm"). Upon arriving on the eastern shore, Jesus is immediately confronted by this man, whose terrifying state is described in [Mark 5:2-3](/mark/5-2-3 "The Gerasene Demoniac's Dwelling"). Verse 4 specifically elaborates on the man's superhuman strength and the repeated, failed attempts by people to bind him, building upon the description of his dwelling among the tombs and his wild, unrestrained behavior. This detailed portrayal of human impotence serves to magnify the divine power and authority Jesus is about to demonstrate over the spiritual realm, preparing the reader for the profound deliverance that follows in [Mark 5:6-13](/mark/5-6-13 "Jesus Casts Out the Legion of Demons").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, mental illness, epilepsy, and other severe conditions were often attributed to demonic possession, especially when accompanied by unusual strength or self-destructive behavior. The region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes, depending on the manuscript tradition) was a Gentile area, indicated by the presence of pigs later in the narrative ([Mark 5:11-13](/mark/5-11-13 "The Herd of Pigs")). The practice of attempting to restrain violent individuals with chains was common, reflecting the limited understanding and resources available for such severe cases. The man's dwelling among the tombs was particularly unsettling, as tombs were considered ritually unclean and associated with death and evil spirits, further emphasizing his profound alienation and the depth of his spiritual bondage within the cultural understanding of the time.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 5:4 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Human Helplessness vs. Divine Power**, showcasing the absolute inability of human strength or conventional methods to contend with profound spiritual bondage. The broken chains symbolize the limitations of human effort against the overwhelming force of evil, setting a stark contrast with the immediate and effortless authority Jesus displays over the demon in [Mark 5:8](/mark/5-8 "Jesus' Command to the Unclean Spirit"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Destructive Nature of Demonic Influence**, revealing how evil spirits can utterly dominate and degrade a human being, leading to a life of isolation, torment, and wildness, where the individual is stripped of dignity and control. Finally, by presenting the man as utterly untamable by any human means, the narrative builds a profound **Anticipation of Christ's Authority**, underscoring the unique and unparalleled power of Jesus to confront and conquer the most formidable forces of darkness, a theme central to Mark's portrayal of Jesus as the powerful Son of God (see also [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bound (Greek, _déō'_):** This primary verb signifies to "bind" in various applications, literally or figuratively. Here, it refers to the physical restraint attempted by people using fetters and chains. The repeated attempts to bind him underscore the desperation and the man's extraordinary, unyielding strength, which consistently defied these human efforts.
* **plucked asunder (Greek, _diaspáō'_):** Derived from "through" (διά) and "to draw" (σπάω), this word means "to draw apart," "sever," or "dismember." It conveys a violent and complete tearing apart of the chains, indicating not just a breaking, but a forceful disintegration of the bonds, emphasizing the sheer power exerted by the demoniac.
* **broken in pieces (Greek, _syntríbō'_):** This compound word, meaning "to crush completely" or "to shatter," further intensifies the imagery of destruction. While _diaspáō_ suggests tearing, _syntríbō_ implies a pulverizing, a total demolition of the fetters. Together, these two verbs paint a picture of utter devastation of any restraint, reinforcing the man's untamable nature.
* **tame (Greek, _damázō'_):** This word, often used in the context of taming wild animals (as seen in [James 3:7](/james/3-7 "The Taming of the Tongue")), vividly portrays the man's uncontrollable, animalistic, and feral state under demonic influence. It highlights that human efforts to bring him under control, as one would a wild beast, were utterly futile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains":** This clause explains the reason for the man's current untamed state, establishing a history of repeated attempts by people to restrain him. The phrase "often bound" (pollákis déō) indicates persistent, but ultimately unsuccessful, efforts to control him using conventional means of physical restraint, highlighting the community's desperation and the man's extraordinary condition.
* **"and the chains had been plucked asunder by him":** This part reveals the man's terrifying strength, which allowed him to violently tear apart the chains used to bind him. The passive voice ("had been plucked asunder") combined with "by him" emphasizes that the destruction of the chains was a direct result of his superhuman, demonically-empowered force, not a mere weakening of the material.
* **"and the fetters broken in pieces":** This clause further elaborates on the destruction of the restraints, specifically mentioning "fetters" (pédē), which were shackles for the feet. The verb "broken in pieces" (syntríbō) suggests a complete shattering, reinforcing the image of utter demolition and the man's overwhelming power that no human-made restraint could withstand.
* **"neither could any [man] tame him":** This concluding statement summarizes the absolute inability of humanity to control or subdue the demoniac. The word "tame" (damázō) evokes the taming of wild beasts, underscoring the man's feral and dangerous nature. The phrase "neither could any man" (oudeís ischýō) emphatically declares the universal failure of human strength, will, or ingenuity against the spiritual power manifesting through him.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 5:4 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore the demoniac's terrifying condition and the futility of human intervention. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the man's strength, as he repeatedly shatters chains and fetters. While seemingly literal, the emphasis on "often bound" and the complete destruction of such strong restraints exaggerates the man's physical power to highlight the supernatural force at play, making his untamable nature abundantly clear. **Symbolism** is also prominent; the "fetters and chains" represent human attempts at control and order, while their "plucked asunder" and "broken in pieces" state symbolizes the utter breakdown of human authority and the inability of physical means to contain spiritual chaos. Furthermore, the verse uses **Antithesis** by implicitly contrasting the overwhelming power of the demonic realm, as manifested through the man, with the abject powerlessness of human beings to bring him under control. This stark contrast serves to amplify the extraordinary nature of the divine power that Jesus is about to demonstrate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:4 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of spiritual bondage and the limitations of human effort in confronting it. The man's untamable state, despite repeated attempts at physical restraint, powerfully illustrates that some forms of captivity, particularly those rooted in spiritual oppression, are beyond the scope of human strength, wisdom, or conventional methods. This verse highlights the devastating effects of evil, not merely as a moral failing but as an external, powerful force that can utterly dominate and dehumanize an individual, leading to a life of isolation and torment. Theologically, it underscores the necessity of divine intervention for true liberation, setting the stage for Jesus' unique authority over all creation, including the spiritual realm. It is a stark reminder that humanity's deepest problems often require a solution far beyond human capacity.

* [Luke 8:29](/luke/8-29 "The Gerasene Demoniac in Luke's Gospel") - Luke's parallel account also emphasizes the man's breaking of bonds and being driven by the demon into the wilderness.
* [Acts 19:16](/acts/19-16 "The Sons of Sceva Overpowered") - This passage illustrates the danger and futility of attempting to cast out demons without genuine divine authority, showing the physical overpowering of those who tried.
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces") - This verse explicitly states that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil, echoing the idea that human strength is insufficient against such powers.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 5:4 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful reflection for our lives. It confronts us with the reality that some forms of bondage—whether spiritual strongholds, deeply ingrained destructive habits, overwhelming addictions, or even societal evils—are beyond our human capacity to "tame" or break free from on our own. Just as the chains and fetters were useless against the demoniac's power, so too are our best intentions, self-discipline, or external controls often insufficient against the spiritual forces or internal compulsions that hold us captive. This verse compels us to recognize our limits and to humbly acknowledge that true freedom and deliverance come not from our own strength or ingenuity, but from a power infinitely greater than our own. It calls us to look beyond human solutions to the divine intervention of Jesus Christ, who alone possesses the authority to break every chain and set the captive free. In our moments of deepest helplessness, Mark 5:4 points us to the One who can do what no man can.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "chains" or "fetters" in your life or in the lives of those you know seem impossible to break through human effort?**
* **How does the story of the Gerasene demoniac challenge your understanding of human limitations versus divine power?**
* **In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength or conventional solutions when a spiritual breakthrough is truly needed?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to bring seemingly "untamable" situations to Jesus in prayer?**

### FAQ

**What does "neither could any [man] tame him" imply about the nature of the man's condition?**

Answer: This phrase emphatically implies that the man's condition was beyond human control or remedy. The word "tame" (Greek, _damázō_) is often used for breaking in wild animals, suggesting that the man's behavior was so erratic, violent, and uncontrollable that he was like a feral creature, impervious to any human attempt to subdue, domesticate, or heal him through conventional means. It highlights that his problem was not merely physical or psychological, but deeply spiritual, requiring a supernatural intervention that no human could provide. This sets the stage for Jesus' unique authority over the demonic realm, as seen in [Mark 5:8](/mark/5-8 "Jesus' Command to the Unclean Spirit").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:4, with its vivid portrayal of human helplessness against overwhelming demonic power, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The untamable Gerasene demoniac, a man utterly beyond human control or remedy, serves as a powerful illustration of humanity's condition under the dominion of sin and spiritual forces before the advent of the Messiah. Just as no chain or fetter could bind this man, so too is humanity enslaved by the unbreakable bonds of sin and death, a captivity from which no human effort or law could deliver us (cf. [Romans 7:24-25](/romans/7-24-25 "Who will deliver me from this body of death?")). Jesus, however, enters this scene not as another human attempting to bind the man, but as the Son of God, who speaks with inherent authority, commanding the unclean spirits to come out (cf. [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")). His effortless deliverance of the demoniac (cf. [Mark 5:8](/mark/5-8 "Jesus' Command to the Unclean Spirit")) foreshadows His ultimate victory over all the powers of darkness, sin, and death through His crucifixion and resurrection (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The untamable man, now found "clothed and in his right mind" (cf. [Mark 5:15](/mark/5-15 "The Man Restored")), becomes a living testament to Christ's power to liberate those whom no one else could, embodying the gospel's promise that "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (cf. [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "The Truth Will Set You Free")).

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

James 3:7

For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

James 3:8

But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.