Mark 5:5

KJV

And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} always {G1275}, night {G3571} and {G2532} day {G2250}, he was {G2258} in {G1722} the mountains {G3735}, and {G2532} in {G1722} the tombs {G3418}, crying {G2896}, and {G2532} cutting {G2629} himself {G1438} with stones {G3037}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Night and day he wandered among the graves and through the hills, howling and gashing himself with stones.

Berean Standard Bible

Night and day in the tombs and in the mountains he kept crying out and cutting himself with stones.

American Standard Version

And always, night and day, in the tombs and in the mountains, he was crying out, and cutting himself with stones.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:5 presents a harrowing portrait of the Gerasene demoniac, a man utterly consumed by evil spirits, whose existence was a relentless cycle of torment and self-destruction. This verse vividly describes his constant, agonizing cries and self-inflicted wounds, endured in the desolate wilderness of mountains and tombs, underscoring the profound depth of his spiritual bondage and isolation before his miraculous encounter with Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial part of the introductory description of the Gerasene demoniac found in [Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "Mark 5:1-20 - The Gerasene Demoniac"). It immediately follows the initial encounter where the man, living among the tombs, confronts Jesus. The preceding verses (Mark 5:3-4) emphasize the man's uncontrollable strength, highlighting the complete failure of human attempts to restrain him with chains, thereby setting the stage for the unparalleled power of Jesus. This detailed description of his suffering and untamed nature amplifies the magnitude of Christ's subsequent deliverance, showcasing His supreme authority over even the most entrenched demonic forces, a theme consistent with Jesus' earlier demonstrations of power over nature and disease in [Mark 4](/mark/4 "Mark 4 - Parables and Calming the Storm").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting in the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes, depending on the manuscript tradition) is significant, as it was predominantly a Gentile area, evidenced by the presence of pigs (Mark 5:11-13), which were unclean animals to Jews. Living "in the tombs" was a profound symbol of ritual impurity and spiritual defilement in Jewish culture, as contact with the dead rendered one unclean. This dwelling place underscored the man's complete separation from society and religious life. Mountains, in this context, signify desolate, wild, and uninhabited areas, further emphasizing his isolation and the untamed, animalistic nature of his existence. The self-mutilation described was a desperate, though futile, attempt to cope with or express the overwhelming inner torment, a practice sometimes associated with pagan mourning rituals or extreme spiritual distress in the ancient world.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 5:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark. It vividly portrays the theme of **Unrelenting Suffering** and **Profound Demonic Oppression**, emphasizing the continuous, inescapable torment the man endured ("always, night and day"). The detail of "cutting himself with stones" powerfully illustrates the **Destructive Power of Evil**, highlighting the complete loss of personal agency and the horrific influence of the demonic forces driving him to self-harm. Furthermore, his dwelling in the wilderness and inability to be restrained underscores the theme of **Human Helplessness** in the face of such overwhelming spiritual bondage, thereby preparing the reader to fully appreciate the **Supreme Authority of Jesus** over all spiritual powers, as demonstrated in His subsequent command to the legion of demons, leading to the man's complete and instantaneous restoration, a transformation described in [Mark 5:15](/mark/5-15 "Mark 5:15 - The Demoniac Restored").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **always (Greek, _diapantós'_):** Derived from "through all" (dia + pas), this adverb emphasizes the unbroken, ceaseless nature of the man's torment. It conveys a sense of perpetual suffering, indicating that his cries and self-harm were not episodic but a constant, inescapable reality, day and night, highlighting the relentless grip of the demonic forces.
* **crying (Greek, _krázō'_):** This verb signifies a loud, vehement, and often desperate outcry, shriek, or scream, more intense than simple weeping or shouting. It suggests a guttural, animalistic sound of raw agony and profound anguish, indicative of the extreme torment and despair emanating from the man, a sound of utter distress rather than communication.
* **cutting himself (Greek, _katakóptō heautoû'_):** The verb _katakóptō_ means "to chop down" or "mangle," implying violent, severe cutting. Combined with the reflexive pronoun _heautoû_ ("himself"), it vividly portrays the self-inflicted wounds. This detail is a chilling testament to the destructive power of the evil spirits, compelling the man to inflict physical harm upon his own body, underscoring the complete loss of personal agency and the horrific, malevolent control exerted over him by the demonic legion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And always, night and day":** This phrase establishes the relentless, unceasing nature of the man's suffering. His torment was not intermittent but a continuous, round-the-clock reality, emphasizing the profound and inescapable grip of the demonic forces upon him. It highlights his utter lack of peace or respite.
* **"he was in the mountains, and in the tombs":** This describes his desolate dwelling place. The "mountains" signify wild, uninhabited wilderness, reinforcing his isolation from human society. The "tombs," places of death and ritual impurity, underscore his spiritual defilement and profound alienation, symbolizing his existence as one effectively dead to the world and trapped in a realm of spiritual darkness.
* **"crying, and cutting himself with stones":** This clause details the horrific manifestations of his torment. "Crying" denotes loud, desperate shrieks of anguish, while "cutting himself with stones" graphically portrays his self-mutilation. This self-inflicted violence reveals the extreme, destructive power of the demons, driving him to inflict physical harm, and demonstrating his complete loss of control over his own body and mind.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 5:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey the depth of the demoniac's suffering. The phrase "always, night and day" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the ceaseless and overwhelming nature of his torment, making it clear that his agony knew no bounds of time. The **Symbolism** of "tombs" is profound, representing not only his physical dwelling but also his spiritual death, impurity, and separation from life and community. The "mountains" symbolize his wild, untamed, and isolated existence, far removed from human civilization. The vivid description of "crying, and cutting himself with stones" evokes strong **Pathos**, eliciting deep pity and horror for the man's horrific condition. This stark portrayal also serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the immense and divine power required to deliver him, thereby magnifying the authority and compassion of Jesus Christ in the subsequent narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:5 provides a stark and unsettling glimpse into the reality of profound spiritual bondage and human brokenness. The man's ceaseless torment, isolation, and self-destructive behavior underscore the destructive power of evil forces and the desperate need for divine intervention. Theologically, this verse reminds us that spiritual warfare is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible, devastating reality that can manifest in extreme forms of suffering and alienation. It highlights humanity's utter helplessness when confronted with such overwhelming spiritual oppression, emphasizing that no human effort or restraint can truly deliver from the grip of demonic power. This sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His unique and unparalleled authority over all spiritual realms, offering the only true hope for liberation and restoration.

* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")
* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober, Be Vigilant")
* [Luke 4:33-36](/luke/4-33-36 "Luke 4:33-36 - Jesus Casts Out a Demon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling depiction in Mark 5:5 compels us to confront the harsh realities of human suffering, particularly that which stems from spiritual oppression, mental anguish, or profound isolation. It calls for a deep and active compassion for those who are marginalized, self-harming, or trapped in cycles of despair, whether due to spiritual forces, mental illness, or societal abandonment. This verse challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances and recognize the deep spiritual battles that individuals may be fighting. It reminds us that our primary response should not be fear or judgment, but rather a Christ-like empathy that seeks to understand, to reach out, and to bring the hope of the Gospel. Ultimately, the man's desperate state serves as a powerful reminder that true deliverance and lasting healing come only through the unparalleled power and authority of Jesus Christ, inviting us to bring all forms of brokenness to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the graphic depiction of the Gerasene demoniac's suffering challenge or deepen your understanding of spiritual warfare in the world today?**
* **In what ways can we, as followers of Christ, cultivate greater empathy and practical support for those in our communities who are experiencing profound isolation, self-harm, or mental distress?**
* **How does the seemingly insurmountable nature of this man's condition amplify your appreciation for Jesus' power to bring complete freedom and restoration?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Gerasene demoniac live specifically in the mountains and tombs?**

Answer: The choice of dwelling in the mountains and tombs underscores the man's profound spiritual and social alienation. Tombs were considered ritually unclean places in Jewish culture, associated with death and spirits, and living among them signified his utter defilement and separation from the living community. Mountains, in this context, represent desolate, wild, and uninhabited wilderness areas, further emphasizing his isolation and the untamed, animalistic nature of his existence under demonic control. His dwelling in such places highlights the extent of his spiritual bondage and physical abandonment, making him an outcast feared by society, as described in [Mark 5:3-4](/mark/5-3-4 "Mark 5:3-4 - The Demoniac's Uncontrollable Strength").

**What is the significance of the man "cutting himself with stones"?**

Answer: The act of "cutting himself with stones" is a chilling and graphic detail that powerfully illustrates the extreme, destructive nature of the demonic forces controlling the man. It signifies a complete loss of personal agency and a profound level of torment, where the evil spirits compel him to inflict physical harm upon his own body. This self-mutilation is a vivid portrayal of his agony and despair, demonstrating the malevolent influence of the demonic legion and the utter lack of self-preservation under their control. It highlights the horrific extent of his suffering and the desperate need for a power greater than any human force to deliver him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:5, with its stark portrayal of the Gerasene demoniac's utter bondage, serves as a powerful testament to humanity's fallen state and the pervasive reach of sin and spiritual darkness. The man's constant torment, self-destruction, and isolation in the tombs are a microcosm of humanity's condition apart from Christ: enslaved by sin, living in spiritual death, and alienated from God and true community. Just as no human chain could bind the demoniac, no human effort, law, or philosophy can truly liberate humanity from the chains of sin and the power of the devil. The subsequent deliverance of the Gerasene demoniac by Jesus ([Mark 5:6-13](/mark/5-6-13 "Mark 5:6-13 - Jesus Casts Out the Legion")) foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over all the powers of darkness. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), and delivered those who were held in lifelong slavery by the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Deliverance from the Fear of Death")). The Gerasene demoniac's transformation from a tormented outcast to a sane, clothed, and evangelizing disciple ([Mark 5:15-20](/mark/5-15-20 "Mark 5:15-20 - The Transformed Demoniac Preaches")) powerfully illustrates the freedom and new life found only in Christ, who sets the captives free ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")) and brings those who were once dead in their trespasses to new life ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ")). He is the one who truly conquers the darkness and offers complete restoration to all who are bound.

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

Job 2:7

¶ So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

Job 2:8

And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.

1 Kings 18:28

And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.

John 8:44

Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.