Mark 5:6

KJV

But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when he saw {G1492} Jesus {G2424} afar off {G575}{G3113}, he ran {G5143} and {G2532} worshipped {G4352} him {G846},

Complete Jewish Bible

Seeing Yeshua from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him

Berean Standard Bible

When the man saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees before Him.

American Standard Version

And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshipped him;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Captures the dramatic and immediate response of the Gerasene demoniac upon seeing Jesus. Despite his profound and violent spiritual bondage, the man, or more accurately the legion of demons within him, instantly recognized Jesus's divine authority from a distance, prompting a compelled act of running and prostrating himself in homage, setting the stage for one of Jesus's most powerful demonstrations of sovereignty over the forces of darkness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the compelling narrative in [Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "Mark 5:1-20 - The Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac"), which immediately follows Jesus's miraculous calming of the storm on the Sea of Galilee in [Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35-41 "Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm"). Upon landing in the region of the Gerasenes, Jesus is instantly confronted by a man living among the tombs, a figure of extreme spiritual and physical desolation. The man's uncontrollable strength, his self-mutilation, and the inability of anyone to bind him underscore the severity of his demonic oppression. His sudden and unexpected reaction of running towards Jesus, rather than away, and then worshipping Him, establishes the immediate recognition of Jesus's power by the demonic realm, initiating the confrontation that will lead to the man's complete liberation. This account is also paralleled in [Matthew 8:28-34](/matthew/8-28-34 "Matthew 8:28-34 - The Gadarene Demoniacs") and [Luke 8:26-39](/luke/8-26-39 "Luke 8:26-39 - The Gerasene Demoniac").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes in some accounts) was predominantly Gentile territory, situated on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. This explains the presence of a large herd of pigs, which were unclean animals to Jews and would not have been kept by them. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, demon possession was a recognized, albeit terrifying, phenomenon, often associated with madness, self-destructive behavior, and social ostracization. Individuals afflicted like the Gerasene man were typically feared, isolated, and considered beyond help, often chained or confined. His dwelling among the tombs further emphasized his complete separation from normal human society and his association with death and impurity. The cultural understanding would have been that such a powerful, uncontrollable spirit could only be confronted by a superior spiritual force, making Jesus's arrival and the demon's immediate reaction profoundly significant.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 5:6 powerfully introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the chapter and the broader Gospel of Mark. First, it highlights Jesus's **unquestionable divine authority over evil spirits**. Even before Jesus speaks, the demons within the man recognize His supreme power and identity, compelling them to react with immediate submission and fear. This underscores that all spiritual forces, even those hostile to God, are ultimately subject to Christ's sovereignty, a theme echoed in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus"). Second, the verse introduces the theme of **compelled homage versus true worship**. The act of "worshipping" Jesus here is not born of genuine adoration or faith, but out of a forced acknowledgment of His overwhelming power and a desperate attempt by the demons to negotiate their fate, as evidenced in [Mark 5:7](/mark/5-7 "Mark 5:7 - The Demon's Plea to Jesus"). This contrasts sharply with the willing, heartfelt worship Jesus seeks from His followers. Finally, this initial encounter sets the stage for Jesus's **compassionate and liberating power**, demonstrating His ability to bring complete freedom and restoration to those in the most desperate and seemingly hopeless conditions of spiritual bondage, a central message of the Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb, used here in a past tense, signifies not just a physical perception but also an understanding or recognition. The demon-possessed man "saw" Jesus not merely with his eyes, but with a supernatural awareness granted by the indwelling spirits. This "seeing" implies an immediate, profound recognition of Jesus's true identity and divine authority, even from "afar off." It denotes a realization of who Jesus truly is, compelling a reaction.
* **ran (Greek, _tréchō'_):** This verb means "to run or walk hastily." The man's action is not a casual approach but a swift, urgent movement. This haste underscores the immediate and powerful compulsion felt by the demons upon encountering Jesus's presence. It suggests an undeniable force drawing him, or rather driving the demons within him, towards their ultimate conqueror, indicating a lack of control even for the powerful spirits.
* **worshipped (Greek, _proskynéō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand," this term denotes an act of prostrating oneself in homage, reverence, or adoration. While it can signify genuine worship of God, in this context, it describes a compelled act of submission. The demons, through the man, are forced to acknowledge Jesus's superior power and authority by bowing down before Him, even as they simultaneously resist His command. It is a reluctant, fearful homage rather than an act of loving devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when he saw Jesus afar off":** This clause highlights the immediate and distant recognition of Jesus by the demoniac. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a shift or contrast, emphasizing the surprising nature of the man's reaction given his violent and uncontrollable state. The demons within him, despite the physical distance, possessed an acute spiritual perception of Jesus's divine identity and authority, setting the stage for their compelled submission.
* **"he ran and worshipped him":** This phrase describes the man's rapid and profound physical response. His "running" signifies an urgent, compelled movement, not a voluntary approach. The act of "worshipping" (proskynéō) is a prostration, a bowing down that, in this instance, is an involuntary acknowledgment of Jesus's overwhelming power and sovereignty by the demonic forces. It is a forced homage, a desperate act of submission by evil spirits who recognize their ultimate conqueror.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 5:6 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the demon-possessed man, a figure of utter spiritual darkness and societal rejection, is the first in this narrative to recognize and acknowledge Jesus's divine authority, even before the disciples fully grasp it. This stands in stark contrast to the fear and lack of understanding often displayed by human characters in the Gospels. There is also significant **Foreshadowing** in this verse; the compelled "worship" of the demons anticipates the ultimate universal acknowledgment of Jesus's Lordship, where "every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Bows to Jesus")). The **Contrast** between the man's previously uncontrollable, violent behavior and his immediate, submissive act of prostration before Jesus powerfully highlights Jesus's absolute authority over even the most entrenched spiritual forces.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:6 is a profound theological statement on the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ over all spiritual powers. It reveals that even the most malevolent and entrenched forces of evil recognize and are compelled to submit to the divine authority of the Son of God. This is not a voluntary act of faith or adoration on the part of the demons, but a fearful, compelled acknowledgment of their ultimate conqueror. This encounter underscores that Jesus's power extends beyond physical ailments to the very heart of spiritual darkness, demonstrating His unique status as the one who "came to destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")). The demons' immediate recognition and submission, even from a distance, serve as a stark reminder that no power, visible or invisible, can withstand the presence and authority of Christ.

* [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Bows to Jesus")
* [James 2:19](/james/2-19 "James 2:19 - Demons Believe and Tremble")
* [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 5:6 offers profound reassurance and challenging insights for contemporary believers. The immediate recognition and compelled homage paid by the demons to Jesus, even from afar, powerfully affirms Christ's absolute and unquestionable authority over all spiritual darkness and oppression. For those who feel bound by sin, addiction, fear, or any form of spiritual attack, this verse is a beacon of hope: no darkness is too great, no bondage too strong, for Jesus to overcome. His presence alone is enough to provoke a reaction from the forces of evil, signaling their inevitable defeat. This also calls us to examine the nature of our own "worship." Is it a compelled, fearful acknowledgment of God's power, or a genuine, heartfelt adoration born of love and gratitude for His liberating grace? The story reminds us that while even demons believe and tremble, true worship flows from a transformed heart, freely offered in spirit and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the demoniac's immediate recognition of Jesus's authority challenge my own understanding of Christ's power in my life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing spiritual bondage or oppression that I need to surrender to Jesus's liberating authority?**
* **What is the difference between the compelled "worship" of the demons and the true worship God desires from me? How can I cultivate a more genuine and heartfelt worship?**
* **How does this verse encourage me when facing seemingly insurmountable spiritual battles or witnessing profound human suffering?**

### FAQ

**Why did the demon-possessed man "worship" Jesus if he was controlled by evil spirits?**

Answer: The "worship" described in [Mark 5:6](/mark/5-6 "Mark 5:6 - The Demoniac's Reaction to Jesus") was not an act of genuine adoration or faith from the man himself, but a compelled act of submission by the legion of demons within him. The Greek word _proskynéō_ can mean to prostrate oneself in homage or reverence, and in this context, it signifies the demons' immediate and fearful recognition of Jesus's supreme divine authority. They knew who Jesus was—the Son of the Most High God ([Mark 5:7](/mark/5-7 "Mark 5:7 - The Demon's Plea to Jesus"))—and were forced by His overwhelming presence to acknowledge His power over them, even as they sought to negotiate or resist their impending expulsion. It was an act of reluctant, self-preserving homage, not loving devotion.

**Does this mean demons believe in Jesus?**

Answer: Yes, the Bible indicates that demons believe in Jesus, but their belief is not salvific. As [James 2:19](/james/2-19 "James 2:19 - Demons Believe and Tremble") states, "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!" Their belief is an intellectual acknowledgment of God's existence and Jesus's divine identity and power, but it is accompanied by fear and trembling, not by repentance, love, or obedience. They recognize Jesus as their ultimate Judge and conqueror, which is why they reacted with such urgency and fear in [Mark 5:6](/mark/5-6 "Mark 5:6 - The Demoniac's Reaction to Jesus"). Their "faith" is a terrifying awareness of truth, leading to dread, not salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:6, with the demoniac's compelled worship of Jesus, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph and universal Lordship of Christ. This dramatic encounter in the Gerasene region is a microcosm of the cosmic victory that Jesus would secure through His life, death, and resurrection. The demons' immediate recognition and prostration before Jesus, even from a distance, prefigure the day when "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Bows to Jesus")). Through His cross, Christ disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")) and, by His death, rendered powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). Thus, the Gerasene demoniac's compelled homage is a prophetic glimpse into the future, when all creation, both visible and invisible, will acknowledge Jesus as Lord, not just in fear, but ultimately in the glorious consummation of His kingdom.

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 2:19

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Luke 4:41

And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking [them] suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

Psalms 66:3

Say unto God, How terrible [art thou in] thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

Acts 16:17

The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

Psalms 72:9

They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.