Mark 5:7

KJV

And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, [thou] Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} cried {G2896} with a loud {G3173} voice {G5456}, and said {G2036}, What {G5101} have I {G1698} to do {G2532} with thee {G4671}, Jesus {G2424}, thou Son {G5207} of the most high {G5310} God {G2316}? I adjure {G3726} thee {G4571} by God {G2316}, that thou torment {G928} me {G3165} not {G3361}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and screamed at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Yeshua, Son of God Ha`Elyon? I implore you in God's name! Don't torture me!"

Berean Standard Bible

And he shouted in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You before God not to torture me!”

American Standard Version

and crying out with a loud voice, he saith, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the Most High God? I adjure thee by God, torment me not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:7 captures the dramatic and involuntary confession of a demon-possessed man, who, speaking through the unclean spirit, immediately recognizes Jesus' divine identity and supreme authority. This powerful outcry, "What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not," reveals the demons' profound fear of Jesus' presence and their desperate plea to avoid immediate judgment, thereby underscoring Christ's absolute dominion over spiritual forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in the narrative of Jesus' encounter with the Gerasene demoniac, immediately following Jesus' arrival on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee in [Mark 5:1-2](/mark/5-1-2 "Mark 5:1-2 - Jesus Arrives in the Gerasenes"). The preceding verses describe the man's severe possession, his dwelling among the tombs, and the inability of anyone to bind him. The moment Jesus steps out of the boat, the demoniac, driven by the spirits within him, rushes to meet Jesus. The cry in Mark 5:7 is the demons' immediate, terrified reaction to Christ's presence, even before Jesus has spoken a command. It sets the stage for the dramatic exorcism that follows, where Jesus demonstrates His unparalleled authority over a "legion" of evil spirits, culminating in their expulsion into a herd of pigs in [Mark 5:13](/mark/5-13 "Mark 5:13 - The Demons Enter the Pigs").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes, depending on the manuscript tradition) was a Gentile area on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, distinct from the Jewish territories Jesus typically ministered in. This location is significant as it highlights Jesus' ministry extending beyond Jewish boundaries. Belief in demonic possession was widespread in the ancient world, and such afflictions were often viewed as evidence of divine judgment or extreme spiritual oppression. Exorcism was practiced by some, but often with limited success and elaborate rituals. The demons' use of the title "Son of the most high God" (a phrase with Old Testament roots, e.g., [Genesis 14:18-20](/genesis/14-18-20 "Genesis 14:18-20 - Melchizedek, Priest of God Most High")) would have been instantly recognizable to both Jewish and Gentile audiences as a title denoting supreme divine authority, often associated with the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This passage, and specifically Mark 5:7, powerfully contributes to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the **authority and identity of Jesus**. Even the forces of darkness, who are inherently hostile to God, are compelled to acknowledge Jesus as the "Son of the most high God," a divine title that human characters in Mark often struggle to grasp until later in the narrative (e.g., [Mark 8:29](/mark/8-29 "Mark 8:29 - Peter's Confession")). Secondly, it highlights the **reality and power of spiritual warfare**, portraying Jesus as actively confronting and overcoming the kingdom of darkness. The demons' fear and their plea not to be tormented reveal their understanding of Jesus' ultimate power to judge and punish them, a theme that resonates with the broader biblical understanding of God's triumph over evil (e.g., [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Lastly, the incident foreshadows the **cosmic scope of Jesus' mission**, demonstrating His dominion over all creation, including the spiritual realm, and His ability to bring liberation to those bound by evil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cried (Greek, _krázō'_):** From G2896, meaning "to 'croak' (as a raven) or scream, i.e. (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)." This word conveys a visceral, urgent, and often involuntary outcry, indicative of intense emotion like fear, pain, or desperate supplication. It emphasizes the force and terror with which the demons reacted to Jesus' presence, not a calm address but a panicked shriek.
* **Son (Greek, _huiós'_):** From G5207, meaning "a 'son' (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship." In this context, "Son" is used in a profound theological sense, denoting a unique, intimate, and authoritative relationship with "the most high God." It signifies divine lineage and shared nature, a title that the demons instinctively recognize as conferring ultimate authority.
* **torment (Greek, _basanízō'_):** From G928, meaning "to torture:--pain, toil, torment, toss, vex." This word implies severe suffering, often associated with a punitive judgment or a painful testing. The demons' plea "torment me not" reveals their awareness that Jesus possesses the power to inflict such suffering upon them, not merely to expel them, but to subject them to a painful and deserved judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And cried with a loud voice,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the dramatic intensity of the encounter. The "loud voice" (Greek: _phōnḗ mégas_) underscores the urgency and terror of the demons' reaction. It is not a polite address but a desperate, public outcry, indicating their profound disturbance by Jesus' presence and authority.
* **"and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus,"**: This is an idiomatic expression (Greek: _Ti emoi kai soi?_) signifying a desire for separation, a protest against interference, or a declaration of opposition. It essentially means, "Why are you interfering with me?" or "Leave me alone; there is no common ground between us." The demons, through the man, recognize Jesus by name, indicating a personal knowledge of His identity, not just a general awareness.
* **"[thou] Son of the most high God?"**: This is a profound and involuntary confession of Jesus' divine identity. "Most high God" (Greek: _theou tou hýpsistou_) is a title (akin to the Hebrew _El Elyon_) that emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty, transcendence, and ultimate authority. Coming from the mouths of demons, this declaration serves as a powerful, undeniable testimony to Jesus' true nature as divine, a truth often obscured or misunderstood by human observers. The question mark indicates the demons' desperate plea, not a literal question, but an exclamation of recognition and dread.
* **"I adjure thee by God,"**: The demons, despite their rebellion, acknowledge the ultimate authority of God and attempt to bind Jesus by an oath sworn in God's name. "Adjure" (Greek: _horkízō_) means "to put on oath" or "solemnly enjoin." This is a desperate attempt by the demons to control the situation or to appeal to a higher power they still recognize, hoping to constrain Jesus' actions through a solemn appeal to God Himself.
* **"that thou torment me not."**: This is the core of the demons' plea, revealing their fear of immediate judgment and suffering. They understand that Jesus possesses not only the power to cast them out but also the authority to inflict "torment" (Greek: _basanízō_), a term associated with punishment and suffering. This fear of torment highlights their awareness of a coming judgment and their desperate desire to postpone it.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the forces of darkness, inherently opposed to God, are the first to clearly articulate Jesus' divine identity as the "Son of the most high God," a truth that many of Jesus' human followers struggle to grasp. This involuntary confession serves as a powerful, undeniable testimony. The **rhetorical question** "What have I to do with thee?" emphasizes the profound separation and inherent conflict between Jesus' divine purity and the demons' evil nature, while simultaneously conveying their desperate plea for non-interference. The **hyperbole** of "cried with a loud voice" vividly portrays the intensity of the demons' terror and the dramatic nature of the encounter, underscoring the overwhelming power of Jesus' presence. Finally, the **plea** "I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not" functions as a form of **supplication**, revealing the demons' recognition of Jesus' ultimate authority and their desperate attempt to mitigate their impending judgment, highlighting their subordinate status to Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:7 powerfully articulates the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ over all spiritual powers, a fundamental theological truth. The demons' immediate recognition and terrified plea confirm Jesus' unique status as the "Son of the most high God," demonstrating that even the forces of evil instinctively bow before His divine authority. This encounter is not merely an exorcism but a profound revelation of Christ's cosmic dominion, foreshadowing His ultimate victory over sin, death, and all demonic oppression. It assures believers that no spiritual force, however powerful, can stand against the authority of Jesus, providing immense comfort and strength in the face of spiritual challenges.

* [James 2:19](/james/2-19 "James 2:19 - Demons Believe and Tremble")
* [Luke 4:33-34](/luke/4-33-34 "Luke 4:33-34 - The Demon in the Synagogue")
* [Matthew 8:29](/matthew/8-29 "Matthew 8:29 - The Demons of Gadara")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound assurance and a robust foundation for faith in Jesus' ultimate authority. In a world where spiritual forces often seem overwhelming or unseen, Mark 5:7 reminds us that Jesus is undeniably supreme. The demons, who are often portrayed as cunning and powerful, are here depicted as utterly terrified and submissive in His presence. This should instill confidence in believers: if even the forces of darkness tremble before Him, then we, who are in Christ, can face any spiritual opposition with courage and hope. Our battles are not fought in our own strength, but in the power of the One who has already disarmed and triumphed over all principalities and powers. This passage calls us to deeper trust in Jesus' protective power and to recognize that His authority extends to every realm, including the spiritual.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the demons' immediate recognition of Jesus' divine identity challenge or strengthen your own understanding of who Jesus is?**
* **What comfort can you draw from the fact that even powerful spiritual entities are subject to Jesus' authority and fear His judgment?**
* **How might acknowledging Jesus' supreme authority over evil influence your approach to spiritual warfare or personal struggles?**

### FAQ

**Why did the demon recognize Jesus as "Son of the most high God" when many humans did not?**

Answer: The spiritual realm operates with a different kind of knowledge than the physical. While humans often perceive Jesus through His earthly form and teachings, spiritual beings, both good and evil, have a direct apprehension of His divine nature and origin. Demons, as fallen angels, have firsthand knowledge of God's heavenly realm and thus immediately recognized Jesus' true identity as the divine Son, even though this recognition filled them with dread rather than worship. Their knowledge is a form of unwilling confession, compelled by Jesus' overwhelming presence and authority, as seen in [James 2:19](/james/2-19 "James 2:19 - Demons Believe and Tremble"), where it states that "the devils also believe, and tremble."

**What does the idiom "What have I to do with thee?" mean in this context?**

Answer: The Greek phrase _Ti emoi kai soi?_ (literally "What to me and to you?") is an idiom expressing a desire for separation, a protest against interference, or a declaration of opposition. It implies that there is no common ground or shared interest between the speaker and the person addressed. In the context of Mark 5:7, the demons are essentially saying, "Why are you bothering us?" or "Leave us alone; we have nothing in common, and your presence is a threat to us." It's a plea for Jesus to cease His intervention, born out of fear of His power and the judgment He represents.

**What is the significance of the demons' plea, "that thou torment me not"?**

Answer: This plea reveals the demons' awareness of Jesus' power to inflict suffering and judgment upon them. The word "torment" (Greek: _basanízō_) implies a painful, punitive suffering, often associated with a future judgment or a place of punishment (e.g., [Matthew 8:29](/matthew/8-29 "Matthew 8:29 - Demons Beg Not to Be Tormented")). The demons understand that Jesus is not merely capable of casting them out but also of condemning them to a state of suffering. Their desperate request is to postpone or avoid this deserved punishment, indicating their knowledge of a coming day of judgment for evil spirits and their fear of Jesus' role in it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:7 is a profound Christ-centered passage, demonstrating Jesus' absolute and inherent authority over all spiritual forces, a core aspect of His redemptive work. The involuntary confession of the demons, identifying Him as the "Son of the most high God," serves as a powerful pre-figurement of His ultimate triumph. This encounter foreshadows the victory won at the cross, where Jesus "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). His calm command and the demons' terrified submission in Mark 5:7 reveal that He is the promised Messiah who would crush the head of the serpent ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). This passage assures us that the same Jesus who silenced the demons in Galilee is the one who, through His death and resurrection, has conquered sin, death, and the devil, offering true liberation to all who believe. His power to "torment" the demons speaks to His role as the righteous Judge, a role fully realized at His second coming when He will cast all evil into eternal punishment ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Thus, Mark 5:7 is not just an ancient miracle but a living testament to Christ's ongoing reign and His complete victory over every power of darkness.

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

Matthew 8:29

And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

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.

Jude 1:6

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Matthew 26:63

But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

Matthew 4:3

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

Revelation 12:12

¶ Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Luke 8:28

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, [thou] Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.