Mark 5:9

And he asked him, What [is] thy name? And he answered, saying, My name [is] Legion: for we are many.

And {G2532} he asked {G1905} him {G846}, What {G5101} is thy {G4671} name {G3686}? And {G2532} he answered {G611}, saying {G3004}, My {G3427} name {G3686} is Legion {G3003}: for {G3754} we are {G2070} many {G4183}.

Yeshua asked him, "What's your name?" "My name is Legion," he answered, "there are so many of us";

“What is your name?” Jesus asked. “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.”

And he asked him, What is thy name? And he saith unto him, My name is Legion; for we are many.

Commentary

Mark 5:9 records a pivotal moment in the dramatic encounter between Jesus and a man possessed by a multitude of demons in the region of the Gerasenes.

Context

This verse is part of the compelling narrative found in Mark 5:1-20, which describes Jesus' arrival in a Gentile territory across the Sea of Galilee. Upon disembarking, Jesus is immediately met by a man who was severely afflicted by unclean spirits, living among the tombs and uncontrollable by any human force. The demons, speaking through the man, instantly recognized Jesus as the "Son of the most high God" (Mark 5:7) and pleaded with Him. Jesus' direct question, "What is thy name?", was not out of ignorance but to expose the nature and extent of the spiritual oppression, setting the stage for a powerful demonstration of His authority.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Christ's Absolute Authority Over Evil: This passage vividly illustrates Jesus' supreme power not just over physical ailments, but over the most entrenched spiritual darkness. He directly confronts the demonic realm, demanding their identity and ultimately their departure.
  • The Nature of Demonic Influence: The answer "Legion" reveals that the man was not possessed by a single demon but by a vast multitude. This signifies the overwhelming and formidable nature of the spiritual forces at work, aiming to utterly destroy and control their victim.
  • Spiritual Warfare is Real: The encounter underscores the reality of a spiritual battle beyond the visible world. Jesus' ministry consistently involved confronting and defeating the powers of darkness, highlighting the ongoing spiritual conflict that believers face (Ephesians 6:12).

Linguistic Insights

The crucial word in this verse is "Legion" (Greek: legiōn). This is a Latin loanword, referring to a major unit of the Roman army, typically consisting of about 6,000 soldiers, though the exact number varied. By identifying themselves as "Legion," the demons were not merely stating a large number, but also implying a sense of organized, formidable power and multitude, much like a disciplined army. This choice of word emphasizes the overwhelming force that had taken hold of the man, making Jesus' subsequent act of casting them out even more profound.

Practical Application

Mark 5:9 offers powerful assurances for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that no matter how overwhelming or numerous the spiritual forces arrayed against humanity, Jesus Christ possesses ultimate and unquestionable authority over them. His power far surpasses any demonic influence. Secondly, while overt demon possession may not be as commonly recognized in modern contexts, this account still speaks to the reality of spiritual oppression and the need for Christ's deliverance. It encourages us to rely on His name and authority when facing spiritual battles, knowing that He has already triumphed over the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15). Finally, it highlights Jesus' compassion even in the face of such intense evil, as His ultimate goal was the liberation and restoration of the man.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 8:30 (8 votes)

    And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

  • Mark 5:15 (6 votes)

    And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

  • Matthew 26:53 (5 votes)

    Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

  • Luke 11:21 (4 votes)

    When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:

  • Luke 11:26 (4 votes)

    Then goeth he, and taketh [to him] seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first.

  • Matthew 12:45 (4 votes)

    Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.