And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

MARK 5:1KJV
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Mark 5:1 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:1 mean?

Mark 5:1 describes Jesus and his disciples arriving by boat on the opposite shore of the Sea of Galilee, specifically entering the region known as the country of the Gadarenes. This sets the scene for the events that follow, where Jesus will encounter a man possessed by unclean spirits.

In this verse, the narrative shifts location as Jesus and his followers cross over from the predominantly Jewish side of the lake to a Gentile area. The "country of the Gadarenes" refers to a district near the city of Gadara, southeast of the Sea of Galilee. This move signals a transition to a new setting where different cultural and spiritual challenges will appear in the story.

The Greek behind Mark 5:1

  • χώρα (chōra, "country"): This word refers to a region or territory, not just a city or village. It highlights that Jesus is entering a broader area, not just a single town.
  • Γαδαρηνῶν (Gadarēnōn, "Gadarenes"): This term identifies the people or region associated with Gadara. Mentioning the Gadarenes signals to readers that Jesus is now in a non-Jewish, Gentile territory, which will shape the nature of the encounter that follows.

Why Mark 5:1 matters

  • Mark 5:1 marks a deliberate move by Jesus into Gentile territory, which is significant because it shows his ministry reaching beyond Jewish communities.
  • The verse sets up the dramatic story of the man possessed by demons, making the location and cultural context important for understanding the events that follow.
  • By naming the region, Mark helps the reader see the contrast between the Jewish and Gentile worlds, which is a recurring theme in the Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“Gadarenes” Greek G1046 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 8:26 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.
  • Luke 8:37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

“side” Greek G4008 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 3:8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
  • John 1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

“country” Greek G5561 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Luke 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

“sea” Greek G2281 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 7:31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;