Mark 5:10 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:10 mean?

Mark 5:10 describes how the man possessed by demons begged Jesus repeatedly not to send the demons out of the region. The verse shows the demons’ strong desire to remain in that particular area rather than be sent away.

In this scene, Jesus is confronting a man possessed by many demons, who speak through the man. The demons, recognizing Jesus’ authority, plead with him not to drive them out of the territory. This request highlights both their awareness of Jesus’ power and their attachment to the region, which sets up the events that follow in the story.

The Greek behind Mark 5:10

• παρακαλέω (parakaleō, "besought"): This word means to beg, urge, or entreat earnestly. The use of this word emphasizes how desperate and persistent the demons were in their request to Jesus.
• ἀποστείλῃ (aposteilē, "send away"): This verb often means to send out or send away with authority. Here, it underlines that the demons knew Jesus had the power to command where they could or could not go.
• χώρας (chōras, "country"): This word refers to a specific region or territory. The demons’ plea not to be sent out of the "country" suggests they felt bound or connected to that particular area, not just to the man.

Why Mark 5:10 matters

• Mark 5:10 clarifies that the demons recognized Jesus’ authority and feared his power to control their fate, even over where they could exist.
• The verse highlights the supernatural aspect of the story, showing that spiritual beings are aware of boundaries and territories.
• Understanding this plea helps explain why the demons later ask to enter the herd of pigs, which continues the theme of their desire to remain in the region.