And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.

MARK 5:14KJV
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Mark 5:14 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:14 mean?

Mark 5:14 describes how the people who were taking care of the pigs ran away after witnessing what happened to the possessed man and told others in both the city and the countryside. As a result, many people came out to see for themselves what had taken place.

In this scene, Jesus has just cast out a legion of demons from a man, sending them into a herd of pigs, which then rushed into the sea and drowned. The caretakers of the pigs, shocked by what they saw, quickly spread the news to nearby towns and rural areas. Their report draws a crowd, setting up the next part of the story where the community reacts to Jesus’ actions.

The Greek behind Mark 5:14

  • The word for "fled" is ἔφυγον (ephygon), which means to run away or escape. This highlights the fear or urgency the pig herders felt after witnessing the event.
  • The word for "told" is ἀπήγγειλαν (apēngeilan), which often means to report or announce. This suggests the caretakers were not just gossiping but giving a significant account of what happened.
  • The word for "city" is πόλις (polis), and "country" is ἀγρός (agros). The use of both terms shows that the news spread widely, not just in populated areas but also in rural surroundings.

Why Mark 5:14 matters

  • Mark 5:14 shows the immediate and widespread impact of Jesus’ miracle, emphasizing how quickly news about him spread.
  • The verse sets up the reaction of the local people, which becomes important in understanding their response to Jesus’ power and presence.
  • This detail helps explain why a large crowd gathers in the following verses, making the social and emotional ripple effects of the miracle clear.

Where else these words appear

“fed” Greek G1006 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 8:30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
  • Mark 5:11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
  • Luke 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

“swine” Greek G5519 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
  • Mark 5:11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
  • Luke 8:32 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

“told” Greek G312 · used in 18 verses

  • Mark 5:19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
  • John 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
  • Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

“fled” Greek G5343 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 16:8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.