Mark 5:15 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:15 mean?

Mark 5:15 describes how people came to Jesus and saw the man who had been possessed by many demons, now sitting calmly, dressed, and thinking clearly, which made them afraid. The verse highlights the dramatic change in the man’s condition after his encounter with Jesus.

In this scene, the townspeople approach Jesus after hearing about the healing of the man who had the "legion" of demons. They see the man, who was once uncontrollable and tormented, now fully restored—sitting peacefully, clothed, and in his right mind. Their reaction of fear shows how unexpected and powerful this transformation was, and it sets the stage for their response to Jesus’ authority.

The Greek behind Mark 5:15

• "Δαιμονιζόμενος" (daimonizomenos, translated "possessed with the devil") refers to someone under the influence or control of an evil spirit. The Greek word emphasizes the man’s previous state of torment and lack of control.
• "Λεγιών" (legiōn, "legion") is a Roman military term for a large group of soldiers, here used to show the overwhelming number of demons that had possessed the man.
• "ἱματισμένον" (himatismenon, "clothed") draws attention to the man’s restored dignity, since earlier he had been naked and out of control.
• "σωφρονοῦντα" (sōphronounta, "in his right mind") means being of sound mind or self-controlled. This word underlines the completeness of the healing—not just physical, but mental and emotional as well.

Why Mark 5:15 matters

• Mark 5:15 clears up that the man’s healing was total—he was not just freed from the demons but also restored to a normal, peaceful life, which the townspeople could see for themselves.
• The verse emphasizes the power and authority of Jesus, showing that even a situation as hopeless as this man’s can be completely changed.
• The townspeople’s fear highlights how unsettling true transformation can be, especially when it challenges what people expect or understand about the world.