And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.

MARK 5:18KJV
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Mark 5:18 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:18 mean?

Mark 5:18 describes how, as Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been freed from demon possession begged Jesus to let him go with Him. The verse shows the man's strong desire to stay close to Jesus after his dramatic rescue.

In this scene, Jesus has just healed a man who had been possessed by demons in the region of the Gerasenes. Now that Jesus is leaving, the man earnestly asks to accompany Him, showing gratitude and a longing for continued connection. The verse highlights the immediate and heartfelt response of someone whose life has been completely changed by Jesus.

The Greek behind Mark 5:18

  • "παρεκάλεσεν" (parekalesen, translated as "prayed" or "begged") means to urge, entreat, or plead earnestly. This word shows the intensity of the man's request—he is not making a casual suggestion but is deeply moved to stay with Jesus.
  • "μετ’ αὐτοῦ" (met’ autou, translated as "with him") emphasizes closeness and companionship. The man wants to be in Jesus' company, not just physically near Him but sharing life with Him.

Why Mark 5:18 matters

  • Mark 5:18 clarifies that the man’s desire to follow Jesus was voluntary and heartfelt, not something Jesus demanded or required.
  • The verse sets up the following verses, where Jesus gives the man a different mission—to stay and tell others what has happened—showing that following Jesus can take different forms.
  • This moment highlights the personal impact of Jesus’ miracles and how they often lead to a deep desire for relationship and gratitude from those who are changed.

Where else these words appear

“devil” Greek G1139 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Matthew 9:32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
  • Mark 5:15 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.

“come” Greek G1684 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 8:23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
  • Matthew 15:39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.
  • Luke 8:22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

“be” Greek G5600 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

“ship” Greek G4143 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Mark 6:45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
  • Acts 21:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.