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.

MARK 5:19KJV
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Mark 5:19 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:19 mean?

Mark 5:19 shows Jesus telling a man he has just healed not to follow him as a disciple, but instead to go home and share with his friends the great things God has done for him and how God has shown him compassion. Jesus directs the man to tell his personal story of healing and mercy to those who know him.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the man who had been possessed by many demons in the region of the Gerasenes. After being freed, the man begs to go with Jesus, but Jesus "suffered him not"—meaning Jesus did not allow it. Instead, Jesus gives him a mission to return to his own community and testify about God's compassion and power, making the man the first person in this Gentile area to publicly share what Jesus had done.

The Greek behind Mark 5:19

  • The word "suffered" (ἀφίημι, aphiemi) here means "allowed" or "permitted," highlighting that Jesus made a deliberate decision not to let the man come with him.
  • The word "compassion" (ἐλεέω, eleeō) carries the sense of deep mercy or pity, emphasizing that Jesus’ actions were motivated by heartfelt care for the man.
  • The phrase "go home to thy friends" uses the Greek words εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου πρὸς τοὺς σοὺς (eis ton oikon sou pros tous sous), which means "to your own house, to your people," suggesting a return to familiar relationships and community.

Why Mark 5:19 matters

  • Mark 5:19 clarifies that not everyone Jesus helps is called to leave everything and follow him physically; some are sent back to their everyday lives to share what God has done.
  • This verse highlights the importance of personal testimony—Jesus values the man’s story as a way to reach others in his own community.
  • Mark 5:19 connects to the broader passage by showing that Jesus’ compassion extends beyond Jewish areas, as this man becomes a witness to Gentiles about God’s mercy and power.

Where else these words appear

“tell” Greek G312 · used in 18 verses

  • Mark 5:14 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.
  • 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,

“friends” Greek G4674 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
  • Luke 5:33 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?
  • John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

“compassion” Greek G1653 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
  • Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
  • Romans 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

“Go” Greek G5217 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Mark 7:29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.
  • John 11:8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?