And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

MARK 5:2KJV
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Mark 5:2 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:2 mean?

Mark 5:2 describes how, as soon as Jesus stepped out of the boat, a man possessed by an unclean spirit came out from the tombs to meet him. This sets the scene for an encounter between Jesus and a man who is suffering greatly because of spiritual oppression.

In this verse, Mark is narrating what happened immediately after Jesus arrived by boat in the region of the Gerasenes. The man who meets Jesus is living among the tombs, which were burial caves outside the town, and is described as having an "unclean spirit," meaning he was under the influence of a force considered spiritually impure or evil. This introduction prepares the reader for the dramatic events that follow, highlighting both the man's desperate condition and the immediate confrontation with Jesus.

The Greek behind Mark 5:2

  • "ἀκάθαρτον" (akatharton, "unclean"): This word means ritually or morally impure, and in this context, it refers to a spirit that is opposed to God's holiness. The use of "unclean" emphasizes the man's separation from normal society and religious life.
  • "ἐκ τῶν μνημείων" (ek tōn mnēmeiōn, "out of the tombs"): The phrase shows the man was living among the dead, which would have made him even more isolated and considered unclean by Jewish standards. This detail underlines the depth of his suffering and alienation.
  • "πνεῦμα" (pneuma, "spirit"): This word can mean wind, breath, or spirit. Here, it refers specifically to a supernatural being or force that is controlling the man, highlighting the spiritual nature of his problem.

Why Mark 5:2 matters

  • Mark 5:2 makes it clear that the man approaches Jesus immediately, showing the urgency and seriousness of his condition and setting up the dramatic encounter that follows.
  • The detail that the man comes from the tombs highlights his extreme isolation and the hopelessness of his situation, which makes Jesus' later actions even more significant.
  • This verse introduces a theme found throughout Mark: Jesus' authority over spiritual forces and his willingness to engage with people who are considered outcasts or untouchable by society.

Where else these words appear

“met” Greek G528 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
  • Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
  • John 4:51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.

“unclean” Greek G169 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
  • Mark 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
  • Acts 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

“tombs” Greek G3419 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 8:28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
  • 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.
  • John 11:31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

“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.