And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

MARK 5:20KJV
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Mark 5:20 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:20 mean?

Mark 5:20 describes how the man whom Jesus healed went away and began to tell people throughout the region of Decapolis about the great things Jesus had done for him, causing everyone who heard to be amazed. The verse shows the man actively spreading news of his healing, and the widespread wonder it produced among the people.

In this scene, Jesus has just healed a man who had been possessed by demons. Instead of following Jesus, as he wanted, the man obeys Jesus’ instruction to go home and tell others what happened. The Decapolis was a group of ten cities with mostly non-Jewish populations, so the man’s story would have reached a wide and diverse audience, highlighting the impact of Jesus’ actions beyond Jewish communities.

The Greek behind Mark 5:20

  • The word "publish" is κηρύσσω (kēryssō), which means to proclaim or announce publicly, often with the sense of making an official or important declaration. This shows the man was not just casually telling friends, but actively spreading the news in a way that drew attention.
  • "Marvel" is θαυμάζω (thaumazō), meaning to be astonished or amazed. The Greek here carries the sense of deep wonder, suggesting that the people’s reaction was strong and heartfelt, not just mild curiosity.
  • "Decapolis" (Δεκάπολις, Dekapolis) refers to a specific region of ten cities east of the Sea of Galilee, mostly inhabited by Gentiles. Mentioning this region highlights how the news about Jesus was spreading into non-Jewish areas.

Why Mark 5:20 matters

  • Mark 5:20 shows that Jesus’ influence was not limited to Jewish areas, but was already reaching Gentile communities through personal testimony.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of sharing personal experiences of Jesus’ work, as the man’s story led many to marvel.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the immediate effect of Jesus’ miracles: not just healing, but sparking widespread amazement and conversation about who Jesus is.

Where else these words appear

“Decapolis” Greek G1179 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 4:25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.
  • Mark 7:31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

“marvel” Greek G2296 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • Luke 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
  • John 7:15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

“publish” Greek G2784 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 14:9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
  • Romans 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

“began” Greek G756 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Mark 10:47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
  • Luke 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,