Mark 5:9 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:9 mean?

Mark 5:9 describes Jesus asking a possessed man for his name, and the man replies that his name is "Legion," because many demons are inside him. The verse shows that the man is not controlled by just one evil spirit, but by a large number.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to a man who is possessed and living among tombs. The word "Legion" was a Roman military term for a unit of several thousand soldiers, so the answer highlights the overwhelming number of spirits tormenting the man. This sets up the seriousness of the situation and the dramatic power of what Jesus is about to do.

The Greek behind Mark 5:9

• "Λεγιών" (Legiōn, Legion): This Greek word comes from the Latin term for a Roman army unit, often numbering around 6,000 soldiers. Using this word emphasizes the idea of a vast, organized force of demons, not just a few.
• "πολλοί" (polloi, many): The Greek word for "many" underlines the scale of the possession, making it clear that the man’s suffering is extreme and not just the result of a single spirit.

Why Mark 5:9 matters

• Mark 5:9 clarifies that the man’s condition is unusually severe, helping readers understand the depth of his suffering and the challenge before Jesus.
• The use of "Legion" connects the story to the Roman world, making the spiritual struggle feel as real and threatening as a military invasion.
• This verse prepares the reader for the dramatic deliverance that follows, showing Jesus’ authority over even a massive force of evil spirits.