Mark 5:16

And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.

Mark 5:16 (KJV)

Context

Mark 5:16 appears within the larger account of Jesus’ encounter with a demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes (Mark 5:1-20). After Jesus commanded the unclean spirit to leave the man, the demons entered a herd of swine, which rushed down a steep place into the sea and drowned (Mark 5:13). The verse then records that those who saw what happened told the people how it befell the man and also concerning the swine.

Meaning

The verse emphasizes two realities. First, it affirms the reality of demonic possession and the spiritual warfare surrounding it. The demons’ request to enter the swine and the resulting destruction illustrate both the destructive power of evil and the decisive authority of Christ over such forces. Second, the verse highlights the role of eyewitness testimony. Those who saw the event felt compelled to tell others what had occurred, demonstrating the importance of bearing witness to Jesus’ transformative work.

Biblical connections

The witnesses were not the swine keepers, who had fled, but others who saw the whole affair—possibly people living nearby, working in the fields, or the disciples. Their report included how the man, upon seeing Jesus, ran and worshiped Him, and how Jesus commanded the unclean spirit to come out. The following verses show the people’s response was fear and a request for Jesus to leave (Mark 5:17), contrasting with the man’s desire to follow Jesus (Mark 5:18). The man who had been possessed is later seen clothed and in his right mind (Mark 5:15), testifying to the transformative power of Christ.

Application

Key takeaways emerge from this account. The power and authority of Jesus are evident; no matter how severe the demonic influence, He can set a person free and bring deliverance from bondage. The witnesses’ testimony became a means of sharing the miraculous work, reminding believers of the significance of sharing their own experiences of God’s work in their lives. Finally, the narrative points to the existence of a spiritual realm beyond what is visible, urging believers to be aware of spiritual realities and to seek God’s protection when confronted with spiritual challenges.

Reflection

Mark 5:16 highlights Christ’s supremacy over darkness, the vital role of testimony, and the reality of the spiritual realm, encouraging believers to recognize Jesus’ authority and to proclaim the transformative work of God to others.