And the people began to beg JesusThis phrase highlights the reaction of the local population to Jesus' miraculous actions. In the context of
Mark 5, Jesus had just performed a significant miracle by casting out a legion of demons from a man, sending them into a herd of pigs. The people’s response of begging Jesus to leave is surprising given the miraculous deliverance they witnessed. This reaction can be understood in light of the fear and awe that often accompanied Jesus' miracles, as seen in other parts of the Gospels (e.g.,
Luke 5:8, where Peter reacts with fear after a miraculous catch of fish). The people’s request may also reflect a fear of further economic loss, as the destruction of the pigs represented a significant financial impact.
to leave their region.
The region referred to here is the area of the Gerasenes, located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. This area was predominantly Gentile, which is significant in understanding the cultural and religious dynamics at play. The presence of a large herd of pigs, animals considered unclean by Jewish law, underscores the Gentile nature of the region. The request for Jesus to leave may also reflect a cultural and religious discomfort with His Jewish identity and the power He displayed. This incident foreshadows the broader rejection Jesus would face, culminating in His crucifixion, and highlights the theme of Jesus being a stumbling block to those who do not understand His mission (1 Corinthians 1:23). Additionally, this rejection contrasts with the acceptance Jesus often found among Gentiles elsewhere, such as the Roman centurion inMatthew 8:5-13.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusCentral figure in the passage, performing miracles and teaching about the Kingdom of God.
2.
The GerasenesThe region where the event takes place, inhabited by Gentiles, which is significant in understanding the cultural and religious context.
3.
The DemoniacA man possessed by a legion of demons, whom Jesus heals, demonstrating His authority over evil spirits.
4.
The HerdsmenWitnesses to the miracle, who report the event to the townspeople.
5.
The TownspeopleThey react with fear and ask Jesus to leave, showing a preference for their economic stability over spiritual transformation.
Teaching Points
Fear of ChangeThe townspeople's reaction highlights a common human fear of change, even when it is for the better. We must examine areas in our lives where fear of change might be hindering spiritual growth.
Economic Concerns vs. Spiritual PrioritiesThe loss of the swine represents a conflict between economic interests and spiritual priorities. Christians are called to prioritize spiritual well-being over material wealth.
Rejection of ChristThe rejection of Jesus by the Gerasenes serves as a reminder that not everyone will accept the Gospel, and believers should be prepared for rejection in their own evangelistic efforts.
Authority of JesusThis passage underscores Jesus' authority over evil, encouraging believers to trust in His power to overcome spiritual battles in their lives.
Witnessing MiraclesDespite witnessing a miracle, the townspeople chose to reject Jesus. This teaches us that witnessing God's power does not automatically lead to faith; a heart open to God is essential.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 5:17?
2.Why did the people plead with Jesus to leave their region in Mark 5:17?
3.How can we ensure we welcome Jesus into our lives, unlike Mark 5:17?
4.What Old Testament examples show rejection of God's presence similar to Mark 5:17?
5.How does fear influence our acceptance or rejection of Jesus today?
6.What steps can we take to prioritize Jesus over material concerns in our lives?
7.Why did the people ask Jesus to leave in Mark 5:17?
8.What does Mark 5:17 reveal about human fear of divine power?
9.How does Mark 5:17 challenge our understanding of Jesus' authority?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 5?
11.How can we become fishers of men today?
12.How can one truly love God?
13.Mark 5:14-17: If a massive herd of drowned pigs caused such a stir, why is there no historical or archaeological evidence of it?
14.What occurred at the Mount of Transfiguration?What Does Mark 5:17 Mean
And• This single connective word ties the verse to the dramatic deliverance of the demon-possessed man (Mark 5:1-16).
• It signals an immediate reaction, showing events flowed quickly—no pause for reflection.
• Cross references:Mark 4:41 “They were terrified and asked one another, ‘Who then is this?’”;Mark 5:15-16 where eyewitnesses recount the miracle “and how it happened to the demon-possessed man.”
the people• Not merely the herdsmen but the wider community of the Decapolis shoreline (Mark 5:14).
• They had just seen two thousand pigs rush into the sea (Mark 5:13), a shocking economic loss.
• Their collective response contrasts with the solitary man who had been freed.
• Cross references:Luke 8:37 notes “all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Him to depart”;John 3:19 “people loved the darkness rather than the Light”;Exodus 16:2 where “the whole congregation” murmured—group reactions tend to spread fear or unbelief.
began to beg Jesus• “Began” suggests a rising groundswell; it was not one request but many voices escalating.
• “Beg” (same verb used four times in this chapter) shows urgency; in vv.10,12 demons beg; in v.18 the delivered man begs to follow; here townsfolk beg Jesus to go—three different parties, three different motives.
• Their plea acknowledges His authority—only Someone sovereign can grant or deny such a request.
• Cross references:Mark 1:40 a leper “begged Him”;Mark 5:23 Jairus “begged Him earnestly”;Philippians 2:10 every knee will ultimately bow.
to leave• They preferred life as it was—pigs, bondage, and spiritual darkness—over the disruptive freedom Christ brings.
• Fear of further loss outweighed awe at the miracle; material concerns eclipsed eternal ones.
• Jesus never forces Himself where He is not welcomed (cf.Matthew 13:58, “He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief”).
• Cross references:Matthew 8:34 (parallel account);John 6:66 many disciples “turned back and no longer walked with Him”;Acts 16:39 officials “asked them to leave the city.”
their region• Emphasizes ownership: they believed the territory, economy, and routines were theirs to control.
• Jesus honors human responsibility; He steps into boats when invited and steps out when dismissed (Mark 5:18-20).
• Yet He leaves a witness behind—the healed man—so His testimony remains even after His physical departure.
• Cross references:Revelation 3:20 He stands and knocks;Matthew 10:14 disciples shake dust off where unwelcome;Acts 1:8 witnesses begin “in Jerusalem…to the ends of the earth,” showing Christ’s gospel moves on.
summaryMark 5:17 portrays a community that, confronted with undeniable divine power, chooses comfort over conversion. They collectively implore Jesus to depart, revealing hearts more anxious over lost livestock than liberated souls. Respecting their decision, Jesus leaves but ensures a testimony remains. The verse warns that Christ’s presence can be dismissed, yet His authority and mission press forward elsewhere.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[the people] beganἤρξαντο(ērxanto)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 756:To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence.to plead withπαρακαλεῖν(parakalein)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3870:From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.[Jesus]αὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.to leaveἀπελθεῖν(apelthein)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 565:From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.theirαὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.region.ὁρίων(horiōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3725:Neuter of a derivative of an apparently primary horos; a boundary-line, i.e. a frontier.
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NT Gospels: Mark 5:17 They began to beg him to depart (Mar Mk Mr)