Mark 5:11
What does Mark 5:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 5:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 5:11 means
The presence of a large herd of swine on the nearby mountainside serves as a key detail in the narrative, providing an immediate and available destination for the demons. As swine were unclean animals according to Jewish law, their presence in this Gentile region is fitting, further emphasizing the non-Jewish setting. This detail will be crucial for the demons' next request, preparing for a dramatic demonstration of their destructive nature.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now there was there on the mountain side a great herd of swine feeding.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now there was there on the mountain side a great herd of swine feeding.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now on the mountain side there was a great herd of pigs getting their food.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And there was there, near the mountains, a great herd of swine feeding,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And there was there near the mountain a great herd of swine, feeding.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now there was there just at the mountain a great herd of swine feeding;
Context
This verse introduces a new element into the scene, providing a vivid visual and practical detail for the next phase of the encounter. The presence of the swine immediately preceding the demons' request for a new dwelling provides a logical and dramatic target for their expulsion, setting up a powerful display of Jesus' power.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 14:8
And the swine, because he parteth the hoof but cheweth not the cud, he is unclean unto you: of their flesh ye shall not eat, and their carcasses ye shall not touch.
- Isaiah 66:3
He that killeth an ox is as he that slayeth a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as he that breaketh a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as he that offereth swine’s blood; he that burneth frankincense, as he that blesseth an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations:
- Matthew 8:30
Now there was afar off from them a herd of many swine feeding.
- Leviticus 11:7
And the swine, because he parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, but cheweth not the cud, he is unclean unto you.
- Isaiah 65:4
that sit among the graves, and lodge in the secret places; that eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
- Luke 8:32
Now there was there a herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they entreated him that he would give them leave to enter into them. And he gave them leave.
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