Mark 5:18
What does Mark 5:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 5:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 5:18 means
As Jesus prepared to return by boat, the recently delivered man, now fully restored and grateful, begged to join Jesus as a disciple. This desire to be with his deliverer reflects his profound thankfulness and an understandable longing to follow the one who had freed him from such horrific torment. His request shows the depth of his transformation and new commitment.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And as he was entering into the boat, he that had been possessed with demons besought him that he might be with him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And as he was entering into the boat, he that had been possessed with demons besought him that he might be with him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when he was getting into the boat, the man in whom had been the evil spirits had a great desire to come with him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And he having gone into the boat, the demoniac was calling on him that he may be with him,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when he went up into the ship, he that had been troubled with the devil, began to beseech him that he might be with him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And as he went on board ship, the man that had been possessed by demons besought him that he might be with him.
Context
This verse captures the immediate and natural desire of the transformed man to follow Jesus, a response of gratitude and devotion. This plea sets up Jesus' counter-instruction, demonstrating His wisdom in deploying His new converts for local evangelism rather than always taking them with Him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 5:7
and crying out with a loud voice, he saith, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the Most High God? I adjure thee by God, torment me not.
- Luke 23:42
And he said, Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom.
- Luke 17:15
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, with a loud voice glorifying God;
- Luke 8:38
But the man from whom the demons were gone out prayed him that he might be with him: but he sent him away, saying,
- Psalms 116:12
What shall I render unto Jehovah For all his benefits toward me?
- Philippians 1:23
But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better:
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