Devine Scripture

Mark 5:9

What does Mark 5:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 5:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 5:9 means

Jesus asks the name of the unclean spirit, and it replies, "My name is Legion; for we are many." This reveals the overwhelming number of demons afflicting the man, indicating a profound and powerful possession. Naming in ancient cultures often carried power, and Jesus' question is not for information He lacks, but to reveal the extent of the oppression, demonstrating His complete authority over them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he asked him, What is thy name? And he saith unto him, My name is Legion; for we are many.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he asked him, What is thy name? And he saith unto him, My name is Legion; for we are many.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus said, What is your name? And he made answer, My name is Legion, because there are a great number of us.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he was questioning him, `What <FI>is<Fi> thy name?' and he answered, saying, `Legion <FI>is<Fi> my name, because we are many;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he asked him: What is thy name? And he saith to him: My name is Legion, for we are many.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he asked him, What is thy name? And he says to him, Legion is my name, because we are many.

Context

Following Jesus' command, this verse reveals the extraordinary nature of the demonic possession. The confession of 'Legion' emphasizes the overwhelming evil Jesus confronts, making the subsequent act of expulsion even more astounding and highlighting His supreme power over even a multitude of demons.

v.8For he said unto him, Come forth, thou unclean spirit, out of the man.

v.9This passage

v.10And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 12:45

    Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this evil generation.

  • Luke 8:30

    And Jesus asked him, What is thy name? And he said, Legion; for many demons were entered into him.

  • Luke 11:21

    When the strong man fully armed guardeth his own court, his goods are in peace:

  • Mark 5:15

    And they come to Jesus, and behold him that was possessed with demons sitting, clothed and in his right mind, even him that had the legion: and they were afraid.

  • Matthew 26:53

    Or thinkest thou that I cannot beseech my Father, and he shall even now send me more than twelve legions of angels?

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