New Testament
Mark 5:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The men tending the pigs ran off and spread the news throughout the town and the surrounding countryside. People came out to see what had happened.
Compare translations
And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
What Mark 5:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the men who were taking care of the pigs witnessed a remarkable event where Jesus cast out demons from a man and into the pigs, causing the pigs to rush into the sea. Shocked and frightened by what they had seen, the pig herders ran into the town and surrounding areas to tell everyone about this extraordinary occurrence. Their urgent message sparked curiosity among the townspeople, prompting them to come out and see for themselves what had happened. This reaction highlights the impact of miraculous events on communities and how news of such occurrences spreads quickly, often leading to a collective response. The pig herders' actions also reflect a natural human instinct to share significant news, especially when it involves something as dramatic as the loss of their herd and the power of Jesus. This moment sets the stage for a larger conversation about faith, fear, and the authority of Jesus over evil spirits.
How to apply Mark 5:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to share our experiences of faith and transformation with others. Just as the pig herders spread the news of Jesus' miracle, we too can share our stories of hope and change, inviting others to explore their own faith journeys and the power of Jesus in their lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Freeing a Man from Demons (Mark 5:1–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus

Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Mark 5:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Mark 5:14
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 5:14 mean?
Mark 5:14 describes how the pig herders, after witnessing Jesus perform a miracle by casting out demons, rushed to tell others about the event. Their actions demonstrate how impactful miraculous occurrences can be, prompting a community response.
What is the significance of the pig herders in Mark 5:14?
The pig herders in Mark 5:14 play a crucial role in spreading the news of Jesus' miracle. Their urgent message reflects a natural human instinct to share significant events, highlighting the communal impact of such extraordinary occurrences.
What happened in Mark 5:14?
In Mark 5:14, the men tending the pigs ran to the town to report a miraculous event where Jesus cast demons into their herd of pigs, causing them to rush into the sea. This news sparked curiosity among the townspeople.
What does the phrase 'spread the news' in Mark 5:14 mean?
The phrase 'spread the news' in Mark 5:14 indicates that the pig herders quickly shared their shocking experience with others in the town and countryside. It emphasizes the urgency and importance of the event they witnessed.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.