New Testament
Mark 5:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When they reached Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons sitting there, fully clothed and in his right mind. This terrified them.
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And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
What Mark 5:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the people who had witnessed the miraculous healing of a man possessed by many demons come to see Jesus. They find the man, who was once tormented and out of control, now calm, dressed, and thinking clearly. This transformation is shocking to them. The sight of someone they knew to be mad now restored to sanity challenges their understanding of reality and power. The fear they experience indicates their struggle to comprehend the divine authority that Jesus possesses. This moment highlights the contrast between the chaos of demonic possession and the peace that comes from Jesus' intervention. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and the fear that can accompany encounters with the divine.
How to apply Mark 5:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the power of Jesus to change lives. It reminds us that no situation is beyond His reach. When we encounter the miraculous, we may feel fear or uncertainty, but we should embrace the hope and transformation that faith in Christ brings.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Freeing a Man from Demons (Mark 5:1–20)
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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.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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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 5:15 mean?
Mark 5:15 describes the moment when people find a man who had been possessed by demons completely transformed after encountering Jesus. He is now calm, dressed, and in his right mind, which shocks those who knew him before.
What is the significance of the man being clothed in Mark 5:15?
The man being clothed signifies his restoration to a normal state of life after being tormented by demons. It symbolizes dignity and the return to a socially acceptable condition, contrasting his previous chaotic existence.
Why were the people afraid in Mark 5:15?
The people were afraid because they witnessed a miraculous change in the man they once knew to be mad. This transformation challenged their understanding of reality and highlighted the divine power of Jesus.
What does 'in his right mind' mean in Mark 5:15?
'In his right mind' means that the man was restored to a state of mental clarity and rationality after being freed from demonic possession. It emphasizes the complete transformation that occurred through Jesus' intervention.
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