What is the meaning of Mark 5:12?

So the demons begged Jesus

“ ‘And the demons begged Him…’ ” (Mark 5:12)

• A literal horde of unclean spirits confronts the Son of God and immediately recognizes His supreme authority (Mark 1:24; Luke 4:41).

• Their plea underscores that even the powers of darkness are subject to Christ’s word (Job 1:12; James 2:19).

• The verb “begged” shows desperation; they know judgment is inevitable (Matthew 8:29; Revelation 20:10) yet seek a delay.

• Jesus’ calm dominance over evil comforts believers who face spiritual opposition (1 John 4:4).

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Send us to the pigs

“ ‘…Send us to the pigs…’ ” (Mark 5:12)

• The demons request permission; they cannot act without it (Luke 8:32).

• Pigs were ceremonially unclean under the Law (Leviticus 11:7), fitting vessels for unclean spirits.

• Their choice reveals a preference for any embodiment over roaming aimlessly (Matthew 12:43).

• The presence of a large herd also highlights the economic stakes the townspeople valued over a delivered man (Mark 5:14–17; 1 Timothy 6:10).

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So that we may enter them

“ ‘…so that we may enter them.’ ” (Mark 5:12)

• Demons seek physical hosts to influence and destroy (John 10:10; Luke 9:42).

• Possessing animals foreshadows their destructive nature—soon the herd rushes into the sea (Mark 5:13), mirroring Satan’s bent toward death (Hebrews 2:14).

• Jesus allows it, demonstrating His right to judge evil on His terms while sparing the man once tortured (Colossians 2:15).

• The subsequent drowning publicly displays the cost of demonic partnership and the completeness of Christ’s deliverance (Exodus 14:28; Acts 19:18–20).

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summary

Mark 5:12 shows real demons, fully aware of Jesus’ unmatched authority, pleading for a limited concession. Their request to inhabit unclean pigs—and the Lord’s permission—highlights the Savior’s control over all realms, the destructive intent of evil spirits, and the priceless value He places on a single human soul.