Legion and the Gadarene Demoniac
A man possessed by a 'legion' of demons is delivered by Jesus, showing Christ's total authority over the powers of darkness.
In Mark 5, Jesus crosses the sea to the country of the Gadarenes and meets a man so violently possessed that no chains could hold him. The demons identify themselves: 'My name is Legion: for we are many.' Jesus drives them out with a word, sends them into a herd of swine, and the man is found 'sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind.'
What Scripture Teaches
- 1The man lived among tombs, cutting himself with stones (Mark 5:5)
- 2He was possessed by thousands of demons — a 'legion'
- 3The demons recognized Jesus as the Son of God (Mark 5:7)
- 4Jesus cast them out with a single command (Mark 5:13)
- 5The demons could not even enter swine without permission
- 6The delivered man begged to follow Jesus and became a witness (Mark 5:19-20)
Key KJV Scriptures
"And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many."
"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."
"Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."
Why It Matters
The most extreme case of demonization in Scripture is also the easiest for Jesus to handle. The man no chain could bind needed no struggle from Christ — only His word.
Application for Today
Whatever has bound you, Christ is greater. He restores the mind, the dignity, and the calling of those who come to Him — and turns the most broken people into His messengers.
Continue Your Study
Frequently Asked Questions
How many demons were in Legion?
A Roman legion was around 6,000 soldiers, suggesting a vast multitude. The exact number isn't given — the point is that no quantity of demonic power can resist Christ's authority.
Why did Jesus send the demons into the pigs?
Scripture doesn't fully explain, but it demonstrated the demons' destructive nature and provided unmistakable evidence of the man's deliverance to the watching villagers.
Related Studies
What Are Demons in the Bible?
Demons are fallen, evil spirits under Satan who oppose God and oppress people — but they are subject to Christ.
Satan, the Adversary
Satan is a created, fallen angel who accuses, tempts, and deceives — already defeated by Christ at the cross.
Jesus' Authority to Cast Out Demons
Jesus cast out demons with a word; He gave the same authority to His disciples and still delivers today through faith in His name.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Casting Out the Legion
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The Stilling of the Demoniac
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