Casting Out the Legion
Jesus delivered a violent man in the country of the Gadarenes, sending a legion of demons into a herd of swine.
A man possessed by many demons lived among the tombs, breaking every chain. When Jesus stepped out of the boat, he ran and worshipped Him. The demons begged not to be sent to the deep but into a nearby herd of swine. Jesus gave permission; the herd — about two thousand — ran down a steep place into the sea.
The country of the Gadarenes, east of Galilee
What Happened
Key KJV Scriptures
Spiritual Significance
Jesus' authority over the demonic world is absolute. Even a legion (a Roman unit of about 6,000) trembles and obeys His word.
Lesson for Today
Christ can restore the most ruined life. The man who terrified a region became the first missionary to the Decapolis.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jesus allow the swine to die?
It demonstrated the destructive nature of the demons and proved the man was truly delivered. Souls outweigh swine.
What happened to the freed man?
He begged to go with Jesus, but Jesus sent him home to tell what great things the Lord had done — and he proclaimed it throughout Decapolis (Mark 5:18-20).
Where in the Bible is the miracle of Casting Out the Legion?
The miracle of Casting Out the Legion is recorded in Mark 5:9 (KJV), with additional references in Mark 5:15.
Who performed the miracle of Casting Out the Legion?
Scripture records that Jesus carried out this miracle at The country of the Gadarenes, east of Galilee. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
Related Bible Miracles
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
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.
Read moreBeelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreThe Name of Jesus — Authority in Spiritual Warfare
The name of Jesus is not a magic word but the authority of the risen Christ, in which demons are cast out and prayers are heard.
Read moreAngels Ministered to Jesus (Wilderness & Gethsemane)
After temptation and in Gethsemane's agony, angels came and strengthened the Son of God — heaven's tender care for the suffering Saviour.
Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
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Stilling storms, walking on water, and the glory of the mount.
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Walking on water, feeding the 5,000, healing the sick.
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Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Casting Out the Legion
Jesus delivered a violent man in the country of the Gadarenes, sending a legion
Legion and the Gadarene Demoniac
A man possessed by a 'legion' of demons is delivered by Jesus, showing Christ's
The Stilling of the Demoniac
Mark 5:1-20 • Spiritual Deliverance
Jesus' Authority to Cast Out Demons
Jesus cast out demons with a word; He gave the same authority to His disciples a
Bible Verses About Demons
10 curated KJV verses
1 Peter 5:6-7 Commentary
In-depth study • Humility & Casting Cares