RSV ~ Mark 5 Notes
Mk 5:1 | ISB Notes
Gerasenes: Gerasa is one of the cities of the âDecapolisâ (5:20), a confederation of ten cities in NT Palestine. They were predominantly Gentile in population, and most of them were located east of the Jordan River. The presence of âswineâ in 5:11 reinforces this Gentile context, since the Jews would never herd animals that God declared unclean (Lev 11:7-8).
Mk 5:9 | ISB Notes
Legion: The term for an armed regiment of nearly 6,000 Roman soldiers. It points to the overwhelming presence of demons in the man and accentuates the intensity of spiritual combat between Jesus and forces of evil. Matthew indicates that two men approached Jesus suffering from demonic possession (Mt 8:28).
⢠Allegorically (St. Bede, In Marcum): the demoniac represents the Gentile nations saved by Christ. As pagans, they once lived apart from God amid the tombs of dead works, while their sins were performed in service to demons. Through Christ, the pagans are at last cleansed and freed from Satanâs domination.
Mk 5:13 | ISB Notes
into the sea: Biblical symbolism associated with the sea is diverse and flexible.
⢠According to one tradition, Godâs enemies arise from the sea in the form of beasts that oppress Godâs people (Dan 7:1-3; Rev 13:1). Here Jesus reverses the direction of evil by sending the demon-possessed swine back into the sea. Like Pharaohâs army in the OT, Godâs adversaries are drowned in the waters (Ex 14:26-28; 15:1).
Mk 5:19 | ISB Notes
the Lord has done for you: Hints at Jesusâ divinity (cf. 2:28; 11:3; 12:37). The parallel text in Lk 8:39 has âGodâ.
Mk 5:21-43 | ISB Notes
Two miracle stories connected chronologically and thematically. Both highlight Jesusâ power over physical sickness (5:29, 42) and his favorable response to faith (5:23, 34, 36; CCC 548, 2616). The accounts are also linked by the figure twelve years, which represents the duration of the womanâs illness (5:25) and the age of the young girl (5:42).
Mk 5:23 | ISB Notes
lay your hands on her: Often in the Gospels Jesus responds to the persistent pleas of parents whose children are suffering or in danger (7:25-30; 9:17-27; Mt 17:14-18; Jn 4:46-54). His mercy touches these distressed parents whenever they turn to him in faith. Jesus also displays a deep affection for children (10:13-16; Mt 18:5-6).
Mk 5:25 | ISB Notes
a flow of blood: A condition that makes the woman and everything she touches legally unclean (Lev 15:25-30). This excludes her from full participation in the covenant life of Israel. To the crowdâs astonishment, Jesus removes her uncleanness by physical contact, not in spite of it. See note on Mk 1:40.
Mk 5:37 | ISB Notes
Peter ⌠James ⌠John: Three of Jesusâ closest disciples, who were also present with him at the Transfiguration (9:2) and in the garden of Gethsemane (14:33).
They are likewise the only apostles Jesus renamed: Simon became âPeterâ, which means ârockâ, while James and John were called âBoanergesâ, which means âsons of thunderâ (3:16-17).
Mk 5:39 | ISB Notes
not dead but sleeping: Biblical writers often speak of âsleepâ as a euphemism for biological death (Mt 27:52; Jn 11:11; 1 Cor 15:6). Jesus uses this description to emphasize that the girlâs condition is only temporary and reversible.
â˘Morally (St. Bede, In Marcum): the girl signifies the young Christian whose heart remains deadened by the world. Christ must clear away the crowds of impure thoughts to revive and strengthen the believer to begin walking in good deeds. Spiritual nourishment for this new life is given through the Eucharist.
Mk 5:41 | ISB Notes
Talitha cumi: One of several Aramaic expressions preserved in Mark (7:11, 34; 14:36; 15:22, 34). He regularly translates these expressions for his non-Jewish readers in Rome.