Definition: And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark 5:13. It's a really dramatic scene with a lot of meaning! Here’s what it says in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is healing a group of people who are suffering from intense sickness and fear – they're clearly possessed by unclean spirits. He’s giving them permission to leave, and then… something incredible happens. The spirits disappear ! They go out, and the entire herd of pigs – about two thousand strong – starts running frantically into the sea. What's Happening - It’s a Powerful Transformation: The Spirits Leave: This is the key part. The unclean spirits are being released from their grip. They're not just gone; they’ve been physically banished. The Pigs React: The pigs, who were terrified and struggling, are overwhelmed by the force of the water. They run into the sea with a violent, panicked rush. What Does it Mean? This is often interpreted as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority and healing power. Here’s what it suggests: Jesus is Healing: The most obvious thing is that Jesus is effectively curing these people from their affliction. He Has the Power to Overcome Evil: The fact that the spirits are gone shows that Jesus has the ability to cleanse something dark and destructive – the spirits themselves – with his divine power. His Authority is Established: The animals running into the sea is a dramatic sign of the impact of Jesus' healing on the world. In essence, this verse describes a moment where Jesus decisively frees the people from their suffering through his divine intervention. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this passage? For example, would you like to know: What the context of this story is (it's part of the Gospels)? How it relates to Jesus’ teachings about forgiveness and cleansing?