Bible Strands
Mark 5:18
As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by the demons begged to go with Him.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — As Jesus prepares to board a boat to leave the Decapolis region, the formerly demon-possessed man approaches Him to request physical accompaniment. This appeal occurs immediately after the local crowd has asked Jesus to depart their territory.
The words — The Greek verb παρεκάλει (parekalei) literally means "was begging" or "was earnestly pleading," capturing the man's persistent appeal. The participle ἐμβαίνοντος (embainontos) anchors this request precisely "when climbing into" the vessel.
The thread — This exchange runs parallel to Luke 8:38, which records the identical request from the same healed man. The dynamic of seeking proximity to Jesus contrasts with the Apostle Paul’s later reflection in Philippians 1:23 on the tension between earthly service and departing to be with Christ.
Why it lands — The narrative states a direct request for physical closeness, which Jesus explicitly denies in the following verse. It requires the reader to accept that discipleship may demand staying in one's own community to testify, rather than following Jesus on His immediate journey.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
Cross-references
- Luke 8:38 The man whom the demons had left begged to go with Jesus. But He sent him away, saying,
- Philippians 1:23 I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.
- Mark 5:17 And the people began to beg Jesus to leave their region.
- Psalms 116:12 How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me?
- Mark 5:7 And he shouted in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You before God not to torture me!”
- Luke 23:42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”
- Luke 17:15 When one of them saw that he was healed, he came back, praising God in a loud voice.