Bible Strands
Mark 5:6
When the man saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees before Him.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The unclean man, previously isolated in tombs and mountains, runs to Jesus and prostrates himself before Him upon recognizing His presence. This action occurs immediately after his prolonged self-torment and directly precedes his loud plea for Jesus not to torture him.
The words — The Greek verb ἔδραμεν (edramen) literally means "he ran," denoting sudden, urgent movement. The phrase ἀπὸ μακρὸθεν (apo makrothen) translates to "from afar," indicating the man's recognition of Jesus despite his previous isolation.
The thread — This reaction aligns with the acknowledgment of divine authority seen in Luke 4:41 and James 2:19, where spiritual beings recognize and fear God's power. It also reflects the theme of enemies cowering before God's works as recorded in Psalms 66:3.
Why it lands — The text records a physical response to divine presence before any theological explanation is given. It requires the reader to acknowledge that spiritual authority commands immediate submission, regardless of the subject's prior condition or resistance.
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
But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
Cross-references
- James 2:19 You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
- Psalms 66:3 Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You.
- Luke 4:41 Demons also came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But He rebuked the demons and would not allow them to speak, because they knew He was the Christ.
- Psalms 72:9 May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust.
- Acts 16:17 This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!”