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Mark 5:7 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore you by God, do not torment me.”

7 καὶand κράξαςhaving cried out φωνῇto voice μεγάλῃgreat λέγειhe is saying ΤίWhat ἐμοὶto me καὶand σοί,to you, ἸησοῦJesus υἱὲSon τοῦof the θεοῦGod, τοῦof the ὑψίστου;Most High? ὁρκίζωI put under oath σεyou τὸνthe θεόν,God, μήnot μεme βασανίσῃς.you should torment.

Mark 5:7 presents a vivid scene of spiritual confrontation, encapsulating the dramatic encounter between Jesus and a man possessed by demons. The verse’s Greek syntax and diction not only convey the intensity of this encounter but also embed it within a broader scriptural and cultural context. An examination of the Greek grammar and the fidelity of its translation into English reveals the depth of meaning and theological significance encapsulated in this passage.

Greek Exegesis of Mark 5:7

The verse begins with καὶ κράξας φωνῇ μεγάλῃ (And crying out with a loud voice), a narrative detail that sets the tone of desperation and confrontation. The participle κράξας (crying out) is in the aorist active participle form, denoting a specific, decisive action. The phrase φωνῇ μεγάλῃ (with a loud voice) underscores the intensity of the demon-possessed man’s plea, amplifying the dramatic tension of the scene.

The core of the demon’s outcry, τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί, Ἰησοῦ, υἱὲ τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ὑψίστου? (What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?), features a complex interplay of linguistic and cultural elements. The phrase τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί is a Semitic idiom transplanted into the Greek text, translating literally as “What to me and to you?” This rhetorical question indicates a sharp disjunction and objection, a challenge to Jesus’ authority over the demonic realm. The title Ἰησοῦ, υἱὲ τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ὑψίστου (Jesus, Son of the Most High God) acknowledges Jesus’ divine sonship and supreme authority, reflecting the demons’ recognition of His power.

The plea ὁρκίζω σε τὸν θεόν, μή με βασανίσῃς (I implore you by God, do not torment me) illustrates the desperation and acknowledgment of Jesus’ capability to inflict divine judgment. The verb ὁρκίζω (I implore) in the present active indicative, coupled with the negative imperative μή με βασανίσῃς (do not torment me), conveys the demon’s urgent request for mercy within the context of divine authority.

Translation Soundness

The Updated American Standard Version (UASV) captures the essence and nuances of the Greek text with commendable accuracy. The translation “What have you to do with me” effectively conveys the idiomatic expression’s meaning within the cultural and linguistic context of the original audience. Additionally, the translation acknowledges the phrase’s Hebrew roots by providing a literal translation in the footnote, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the text’s intertextual connections to the Hebrew Scriptures. The designation “Son of the Most High God” faithfully represents the acknowledgment of Jesus’ divine authority and identity, pivotal for understanding the passage’s theological implications.

By retaining the literal and idiomatic expressions from the Greek, the UASV allows English readers to grasp the cultural, theological, and emotional depth of the original narrative. This translation approach respects the historical and linguistic context of the Markan text, providing readers with a glimpse into the complex dynamics of Jesus’ ministry and the spiritual realities it engaged with.

In summary, the exegetical analysis of Mark 5:7’s Greek grammar and its translation into English reveals a rich tapestry of linguistic, cultural, and theological elements. This passage not only illustrates the power and authority of Jesus over the demonic realm but also connects this New Testament narrative to the broader biblical tradition through its use of Semitic idioms and titles. The careful translation of these elements ensures that modern readers can appreciate the depth and significance of this encounter within the Gospel narrative.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).