GREAT THINGS ENTERPRISE
CLAUDE BLACK
Mark 5:4
Breaking Lose
There was a report recently about homelessness among senior citizens and attempts by some organizations to address this condition. Sensible people are moved by pictures of aging people living on the streets or in wooded areas. There are likely as many explanations for why these senior citizens find themselves homeless as there are homeless senior citizens. In other words, there is no single explanation for this phenomenon. Thankfully, there are people moved to provide a solution. The organizations are often inadequate for the size of the need.
The treatment of needy people in St. Mark’s era was very different from the current approaches. The gospel writer described a man who was suffering; he had an unclean spirit. (5:2) Whatever his condition was, he was homeless—living in tombs: “For he had been bound many times with foot shackles and chains, and he tore the chains apart and crushed the foot shackles, and no one was able to subdue him.” (5:4)
Some writers paint the picture of a Hercules-type man who stood bellowing and jerking apart the restraining chains. Other writers, however, point out that the two particular verbs in this sentence (διεσπάσθαι, diesasthai, and συντετρῖφθα, syntetriphthai), usually translated as “torn” and “shattered,” can also convey the idea of drawing or rubbing, suggesting that the fetters might have been cords which could be rubbed to pieces—“chains” (ἁλύσεσιν, halysesin) being a generic term for fetters.
Whatever the interpretation, this man would not be restrained; he broke free from his bonds/restraints. There’s a great deal to be thankful for in the fact that there are currently better ways to treat people—individuals like those who are trying to help homeless citizens into shelters.
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