Mark 5:4
New International Version
For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him.

New Living Translation
Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him.

English Standard Version
for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him.

Berean Standard Bible
Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him.

Berean Literal Bible
because he often had been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn in two by him, and the shackles had been shattered, and no one was able to subdue him.

King James Bible
Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

New King James Version
because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him.

New American Standard Bible
because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces; and no one was strong enough to subdue him.

NASB 1995
because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue him.

NASB 1977
because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue him.

Legacy Standard Bible
because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue him.

Amplified Bible
For he had often been bound with shackles [for the feet] and with chains, and he tore apart the chains and broke the shackles into pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue and tame him.

Christian Standard Bible
because he often had been bound with shackles and chains, but had torn the chains apart and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
because he often had been bound with shackles and chains, but had snapped off the chains and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him.

American Standard Version
because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been rent asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: and no man had strength to tame him.

Contemporary English Version
He had often been put in chains and leg irons, but he broke the chains and smashed the leg irons. No one could control him.

English Revised Version
because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been rent asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: and no man had strength to tame him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He had often been chained hand and foot. However, he snapped the chains off his hands and broke the chains from his feet. No one could control him.

Good News Translation
many times his feet and his hands had been tied, but every time he broke the chains and smashed the irons on his feet. He was too strong for anyone to control him.

International Standard Version
He had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but had snapped the chains apart and broken the shackles in pieces. No one could tame him.

Majority Standard Bible
Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him.

NET Bible
For his hands and feet had often been bound with chains and shackles, but he had torn the chains apart and broken the shackles in pieces. No one was strong enough to subdue him.

New Heart English Bible
For he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. No one had the strength to tame him.

Webster's Bible Translation
For he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

Weymouth New Testament
for many a time he had been left securely bound in fetters and chains, but afterwards the chains lay torn link from link, and the fetters in fragments, and there was no one strong enough to master him.

World English Bible
because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
because that many times he had been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been pulled in pieces by him, and the shackles broken in pieces, and none was able to tame him,

Berean Literal Bible
because he often had been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn in two by him, and the shackles had been shattered, and no one was able to subdue him.

Young's Literal Translation
because that he many times with fetters and chains had been bound, and pulled in pieces by him had been the chains, and the fetters broken in pieces, and none was able to tame him,

Smith's Literal Translation
For he had been bound many times with fetters and chains, and the chains were torn asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: and none could tame him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For having been often bound with fetters and chains, he had burst the chains, and broken the fetters in pieces, and no one could tame him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For having been bound often with shackles and chains, he had broken the chains and smashed the shackles; and no one had been able to tame him.

New American Bible
In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him.

New Revised Standard Version
for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Because whenever he was bound with fetters and chains, he broke the chains and cut the fetters, and no man could control him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Because whenever he had been bound in shackles and chains he had broken the chains and cut the shackles apart and no one was able to subdue him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
because he had often been bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been pulled to pieces by him, and the fetters had been broken, and no one had strength to subdue him;

Godbey New Testament
because frequently he had been bound with fetters and chains, and the chains were slipped off by him, and the fetters torn to pieces.

Haweis New Testament
for he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains were burst asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces, and no man was able to master him:

Mace New Testament
for having been often bound with fetters and chains, he had wrench'd his chains, and broke his fetters, so that no body could tame him.

Weymouth New Testament
for many a time he had been left securely bound in fetters and chains, but afterwards the chains lay torn link from link, and the fetters in fragments, and there was no one strong enough to master him.

Worrell New Testament
because he had often been bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces, and no one had strength to tame him.

Worsley New Testament
for he had often been bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been pulled asunder by him, and the fetters broken; and no man could tame him:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Demons and the Pigs
3This man had been living in the tombs and could no longer be restrained, even with chains. 4Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him. 5Night and day in the tombs and in the mountains he kept crying out and cutting himself with stones.…

Cross References
Luke 8:29
For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and been driven by the demon into solitary places.

Acts 19:16
Then the man with the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. The attack was so violent that they ran out of the house naked and wounded.

Matthew 8:28
When Jesus arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, He was met by two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.

2 Peter 2:4
For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;

Jude 1:6
And the angels who did not stay within their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day.

Isaiah 65:4
sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls.

2 Corinthians 10:4
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Psalm 107:14
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains.

Job 36:8
And if men are bound with chains, caught in cords of affliction,

Jeremiah 39:7
Then he put out Zedekiah’s eyes and bound him with bronze chains to take him to Babylon.

2 Timothy 2:26
Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.

Matthew 12:29
Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.

Luke 11:21-22
When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are secure. / But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted, and then he divides up his plunder.

Isaiah 49:24-25
Can the plunder be snatched from the mighty, or the captives of a tyrant be delivered? / Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away, and the plunder of the tyrant will be retrieved; I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.

Acts 16:26
Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.


Treasury of Scripture

Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

tame.

James 3:7,8
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: …

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Afterwards Apart Asunder Bands Bound Broken Chained Chains Feet Fetters Foot Fragments Frequently Hand Iron Irons Lay Nobody Often Parted Pieces Plucked Prisoned Quiet Securely Shattered Strength Strong Tame Time Times Tore Torn Wrenched
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Afterwards Apart Asunder Bands Bound Broken Chained Chains Feet Fetters Foot Fragments Frequently Hand Iron Irons Lay Nobody Often Parted Pieces Plucked Prisoned Quiet Securely Shattered Strength Strong Tame Time Times Tore Torn Wrenched
Mark 5
1. Jesus delivering the possessed of the legion of demons,
13. they enter into the pigs.
22. He is entreated by Jairus to go and heal his daughter.
25. He heals the woman subject to bleeding,
35. and raises Jairus' daughter from death.














For he had often been bound with chains and shackles
This phrase highlights the repeated attempts to restrain the man possessed by an unclean spirit. The Greek word for "bound" (δέω, deō) implies a strong, deliberate action to secure or tie down. Historically, chains and shackles were common methods of restraint, indicating the severity of the man's condition. The use of "often" suggests a persistent problem, reflecting the community's desperation and inability to control the supernatural strength of the demoniac. This imagery underscores the spiritual bondage and the futility of human efforts without divine intervention.

but he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles
The Greek word for "broken" (διασπάω, diaspaō) conveys a violent tearing apart, while "shattered" (συντρίβω, syntribō) suggests crushing or breaking into pieces. This demonstrates the extraordinary power of the demonic influence within the man, surpassing normal human strength. The imagery of breaking and shattering symbolizes the destructive nature of sin and evil, which cannot be contained by mere human means. It serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face and the need for God's power to overcome such forces.

Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him
The phrase "no one with the strength" emphasizes the complete helplessness of the people in dealing with the demoniac. The Greek word for "subdue" (δαμάζω, damazō) means to tame or bring under control, often used in the context of taming wild animals. This highlights the uncontrollable nature of the man's condition, likening it to a wild beast. The historical context of this passage reflects the limitations of human strength and authority when confronted with spiritual forces. It points to the necessity of Christ's intervention, as only He possesses the ultimate authority and power to bring true deliverance and peace.

(4) Bound with fetters and chains.--These were not necessarily of metal. The two processes of snapping the latter by one convulsive movement and wearing away (not "breaking") the latter by friction, rather suggests the idea of ropes, or cords, as in the case of Samson (Judges 15:13). In Psalm 149:8 the "chains" seem distinguished from the "links of iron." The vivid fulness of the whole description is eminently characteristic of St. Mark's style.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Though]
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

he
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

{was} often
πολλάκις (pollakis)
Adverb
Strong's 4178: Many times, often, frequently. Multiplicative adverb from polus; many times, i.e. Frequently.

bound
δεδέσθαι (dedesthai)
Verb - Perfect Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 1210: To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind.

with chains
ἁλύσεσιν (halysesin)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 254: A (light) chain, bond. Of uncertain derivation; a fetter or manacle.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

shackles,
πέδαις (pedais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3976: A shackle, fetter for the feet. Ultimately from pous; a shackle for the feet.

he had broken
διεσπάσθαι (diespasthai)
Verb - Perfect Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 1288: To tear apart, burst. From dia and spao; to draw apart, i.e. Sever or dismember.

the
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

chains
ἁλύσεις (halyseis)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 254: A (light) chain, bond. Of uncertain derivation; a fetter or manacle.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

shattered
συντετρῖφθαι (syntetriphthai)
Verb - Perfect Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 4937: From sun and the base of tribos; to crush completely, i.e. To shatter.

the
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

shackles.
πέδας (pedas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3976: A shackle, fetter for the feet. Ultimately from pous; a shackle for the feet.

Now
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

no one
οὐδεὶς (oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

had the strength
ἴσχυεν (ischyen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2480: To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.

to subdue
δαμάσαι (damasai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1150: To tame, subdue, involving obedience and restraint. A variation of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to tame.

him.
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: Mark 5:4 Because he had been often bound (Mar Mk Mr)
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