And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that this wasn't just any man; he was "with an unclean spirit," indicating he was fully under its influence. This phrasing suggests a deep entanglement, where the spirit, not just the man, had a presence and a voice.
And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just moments after Jesus astounded the crowd with his authoritative teaching in the synagogue, a man violently possessed by an evil spirit disrupted the service. This dramatic event, the first miracle Mark records, immediately showcased Jesus' power over the spiritual realm, leading to widespread astonishment and a buzz about this "new teaching."
Jesus steps into a synagogue and begins to teach. The reaction? Astonishment. What made His words so different from the religious leaders of the day?
Jesus' teaching wasn't just informative; it carried a unique authority. Unlike the scribes, who expounded the Law with human interpretation, Jesus spoke as one who possessed the truth. His words weren't just heard; they were felt, carrying the power of the Spirit. This made His message impactful and awe-inspiring, distinguishing Him immediately from the religious establishment.
Suddenly, a man possessed by an 'unclean spirit' interrupts the service. His cry reveals a startling recognition of who Jesus is, but also a desperate plea.
The man, or rather the spirit within him, recognizes Jesus as the 'Holy One of God.' This isn't a simple acknowledgment; it's a confession born from a place of spiritual opposition. The 'unclean spirit' likely refers to a spirit that defiles and corrupts, influencing the man towards impurity. Its cry, 'What have you to do with us?' and 'Have you come to destroy us?' reveals the spirit's fear of Jesus' power and purpose. Jesus' authority isn't just to teach, but to confront and liberate those held captive by evil.
Understand the original words
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akathartos pneuma · Greek Adjective
A demonic entity characterized by moral corruption and opposition to God’s holiness; such spirits often seek to possess or influence humans.
hagios tou Theou · Greek Adjective
A title denoting the ultimate holiness of God; it emphasizes that Jesus is set apart from all sin and is the uniquely consecrated representative of the Father.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus begins teaching and performing miracles in Galilee, attracting crowds and disciples.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus teaches in the Capernaum synagogue
Jesus enters a synagogue in Capernaum on the Sabbath and begins to teach, astonishing the listeners with his authoritative style.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus expels an unclean spirit
During Jesus' teaching, a man with an unclean spirit cries out, and Jesus rebukes the spirit, causing it to leave the man. This is Jesus' first recorded miracle in Mark's Gospel.
Early 1st century AD
Fame spreads throughout Galilee
News of Jesus' authoritative teaching and the miraculous healing spreads rapidly, drawing more attention to him throughout the region.
This passage from Luke describes the same event, emphasizing that the man was 'under the control of a spirit of demonic possession,' which highlights the nature of the 'unclean spirit' mentioned in Mark.
Matthew 8:29Here, the demoniacs also recognize Jesus and cry out, 'What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?' This shows a parallel in how demons perceived Jesus' divine identity and their fear of His power.
1 Corinthians 10:20Paul speaks of 'what pagans sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God.' This connection helps us understand the broader spiritual context of 'unclean spirits' and their opposition to God and His followers.
Acts 19:15This passage about the sons of Sceva shows the reality of evil spirits acknowledging Jesus but also their powerlessness when confronted without genuine authority, paralleling the demon's forced recognition and Jesus' authoritative command.
Revelation 18:2Revelation describes Babylon as 'a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit,' linking the concept of uncleanness and demonic presence to places or systems that are opposed to God.
calvinMark 1:21-28: "And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught."
- And they entered into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbaths, entering into the synagogue, he taught. 22. And they were astonished at his doctrine; for he was teaching them, as one invested with authority, and not as the Scribes. 23. And there was in their synagogue a man liable to an unclean spirit, who cried out, 24. Saying, Ah! what have I to do with thee, Jesus…
clarkeMark 1:23: "And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,"
A man with an unclean spirit - This demoniac is only mentioned by Mark and Luke, Luke 4:33 . It seems the man had lucid intervals; else he could not have been admitted into the synagogue. Unclean or impure spirit - a common epithet for those fallen spirits: but here it may mean, one who filled the heart of him he possessed with Lascivious thoughts, images, desires, and propensities. By giving way to th…
The verse highlights that this wasn't just any man; he was "with an unclean spirit," indicating he was fully under its influence. This phrasing suggests a deep entanglement, where the spirit, not just the man, had a presence and a voice.
Just moments after Jesus astounded the crowd with his authoritative teaching in the synagogue, a man violently possessed by an evil spirit disrupted the service. This dramatic event, the first miracle Mark records, immediately showcased Jesus' power over the spiritual realm, leading to widespread astonishment and a buzz about this "new teaching."
Just moments after Jesus astounded the crowd with his authoritative teaching in the synagogue, a man violently possessed by an evil spirit disrupted the service. This dramatic event, the first miracle Mark records, immediately showcased Jesus' power over the spiritual realm, leading to widespread astonishment and a buzz about this "new teaching."
"And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”" — The verse highlights that this wasn't just any man; he was "with an unclean spirit," indicating he was fully under its influence. This phrasing suggests a deep entanglement, where the spirit, not jus…
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Last reviewed October 2026