Thursday, March 7, 2013

What does the phrase "I am Legion, for we are many" mean?

This quote is taken from the New Testament of the Christian Bible. How can I better explain it than by showing you the source in the book of Mark, chapter five, starting in verse 2 (New International Version):


Mark 5:2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 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. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.


6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”


9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”


“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

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