What is the meaning of “My name is Legion, for we are many” (Mark 5:9)?

Answer

During His time on earth, Jesus encountered many peculiar individuals, including a demon named Legion who had taken possession of a man. In Mark 5:9, Jesus asked for the demon’s name, and it responded, “My name is Legion, . . . for we are many.” Legion, therefore, was not a single demon but was shown to be a collective entity. This revelation potentially explains why the possessed man experienced severe torment and displayed extraordinary strength. The locals had tried to confine him with chains, but he had broken the restraints apart (Mark 5:2-5).

Historically, a legion represented the largest Roman military formation, often consisting of thousands of soldiers. The demon’s name suggests that multiple impure spirits can dwell within one person, highlighting the distinction between spiritual and non-spiritual beings. Without physical bodies, spirits can be compared to vapor, able to occupy any space. The use of both singular and plural pronouns in the text of Mark 5 indicates that a multitude of demons can work together, possibly for deceptive purposes. The Bible does not specify the exact number of demons comprising Legion, but they entered a herd of about 2,000 pigs (verse 13).

Jesus’ request for Legion’s name is significant as it exposed the true identity of the demon. While some suggest that Jesus needed the demons’ names to cast them out, it is more probable that He intended to reveal their concealed nature, asserting His authority over all of them. Names held great importance in ancient times, even more so than today. Legion’s willingness to reveal its name emphasizes Jesus’ supremacy over demons.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Legion bears a name linked to warfare. In other contexts, the term was used to describe groups of holy angels. When Jesus was about to be arrested, and Peter tried to defend Him, Jesus said, “Do you think II cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” «Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? », (Matthew 26:53). Once again, we recognize God’s sovereignty and superiority, as well as the reality of spiritual warfare.

What lessons can we draw from the encounter between Jesus and Legion? First, Scripture affirms an unseen reality beyond ours. In today’s postmodern, materialist milieu, we may lose sight of and ignore the existence of spirits. Even within Christian circles, discussions about the supernatural can be uneasy. While we should not obsess over the supernatural realm, we needn’t live like atheists.

Second, Christ’s authority surpasses all forces, as epitomized on the cross «and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. », (Colossians 2:15). Even spirits in rebellion acknowledge His supremacy. God’s sovereignty is absolute, despite our inability to fully grasp how it works with the free will He gave His creation. Nevertheless, Scripture asserts both God’s control and our free will.

Finally, we are enmeshed in spiritual warfare and should remain vigilant. Fortunately, we have enough weapons in our arsenal to withstand the threat (Ephesians 6:10-18).