And He asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “My name is Legion, because we are many.”
Jesus’ question is asked not out of ignorance, but for revelation. He wanted those present to see the full extent of that man’s tragic condition and to understand more clearly the greatness of his deliverance. The word “Legion” was a Roman military unit and meant a multitude. That is, it was not one demon acting within that man, but many unclean spirits. This reply shows the great weight of demonic domination. Yet at the same time it makes Christ’s power all the more glorious. The greater the multitude of darkness, the greater is the authority of the Lord, who with one word rules over all. This verse also reminds us that the depth of evil within a person is sometimes far more than what appears outwardly. Yet before God nothing is hidden or impossible to overcome.