Man is Legion
“They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 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. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 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!’ For Jesus had said to him, ‘Come out of this man, you impure spirit!’
Then Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’
‘My name is Legion,’ he replied, ‘for we are many.’ And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, ‘Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.’ He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.”
The phrase “Man is legion,” which finds its origins in the biblical passage where Jesus encounters a man possessed by demons in Mark 5:9 (“My name is Legion, for we are many”), offers a profound lens through which to explore the human psyche. While the biblical account speaks of spiritual possession, this statement can also serve as a metaphor for the multiplicity within each human being. Modern psychology has illuminated the idea that humans are not singular, integrated entities, but rather the sum of multiple sub-personalities, each vying for expression and control in different contexts.
In psychological terms, the human mind can be seen as a dynamic ecosystem comprising various sub-personalities or “parts.” These parts are often shaped by life experiences, cultural influences, and innate dispositions. For example, one may have a “nurturing caregiver” sub-personality, a “fearful protector,” a “playful child,” and a “stern critic.” Each of these parts has its own motives, fears, and desires, and they often emerge in response to specific situations. This internal diversity can be both a source of strength and conflict.
From the perspective of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, these sub-personalities are seen as natural and adaptive. The goal is not to suppress or eradicate any part but to foster harmony and understanding among them. For instance, a “self-critical” part may seem harmful on the surface, but deeper exploration might reveal that it exists to protect the individual from failure or rejection. By engaging these parts with curiosity and compassion, one can begin to integrate them into a cohesive whole, reducing inner conflict and fostering a sense of peace.
The biblical notion of “legion” can be further understood in light of Carl Jung’s concept of the “shadow.” Jung posited that humans have unconscious aspects of their personality — traits and desires they deny or suppress. These shadow elements often manifest as sub-personalities that operate in the background, influencing behavior in ways that feel foreign or unexplainable. Just as the man in the Gospel needed Jesus’ intervention to confront and release the demons within, individuals today can benefit from bringing their shadow parts into conscious awareness to achieve inner healing.
This multiplicity also underscores the idea that humans are adaptable and complex. Different sub-personalities enable us to navigate the diverse roles we play in life: the professional at work, the friend in social settings, the parent at home. These roles are not inherently false but reflect the different facets of our being. Problems arise, however, when one part becomes dominant or rigid, stifling the flexibility needed for a balanced life.
Ultimately, the statement “Man is legion” invites us to recognize the rich inner complexity of being human. Embracing this multiplicity not as a source of shame but as a natural aspect of our humanity allows for deeper self-understanding and growth. By engaging with the “many” within us, we can move closer to the unity and wholeness that Jesus exemplified in His teachings — a unity that arises not from suppression or denial but from integration and acceptance.
