Mark 1:39 "demons" or "devils?"

[sparky231]

What is the literal translation of mark 1:39? I’ve consulted numerous Bible versions and came across both “demons” and “devils.” Which is more accurate?

I’m curious because I have a friend who said he was haunted at one time by “demons” or “spirits” of some sort. I felt bad because I laughed at him when he told me because it just sounded so ridiculous at the time. He said they were haunting him in his room. This was when he still lived with his parents. This only took place in one room of the house. He said objects were actually thrown across the room. They actually had a priest come to the house to do what exactly I don’t know. I don’t know if he just blessed the house or performed some ceremony of sorts. Do “demons” or “devils” actually inhabit the earth?

 

[patrick457]

What is the literal translation of mark 1:39? I’ve consulted numerous Bible versions and came across both “demons” and “devils.” Which is more accurate?

Both.

 

[TRON]

Demons and devils in the Christian bible are both terms synonymous for fallen angels.
They are present and quite active in the world I would say, just not typically as blatently obvious as your friend has experienced.
If you are to believe in your bible, it is spoken of quite frequently. Many of the public miracles of Jesus were the casting out of demons\devils. Such a thing was most likely done to your friends room.

 

[Jayhantz]

What is the literal translation of mark 1:39? I’ve consulted numerous Bible versions and came across both “demons” and “devils.” Which is more accurate?

Both. As stated, they are use in conjunction through out the Bible.

*He said they were haunting him in his room. This was when he still lived with his parents. This only took place in one room of the house. He said objects were actually thrown across the room…Do “demons” or “devils” actually inhabit the earth? *

Yes, they do. Since Satan was given some dominion on this earth (John 12:31, 2 Corinthians 4:4), his demons continue to “prowl about the world, seeking the ruin of souls.” There are limits on the devil based upon his nature, and the will of God. The devil also has ordinary activity, which is temptation, and extraordinary activity, which your friend probably experienced. These extraordinary activities are categorized in four major areas, the first being infestation - which can be likened to the “haunted house.”

I hope that the blessing the priest did helped the supposed infestation, and you continue to pray for him. Although the devil is active in the world, we have the tools necessary to defeat him and his works. My prayers for you and your friend.

 

[sparky231]

What is the literal translation of mark 1:39? I’ve consulted numerous Bible versions and came across both “demons” and “devils.” Which is more accurate?

Both. As stated, they are use in conjunction through out the Bible.

*He said they were haunting him in his room. This was when he still lived with his parents. This only took place in one room of the house. He said objects were actually thrown across the room…Do “demons” or “devils” actually inhabit the earth? *

Yes, they do. Since Satan was given some dominion on this earth (John 12:31, 2 Corinthians 4:4), his demons continue to “prowl about the world, seeking the ruin of souls.” There are limits on the devil based upon his nature, and the will of God. The devil also has ordinary activity, which is temptation, and extraordinary activity, which your friend probably experienced. These extraordinary activities are categorized in four major areas, the first being infestation - which can be likened to the “haunted house.”

I hope that the blessing the priest did helped the supposed infestation, and you continue to pray for him. Although the devil is active in the world, we have the tools necessary to defeat him and his works. My prayers for you and your friend.

Thank you all for your responses. There hasn’t been any other “disturbances” since the priest did whatever it is he did. I’ll have to ask him how long ago that was when I talk to him next.

 

[DaveBj]

Strictly speaking, it’s “demons.” The Greek is daimonia, plural of daimonion. “Devils” would have been the corresponding form of diabolos. However, translators tend to play fast and loose with that terminology.