Luke 8:56 kjv

And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

Luke 8:56 nkjv

And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Luke 8:56 niv

Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Luke 8:56 esv

And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Luke 8:56 nlt

Her parents were overwhelmed, but Jesus insisted that they not tell anyone what had happened.

Luke 8 verses

Luke 8 56 Meaning

After Jesus miraculously raised Jairus's daughter from the dead, her parents were overcome with profound astonishment at the extraordinary event. However, Jesus immediately issued a clear and authoritative command to them, instructing them strictly not to tell anyone about what had occurred. This command underscores a consistent pattern in Jesus's ministry, often referred to as the "Messianic Secret."

Luke 8 56 Context

The events of Luke 8:56 unfold within a powerful sequence of miracles demonstrating Jesus's divine authority. Immediately preceding this verse, Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, humbly beseeches Jesus to heal his dying twelve-year-old daughter. While on their way to Jairus's home, Jesus is interrupted by a woman suffering from a chronic blood flow, whom He heals instantly by her faith. It is at this point that messengers arrive with the devastating news that Jairus's daughter has died, seemingly nullifying any hope. Yet, Jesus, full of compassion and power, reassures Jairus, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well" (Lk 8:50). Upon entering the house, Jesus dismisses everyone except the girl's parents and His inner circle (Peter, John, and James). He then commands the girl to "Arise," and immediately her spirit returns, and she is alive. It is in this intensely private and awe-inspiring moment of resurrection that her parents are left utterly astonished, leading directly to Jesus's command for secrecy. The broader context highlights Jesus's power over disease, demons (seen earlier in Luke 8), and ultimately, death, affirming His Messiahship in a profound yet carefully controlled manner.

Luke 8 56 Word analysis

• And (καί - kai): A common conjunction, simply linking the preceding action (the girl rising) with the immediate reactions and commands that follow.
• her parents (οἱ γονεῖς αὐτῆς - hoi goneis autēs): Refers specifically to Jairus and his wife, highlighting their personal, eyewitness experience of the miracle concerning their beloved daughter.
• were astonished (ἐξέστησαν - exestēsan): Derived from the Greek verb existanō, meaning "to stand outside oneself," to be beside oneself with amazement, bewilderment, or utter shock. It describes a powerful, almost overwhelming emotional reaction, far beyond mere surprise, indicative of witnessing something supernatural or incomprehensible. It signifies a profound awe in the presence of divine power.
• but (δέ - de): A Greek particle denoting a slight break or contrast, indicating a shift from the parents' reaction to Jesus's immediate and counteractive command.
• He commanded (παρήγγειλεν - parēngeilen): From the verb parangellō, which means to give a formal order, instruct, or charge. It conveys authority and a direct, binding injunction, reflecting Jesus's position as one who speaks with divine prerogative.
• them (αὐτοῖς - autois): The parents, the direct recipients of Jesus's authoritative instruction.
• to tell no one (μηδένι εἰπεῖν - mēdeni eipein): A strict prohibition. Mēdeni is the dative case of mēdeis, meaning "no one" or "nothing at all," emphasizing the absolute nature of the command. Eipein is the infinitive of "to say" or "to tell." This phrase is central to the "Messianic Secret," a recurring motif in the Gospels.
• what had happened (τὸ γεγονός - to gegonos): Literally, "the thing having come to be" or "that which has occurred/become." This refers precisely and simply to the act of resurrection that had just taken place, emphasizing the supernatural reality that unfolded.

Words-group analysis:

• "her parents were astonished": This phrase captures the immediate, intense, and natural human response to a supernatural act of divine power, emphasizing the profundity of the miracle witnessed. Their astonishment validates the authenticity and magnitude of the event.
• "but He commanded them to tell no one": This immediate and sharp contrast highlights Jesus's deliberate strategy. Despite the immense public impact this miracle could have, Jesus prioritizes quiet discretion over public fanfare, controlling the narrative of His ministry and identity.
• "to tell no one what had happened": This explicit instruction, a form of the "Messianic Secret," reveals several facets of Jesus's mission. It may have been to avoid political misunderstanding of His Messianic kingship, to prevent a premature confrontation with authorities, to allow the family a private space for recovery from grief and trauma, or to guide faith away from mere sensationalism toward genuine understanding of His spiritual purpose.

Luke 8 56 Bonus section

The unique nature of Jesus's "Messianic Secret" in Luke 8:56 stands in contrast to His more open acts, like the public healing of the woman with the blood flow that occurred moments earlier. This selective secrecy indicates a deliberate and context-specific strategy, demonstrating that Jesus carefully orchestrated how His divine power and identity were revealed. Luke's account, while parallel to Mark and Matthew, concisely presents both the overwhelming emotional impact of the miracle on the parents and Jesus's immediate control over its public perception, highlighting His authority over both life and public opinion. It's also worth noting the command for nourishment immediately following (Lk 8:55b), which grounds the divine miracle in a mundane, practical instruction, signifying that the girl was not only spiritually revived but fully and physically restored to normal human need.

Luke 8 56 Commentary

Luke 8:56 serves as a concise summary of both a profound miracle and Jesus's intentional management of its revelation. The parents' "astonishment" ('exestēsan') is a strong descriptor, conveying a natural, overwhelming reaction to death being reversed—an act previously only God could accomplish or permit through His select prophets. This deep emotional response confirms the unparalleled nature of the event. Yet, immediately following this divine display, Jesus issues a stringent command for secrecy. This "Messianic Secret" is not meant to deny the miracle, but rather to serve several purposes. It likely aimed to prevent misinterpretations of His Messianic role as purely political or earthly, avoid inciting a premature revolt against Roman authority, shield the resurrected girl and her family from undue public scrutiny, and encourage faith based on His teachings and sacrificial purpose rather than sensational signs alone. The juxtaposition of overwhelming power and quiet command illustrates Jesus's discerning wisdom in His public ministry.