Luke 8:56
And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξέστησαν
were astonished
G1839
ἐξέστησαν
were astonished
Strong's:
G1839
Word #:
2 of 13
to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῖς
her
G846
αὐτοῖς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρήγγειλεν
he charged
G3853
παρήγγειλεν
he charged
Strong's:
G3853
Word #:
8 of 13
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
αὐτοῖς
her
G846
αὐτοῖς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
In first-century Galilee, messianic expectations were politically charged—many anticipated a military deliverer to overthrow Rome. Powerful miracles like raising the dead could catalyze insurrection. Jesus's silencing commands throughout Luke's Gospel reflect his deliberate avoidance of political messianism until the proper time. He would enter Jerusalem as king (19:38), but only after teaching his disciples the necessity of the cross.
Questions for Reflection
- Why might authentic miracles sometimes need to be held in confidence rather than immediately publicized—what does this teach about wisdom in testimony?
- How do you process the tension between amazing answers to prayer (astonishment) and continued trust in God's character?
- In what ways might premature publicity of God's work derail his larger purposes in your life or ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And her parents were astonished (καὶ ἐξέστησαν οἱ γονεῖς αὐτῆς)—the verb existēmi (astonished, amazed) literally means 'to stand outside oneself,' indicating overwhelming shock. Even Jairus, who demonstrated faith by seeking Jesus (v.41), is stunned by the actualization of resurrection. Faith believes for the miracle, but witnessing it exceeds comprehension.
But he charged them that they should tell no man what was done (ὁ δὲ παρήγγειλεν αὐτοῖς μηδενὶ εἰπεῖν τὸ γεγονός)—Jesus's command to silence (parangellō, to command strictly) seems paradoxical given the publicity of the miracle. This 'messianic secret' motif in Luke reflects Jesus's strategic management of his reputation—premature political messianism could derail his mission. He came to die as the suffering servant before being revealed as conquering king. The resurrection miracle must not trigger popular revolt or forced coronation before Jerusalem and the cross. Yet the command proves impossible to fully obey—the girl's resurrection would be evident to all who knew of her death.