Mark 3:12
And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλὰ
he straitly
G4183
πολλὰ
he straitly
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
2 of 9
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐπετίμα
charged
G2008
ἐπετίμα
charged
Strong's:
G2008
Word #:
3 of 9
to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 9
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
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 9
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 9
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
Cross References
Matthew 12:16And charged them that they should not make him known:Mark 1:34And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.Mark 1:25And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.Matthew 8:4And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.Acts 16:18And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
Historical Context
In first-century Judaism, false messiahs regularly stirred political unrest, often crushed violently by Rome. Jesus carefully controlled public perception to prevent premature political uprising or misunderstanding. If demon-possessed proclaimed Him 'Son of God,' this could be dismissed as madness or associated with occult powers. Jesus preferred works and teaching to authenticate identity. After resurrection, restraint ended—disciples boldly proclaimed Jesus as Son of God (Acts 2:36; 4:12).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' control over demon testimony demonstrate sovereign authority over all revelation?
- What does the 'messianic secret' teach about God's careful timing in revealing truth?
- How can you discern true versus false testimony about Jesus, even when facts are accurate?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus 'straitly charged them that they should not make him known.' The word 'straitly' (πολλὰ ἐπετίμα) indicates stern, emphatic command. Jesus silenced demons despite accurate testimony. Why?
This 'messianic secret' theme runs throughout Mark—Jesus commands silence until after resurrection (Mark 8:30; 9:9).