Matthew 8:4
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto him
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 24
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 #:
4 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 24
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Ὅρα
See
G3708
Ὅρα
See
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
6 of 24
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 24
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὕπαγε,
go thy way
G5217
ὕπαγε,
go thy way
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
10 of 24
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσένεγκε
offer
G4374
προσένεγκε
offer
Strong's:
G4374
Word #:
16 of 24
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
19 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
προσέταξεν
commanded
G4367
προσέταξεν
commanded
Strong's:
G4367
Word #:
20 of 24
to arrange towards, i.e., (figuratively) enjoin
Μωσῆς,
that Moses
G3475
Μωσῆς,
that Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
21 of 24
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
22 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Luke 17:14And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.Luke 5:14And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.Mark 7:36And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;Matthew 9:30And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.Mark 6:11And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.Isaiah 42:21The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.Mark 5:43And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.Matthew 5:17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.Matthew 10:18And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.Matthew 6:1Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Historical Context
Leviticus 14 prescribed elaborate cleansing rituals for healed lepers requiring priestly examination and sacrifices. This would provide official verification that genuine healing occurred. Jesus honored Torah's ceremonial law while it remained in force before His death established the New Covenant (Hebrews 7-10).
Questions for Reflection
- Why did Jesus sometimes command silence about His miracles rather than publicizing them widely?
- What does Christ's honoring of Mosaic law teach about His relationship to the Old Testament and its fulfillment in Him?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' command to 'tell no man' seems puzzling but reflects His desire to avoid premature messianic expectations and political movements that would interfere with His mission to the cross. The instruction to 'shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded' demonstrates Christ's respect for Mosaic law and priestly authority while that system remained valid. This also provided official verification of the miracle, serving 'for a testimony unto them'—either for belief or condemnation depending on response.