Matthew Chapter 9 · Verse 30

Authorized King James Version

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And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀνεῴχθησαν were opened G455
ἀνεῴχθησαν were opened
Strong's: G455
Word #: 2 of 14
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
αὐτοῖς their G846
αὐτοῖς their
Strong's: G846
Word #: 3 of 14
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
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοί eyes G3788
ὀφθαλμοί eyes
Strong's: G3788
Word #: 5 of 14
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 6 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐνεβριμησατο straitly charged G1690
ἐνεβριμησατο straitly charged
Strong's: G1690
Word #: 7 of 14
to have indignation on, i.e., (transitively) to blame, (intransitively) to sigh with chagrin, (specially) to sternly enjoin
αὐτοῖς their G846
αὐτοῖς their
Strong's: G846
Word #: 8 of 14
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 #: 9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦς Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 10 of 14
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
λέγων, saying G3004
λέγων, saying
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 11 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ὁρᾶτε See G3708
Ὁρᾶτε See
Strong's: G3708
Word #: 12 of 14
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
μηδεὶς that no man G3367
μηδεὶς that no man
Strong's: G3367
Word #: 13 of 14
not even one (man, woman, thing)
γινωσκέτω know G1097
γινωσκέτω know
Strong's: G1097
Word #: 14 of 14
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

Analysis & Commentary

After healing the two blind men, Jesus 'straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it' (ενεβριμησατο αυτοις ο Ιησους λεγων Ορατε μηδεις γινωσκετω). The verb ενεβριμησατο (enebrēmēsato) means 'sternly warned' or 'charged with strong emotion'—this is forceful prohibition, not gentle suggestion. Why command silence about such clear proof of messiahship? Several reasons:

  1. Jesus seeks to prevent being reduced to miracle-worker rather than Messiah and teacher
  2. mounting fame brings increasing opposition and danger
  3. messianic expectations were politicized and revolutionary—Jesus must define messiahship through teaching, not just power
  4. the time for full revelation hasn't yet come.

This 'messianic secret' pattern appears throughout the Gospels, showing Jesus carefully controlling the timing and framing of His messianic claims.

Historical Context

Jewish messianic expectations in the first century were predominantly political and military—Messiah would overthrow Rome, restore David's kingdom, and establish Israel's glory. Miracle-working intensified these expectations. Jesus needed to redefine messiahship through the cross before full revelation. Premature proclamation would trigger Roman suppression and religious opposition before Jesus completed His teaching ministry. The 'messianic secret' functioned to control revelation's timing until the cross and resurrection could properly interpret Jesus' identity.

Questions for Reflection