King James Version

What Does Luke 8:56 Mean?

Luke 8:56 in the King James Version says “And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 8:56 · KJV

Context

54

And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

55

And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.

56

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

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why might authentic miracles sometimes need to be held in confidence rather than immediately publicized—what does this teach about wisdom in testimony?
  2. How do you process the tension between amazing answers to prayer (astonishment) and continued trust in God's character?
  3. In what ways might premature publicity of God's work derail his larger purposes in your life or ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξέστησαν2 of 13

“were astonished”

G1839

to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane

οἱ3 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γονεῖς4 of 13

“parents”

G1118

a parent

αὐτοῖς5 of 13

“her”

G846

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

ὁ6 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ7 of 13

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

παρήγγειλεν8 of 13

“he charged”

G3853

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

αὐτοῖς9 of 13

“her”

G846

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

μηδενὶ10 of 13

“no man”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

εἰπεῖν11 of 13

“that they should tell”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τὸ12 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γεγονός13 of 13

“what was done”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 8:56 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 8:56 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 8:4Matthew 9:30Luke 5:14Mark 5:42-43

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