King James Version

What Does Mark 1:44 Mean?

Mark 1:44 in the King James Version says “And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy clean... — study this verse from Mark chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Mark 1:44 · KJV


Context

42

And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

43

And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;

44

And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

45

But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Christ's command to show himself to the priest follows Levitical law (Lev. 14:2-32), demonstrating His submission to divine ordinances. The offering serves as 'testimony unto them'—evidence to religious authorities of genuine healing and Christ's respect for Mosaic law. This refutes later charges that Christ opposed the Law; rather, He fulfilled it perfectly. The priest's verification would serve as official documentation of the miracle.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Levitical law required cleansed lepers to present themselves to priests for inspection, offer sacrifices (two birds, lambs, grain, and oil), and undergo seven days of purification rituals. This process restored them to community worship and social participation. Priests serving as medical inspectors was unique to Israel's theocratic system.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's adherence to Mosaic law demonstrate His role as fulfilling rather than abolishing the Law?
  2. What does the 'testimony unto them' reveal about Christ's strategic use of miracles for apologetic purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

And

G2532

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

λέγει2 of 25

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς3 of 25

unto him

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

Ὅρα4 of 25

See

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

μηδὲν5 of 25

nothing

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

μηδὲν6 of 25

nothing

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

εἴπῃς7 of 25

thou say

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἀλλ'8 of 25

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὕπαγε9 of 25

go thy way

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

σεαυτὸν10 of 25

thyself

G4572

of (with, to) thyself

δεῖξον11 of 25

shew

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

τῷ12 of 25
G3588

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

ἱερεῖ13 of 25

to the priest

G2409

a priest (literally or figuratively)

καὶ14 of 25

And

G2532

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

προσένεγκε15 of 25

offer

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

περὶ16 of 25

for

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τοῦ17 of 25
G3588

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

καθαρισμοῦ18 of 25

cleansing

G2512

a washing off, i.e., (ceremonially) ablution, (morally) expiation

σου19 of 25

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

20 of 25
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

προσέταξεν21 of 25

commanded

G4367

to arrange towards, i.e., (figuratively) enjoin

Μωσῆς,22 of 25

those things which Moses

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

εἰς23 of 25

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

μαρτύριον24 of 25

a testimony

G3142

something evidential, i.e., (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the decalogue (in the sacred tabernacle)

αὐτοῖς25 of 25

unto him

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 1:44 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 Mark 1:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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