King James Version

What Does Mark 7:36 Mean?

Mark 7:36 in the King James Version says “And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they publi...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And 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;”

Mark 7:36 · KJV

Context

34

And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

35

And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

36

And 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;

37

And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He charged them that they should tell no man—Jesus repeatedly commanded silence after healings, the messianic secret motif. Several explanations: (1) avoiding premature confrontation before His appointed hour; (2) popular messianic expectations focused on political liberation from Rome rather than spiritual salvation; (3) Jesus prioritized teaching and relationship over signs. But the more he charged them, so much the more they published it—the more Jesus commanded silence, the more zealously they proclaimed. The Greek verb means heralded—gospel preaching terminology. They could not contain witness. This illustrates gospel power: genuine Christ encounter produces irrepressible testimony. The healed cannot stay silent (Acts 4:20).

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestine seethed with messianic expectation and revolutionary fervor. Multiple pretenders arose promising to overthrow Rome. If Jesus was proclaimed Messiah-miracle-worker, crowds would force Him into that mold (John 6:15). Such movements provoked Roman crackdowns. Jesus's timing was providential—proclaimed Messiah during Passion Week when the cross was imminent, after teaching clarified the kingdom's spiritual nature.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does genuine Christ encounter produce irrepressible witness versus dutiful evangelism lacking transformation?
  2. What does Jesus's concern about premature publicity teach about popularity and faithful ministry?
  3. How can you balance avoiding celebrity with Christ's command to publicly witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

διεστέλλετο2 of 14

“he charged”

G1291

to set (oneself) apart (figuratively, distinguish), i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

αὐτοῖς3 of 14

“them”

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

ἵνα4 of 14

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μηδενὶ5 of 14

“no man”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

εἴπωσιν·6 of 14

“they should tell”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὅσον7 of 14

“the more”

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

δὲ8 of 14

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοῖς9 of 14

“them”

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

αὐτοῖς10 of 14

“them”

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

διεστέλλετο11 of 14

“he charged”

G1291

to set (oneself) apart (figuratively, distinguish), i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

μᾶλλον12 of 14

“so much the more”

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

περισσότερον13 of 14

“a great deal”

G4054

in a more superabundant way

ἐκήρυσσον14 of 14

“they published”

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

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 7:36 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 7:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 8:4Mark 5:43Mark 3:12Mark 1:44-45Mark 8:26

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