King James Version

What Does Matthew 8:4 Mean?

Matthew 8:4 in the King James Version says “And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Mose...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Matthew 8:4 · KJV

Context

2

And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

3

And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

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.

5

And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

6

And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus sometimes command silence about His miracles rather than publicizing them widely?
  2. What does Christ's honoring of Mosaic law teach about His relationship to the Old Testament and its fulfillment in Him?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

λέγει2 of 24

“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 24

“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

ὁ4 of 24
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς,5 of 24

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Ὅρα6 of 24

“See”

G3708

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

μηδενὶ7 of 24

“no man”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

εἴπῃς,8 of 24

“thou tell”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἀλλ'9 of 24

“but”

G235

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

ὕπαγε,10 of 24

“go thy way”

G5217

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

σεαυτὸν11 of 24

“thyself”

G4572

of (with, to) thyself

δεῖξον12 of 24

“shew”

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

τῷ13 of 24
G3588

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

ἱερεῖ14 of 24

“to the priest”

G2409

a priest (literally or figuratively)

καὶ15 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

προσένεγκε16 of 24

“offer”

G4374

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

τὸ17 of 24
G3588

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

δῶρον18 of 24

“the gift”

G1435

a present; specially, a sacrifice

ὃ19 of 24
G3739

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

προσέταξεν20 of 24

“commanded”

G4367

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

Μωσῆς,21 of 24

“that Moses”

G3475

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

εἰς22 of 24

“for”

G1519

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

μαρτύριον23 of 24

“a testimony”

G3142

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

αὐτοῖς24 of 24

“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 Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 8:4 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 Matthew 8:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 14:2-32Luke 17:14Luke 5:14Leviticus 13:2-46Mark 7:36Mark 6:11

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