King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:30 Mean?

Matthew 9:30 in the King James Version says “And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 9:30 · KJV

Context

28

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

29

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

30

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

31

But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

32

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus sometimes prohibit testimony about His miracles?
  2. How do we balance witnessing to Jesus with respecting His wisdom about timing and method?
  3. What does the 'messianic secret' teach about Jesus' careful control of His mission's unfolding?

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

ἀνεῴχθησαν2 of 14

“were opened”

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

αὐτοῖς3 of 14

“their”

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

οἱ4 of 14
G3588

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

ὀφθαλμοί5 of 14

“eyes”

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

καὶ6 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἐνεβριμησατο7 of 14

“straitly charged”

G1690

to have indignation on, i.e., (transitively) to blame, (intransitively) to sigh with chagrin, (specially) to sternly enjoin

αὐτοῖς8 of 14

“their”

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

ὁ9 of 14
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς10 of 14

“Jesus”

G2424

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

λέγων,11 of 14

“saying”

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

Ὁρᾶτε12 of 14

“See”

G3708

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

μηδεὶς13 of 14

“that no man”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

γινωσκέτω14 of 14

“know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

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 9:30 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 9:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 8:4Luke 5:14Luke 8:56Mark 5:43Matthew 17:9Matthew 12:16

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