Luke 8:56
What does Luke 8:56 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 8:56 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 8:56 means
Luke 8:56 concludes with the parents’ amazement and Jesus’ charge to tell no one what had been done. The parents’ astonishment reflects the extraordinary nature of the miracle. Jesus’ request for silence can be understood as a desire to avoid sensationalism, to protect the child’s privacy, and to control the spread of his fame that might hinder his mission’s timing. The verse leaves readers pondering the proper response to remarkable grace: amazement, gratitude, and obedience to Jesus’ wise pastoral direction.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And her parents were amazed: but he charged them to tell no man what had been done.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And her parents were amazed: but he charged them to tell no man what had been done.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And her father and mother were full of wonder, but he gave orders to them to say nothing about it to anyone.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and her parents were amazed, but he charged them to say to no one what was come to pass.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And her parents were astonished, whom he charged to tell no man what was done.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And her parents were amazed; but he enjoined them to tell no one what had happened.
Context
This closing verse follows the restoration and domestic care, offering narrative closure. It echoes similar charges elsewhere where Jesus limits publicity after miracles—part of the so-called Messianic secret. The chapter ends on a note of private wonder and measured witness, concluding the series of teachings and powerful demonstrations of Jesus’ authority.
v.55And her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately: and he commanded that something be given her to eat.
v.56This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 5:42
And straightway the damsel rose up, and walked; for she was twelve years old. And they were amazed straightway with a great amazement.
- Matthew 9:30
And their eyes were opened. And Jesus strictly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
- Matthew 8:4
And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
- Luke 5:14
And he charged him to tell no man: but go thy way, and show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
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