Devine Scripture

Matthew 12:16

What does Matthew 12:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 12:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 12:16 means

Jesus instructs those he healed not to make him known. He frequently silenced publicity to prevent misinterpretation of his messianic role and to avoid premature confrontation. This command shows his control of the ministry’s timing and his desire to teach the meaning of his works, not just attract fame. It also preserves the integrity of his mission and aligns with the pattern of secrecy known as the Messianic secret in the Gospels.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and charged them that they should not make him known:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And charged them that they should not make him known:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and charged them that they should not make him known:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Ordering them not to give people word of him:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and did charge them that they might not make him manifest,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he charged them that they should not make him known.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and charged them strictly that they should not make him publicly known:

Context

This verse follows the mass healings and explains why Jesus often withheld public acclaim. It prepares the citation of Isaiah’s prophecy by implying that Jesus’ actions are purposeful and measured. The command helps manage the ministry’s tempo amid growing hostility from religious leaders.

v.15And Jesus perceivingitwithdrew from thence: and many followed him; and he healed them all,

v.16This passage

v.17that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 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.

  • Matthew 9:30

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

  • 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.

  • Mark 7:36

    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.

  • Matthew 17:9

    And as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen from the dead.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 12

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 12.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 12:16.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary