Devine Scripture

Mark 3:12

What does Mark 3:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 3:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 3:12 means

Despite the undeniable testimonies from the unclean spirits, Jesus strictly commanded them not to reveal who he was. This "Messianic Secret" served several strategic purposes: it prevented a premature political uprising based on a misunderstanding of his messianic role, allowed him to continue teaching and training his disciples, and ensured that his identity would be fully revealed through his suffering, death, and resurrection, rather than through sensationalistic proclamations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he gave them special orders not to say who he was.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and many times he was charging them that they might not make him manifest.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Thou art the Son of God. And he strictly charged them that they should not make him known.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he rebuked them much, that they might not make him manifest.

Context

Following the public declarations by the unclean spirits, Jesus issues a clear command for silence. This directive builds upon his earlier practice of instructing those he healed not to tell anyone, maintaining control over the revelation of his identity. This careful management of his public image is important as he moves into the next phase of his ministry: the formal appointment of his apostles.

v.11And the unclean spirits, whensoever they beheld him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

v.12This passage

v.13And he goeth up into the mountain, and calleth unto him whom he himself would; and they went unto him.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 16:18

    And this she did for many days. But Paul, being sore troubled, turned and said to the spirit, I charge thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And it came out that very hour.

  • 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.

  • Mark 1:25

    And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

  • Matthew 12:16

    and charged them that they should not make him known:

  • Mark 1:34

    And he healed many that were sick with divers diseases, and cast out many demons; and he suffered not the demons to speak, because they knew him.

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