Mark 3:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

But he warned them strictly not to make him known.

Berean Standard Bible:

But He warned them sternly not to make Him known.

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} he straitly^{G4183} charged^{G2008} them^{G846} that^{G3363} they should^{G4160} not^{G3363} make^{G4160} him^{G846} known^{G5318}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Mark 3:12

Mark 3:12 appears within the context of the early ministry of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. At this point in the narrative, Jesus has been gaining attention due to his teachings and miraculous healings. The verse states, "And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known." This command from Jesus to those who were accompanying him, likely his disciples or close followers, reflects a few key themes and historical considerations:

1. **Messianic Secret**: The concept of the "Messianic Secret" is a significant theme in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus often commands people not to reveal his identity or deeds. This motif serves to underscore the unique nature of Jesus' mission and the timing of its revelation. In the historical context, Jesus may have been trying to avoid premature publicity that could lead to political or social upheaval before the appropriate time for his messianic mission to be fully understood and accepted.

2. **Control of Ministry**: Jesus' directive also indicates his intention to control the spread of information about his ministry. By asking his followers not to disclose his identity or actions, he was managing the narrative of his mission, ensuring that his message was not misinterpreted or misrepresented by those who might not understand the full scope of his teachings or the nature of his messiahship.

3. **Anticipation of Misunderstanding**: Jesus was aware that the common expectation of the Messiah at the time was that of a political liberator who would restore the kingdom of Israel. By asking his followers to keep his identity secret, he was likely trying to prevent the spread of a misunderstood messianic image that could lead to conflict with the Roman authorities or create false expectations among the people.

4. **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: The command to secrecy may also be seen in light of Jesus' awareness that his ministry had to unfold in accordance with the scriptural prophecies about the Messiah. By controlling the dissemination of information about himself, Jesus was ensuring that events would occur in the manner and timing foretold by the Hebrew Scriptures.

In summary, Mark 3:12 reflects Jesus' strategic approach to his emerging public ministry, balancing the need to teach and perform miracles with the need to manage the expectations and perceptions of his identity and mission. This verse underscores the complexity of Jesus' engagement with his followers, the religious authorities, and the wider populace during a period fraught with political tension and messianic anticipation.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G4183
   There are 331 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πολύς
   Transliteration: polýs
   Pronunciation: pol-oos'
   Description: including the forms from the alternate ; (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely:--abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft(-en (-times)), plenteous, sore, straitly. Compare πλεῖστος, πλείων.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2008
   There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐπιτιμάω
   Transliteration: epitimáō
   Pronunciation: ep-ee-tee-mah'-o
   Description: from ἐπί and τιμάω; to tax upon, i.e. censure or admonish; by implication, forbid:--(straitly) charge, rebuke.
   
4. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
5. Strong's Number: G3363
   There are 95 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἵνα μή
   Transliteration: hína mḗ
   Pronunciation: hin'-ah may
   Description: i.e. ἵνα and μή; in order (or so) that not:--albeit not, lest, that, no(-t, (-thing)).
   
6. Strong's Number: G4160
   There are 519 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ποιέω
   Transliteration: poiéō
   Pronunciation: poy-eh'-o
   Description: apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct):--abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield. Compare πράσσω.
   
7. Strong's Number: G5318
   There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: φανερός
   Transliteration: phanerós
   Pronunciation: fan-er-os'
   Description: from φαίνω; shining, i.e. apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally:--abroad, + appear, known, manifest, open (+ -ly), outward (+ -ly).