Luke 5:14

And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

And {G2532} he {G846} charged {G3853} him {G846} to tell {G2036} no man {G3367}: but {G235} go {G565}, and shew {G1166} thyself {G4572} to the priest {G2409}, and {G2532} offer {G4374} for {G4012} thy {G4675} cleansing {G2512}, according as {G2531} Moses {G3475} commanded {G4367}, for {G1519} a testimony {G3142} unto them {G846}.

Then Yeshua warned him not to tell anyone. "Instead, as a testimony to the people, go straight to the cohen and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moshe commanded."

“Do not tell anyone,” Jesus instructed him. “But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

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.

Luke 5:14 records Jesus' specific instructions to a man He had just miraculously healed of leprosy. This command, given immediately after the healing, reveals important aspects of Jesus' ministry and His relationship with the Mosaic Law.

Context of Luke 5:14

This verse follows the powerful account of Jesus encountering a man full of leprosy. In an act of profound compassion and divine authority, Jesus touched the man and instantly healed him (Luke 5:13). Leprosy was not just a physical affliction; it was a condition that rendered individuals ceremonially unclean and socially ostracized according to the Mosaic Law. Those afflicted were cut off from their communities and religious life.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Obedience to the Law: Jesus explicitly instructs the man to follow the procedures outlined in the Old Testament for the cleansing of a leper (Leviticus 14:2-32). This demonstrates Jesus' respect for the Law, not seeking to abolish it but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). His ministry often operated within the established religious frameworks.
  • A Public Testimony: The command to "shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing" was crucial for the man's full reintegration into society and religious life. The priest's examination and declaration of cleanliness were the only legal means for a leper to be restored. This act served as a powerful testimony to the priests and the Jewish community that a miraculous healing had occurred, validating Jesus' divine power.
  • The Command to Silence: Jesus' instruction to "tell no man" is often seen in the Gospels. This was likely to manage the crowds, prevent sensationalism that could hinder His teaching ministry, and avoid prematurely provoking the religious authorities who might misinterpret His actions as a political rebellion. It allowed the miracle to be validated through the proper channels before public acclaim.

Linguistic Insights

The word "cleansing" in Greek is katharismou, which refers to purification or ceremonial purification. This highlights that the healing was not just physical, but also a restoration of the man's ritual purity, allowing him to participate fully in community and worship once more. The term "testimony" (Greek: martyrion) emphasizes the evidential nature of the act, serving as proof or witness to the priests and the people.

Practical Application and Reflection

Luke 5:14 offers several timeless lessons. Firstly, it underscores the importance of obedience to established authority and divine commands, even after receiving a great blessing. The healed man was not just physically restored but also spiritually and socially reintegrated by following the prescribed steps. Secondly, it reminds us that God's work often involves processes and public validation, especially when it concerns restoring individuals to community. Finally, Jesus' wisdom in managing His public ministry, sometimes requiring discretion, teaches us about strategic action and humility in spreading the good news. Our lives, when transformed by Christ, become a living testimony to His power, just as the healed leper's appearance before the priest was a testimony to Jesus' authority.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Leviticus 14:2

    This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest:

  • Leviticus 14:32

    This [is] the law [of him] in whom [is] the plague of leprosy, whose hand is not able to get [that which pertaineth] to his cleansing.

  • Luke 17:14

    And when he saw [them], he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

  • Matthew 8:4

    And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

  • Leviticus 13:2

    When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh [like] the plague of leprosy; then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests:

  • Mark 1:44

    And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

  • Matthew 9:30

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

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