Mark 1:43

KJV

And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he straitly charged {G1690} him {G846}, and forthwith {G2112} sent {G1544} him {G846} away {G1544};

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua sent him away with this stern warning:

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus promptly sent him away with a stern warning:

American Standard Version

And he strictly charged him, and straightway sent him out,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the miraculous cleansing of a leper, Mark 1:43 records Jesus' emphatic and immediate command to the man. This verse highlights Jesus' profound authority, not only in healing but also in issuing urgent and stern instructions, underscoring the critical importance of the subsequent directives concerning the man's re-entry into society and the broader theme of the "Messianic Secret" in Mark's Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 1:43 immediately follows Jesus' compassionate and powerful healing of a man afflicted with leprosy in [Mark 1:40-42](/mark/1-40-42 "Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus Heals a Leper"). Moved with pity, Jesus touched the ceremonially unclean man, an act that was both audacious and deeply empathetic, resulting in instant cleansing. This verse then describes Jesus' swift and stern reaction to the healed man, setting the stage for the specific instructions given in [Mark 1:44](/mark/1-44 "Mark 1:44 - Jesus' Command to the Healed Man") to go to the priest and offer the prescribed sacrifice, and the crucial command to tell no one. The man's subsequent disobedience, detailed in [Mark 1:45](/mark/1-45 "Mark 1:45 - The Man's Disobedience and its Consequences"), immediately impacts Jesus' ability to minister openly in the towns.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Leprosy in ancient Israel was not merely a physical ailment; it carried immense social and religious stigma. According to Mosaic Law, a leper was considered ceremonially unclean and was required to live in isolation, effectively cut off from family, community, and temple worship (cf. [Leviticus 13-14](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Leprosy")). Healing from leprosy required a priestly examination and specific sacrifices to confirm the cleansing and allow for reintegration into society. Jesus' command for the man to show himself to the priest was therefore not just a formality but a necessary step for the man's full restoration, acknowledging the established legal and religious framework. The sternness of Jesus' charge also relates to the volatile political climate, where public declarations of a "Messiah" could easily be misinterpreted as a call for political rebellion against Roman rule.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes **Jesus' Authority**, demonstrating His power not only over disease but also His right to issue authoritative commands, even with a sense of urgency and sternness. Secondly, it introduces or reinforces the theme of the **Messianic Secret**, a distinctive feature of Mark, where Jesus frequently commands those he heals or those who recognize his divine identity to remain silent (see also [Mark 3:12](/mark/3-12 "Mark 3:12 - Demons Ordered to Silence") and [Mark 8:30](/mark/8-30 "Mark 8:30 - Peter's Confession and Jesus' Command")). This secrecy was likely intended to manage public expectations, prevent a premature or politically charged understanding of His Messiahship, and allow Him to complete His mission on His own terms. Thirdly, the word "forthwith" highlights **Markan Immediacy**, a stylistic hallmark of this Gospel, which consistently portrays Jesus' ministry as dynamic, urgent, and rapidly progressing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **straitly charged (Greek, _embrimáomai'_):** From G1690, this word signifies to "snort with anger," carrying connotations of indignation, blaming, or, as here, to "sternly enjoin." It indicates Jesus' forceful, serious, and perhaps even agitated tone, emphasizing the critical importance of the command that followed. It was not a gentle suggestion but a vehement instruction, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the necessity of immediate obedience.
* **forthwith (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** From G2112, this adverb means "directly," "at once," or "soon." It is a characteristic word in Mark's Gospel, appearing frequently to convey a sense of immediacy, urgency, and rapid progression in Jesus' actions and ministry. Here, it underscores the swiftness with which Jesus dismissed the healed man, indicating the pressing nature of the subsequent instructions.
* **sent him away (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** From G1544, this verb means "to eject," "cast out," "drive out," or "send away." While it can carry a sense of forceful expulsion (as in casting out demons), in this context, it emphasizes Jesus' decisive action in dismissing the man. Coupled with "forthwith," it conveys a rapid and authoritative dispatch, ensuring the man's immediate departure to fulfill the commands given.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he straitly charged him,"**: This clause reveals Jesus' intense and serious demeanor. The Greek term `embrimáomai` conveys a powerful, almost indignant, sternness. Jesus was not merely advising but issuing a command with great emphasis, underscoring the absolute necessity of the man's obedience to the instructions that would follow in the next verse (going to the priest and remaining silent). This sternness might stem from Jesus' desire to impress upon the man the importance of the Messianic Secret, or perhaps from the spiritual battle involved in the healing itself.
* **"and forthwith sent him away;"**: This second clause emphasizes the immediacy and decisiveness of Jesus' action. The word "forthwith" (Greek `euthéōs`) is a signature of Mark's Gospel, highlighting the rapid pace of events in Jesus' ministry. Jesus did not linger or engage in further conversation but swiftly dismissed the man. This immediate sending away was crucial for the man to promptly fulfill the requirements of the Law and, more importantly, to adhere to Jesus' command for silence, preventing premature public excitement or misunderstanding about His identity and mission.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's Gospel masterfully employs several literary techniques in this verse. The most prominent is **Markan Immediacy**, evident in the term "forthwith" (Greek `euthéōs`), which permeates the narrative and propels the story forward with a sense of urgency and rapid action. This stylistic choice creates a dynamic and fast-paced account of Jesus' ministry. Furthermore, the phrase "straitly charged him" exemplifies **Emphasis** and **Foreshadowing**. The intensity of Jesus' command emphasizes the critical importance of the instruction that follows (the Messianic Secret), and it subtly foreshadows the man's subsequent disobedience in [Mark 1:45](/mark/1-45 "Mark 1:45 - The Man's Disobedience"), which ultimately impacts Jesus' ability to preach openly. This use of **Dramatic Irony** is also present, as the reader knows the man will fail to keep the secret, creating tension in the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:43 profoundly illustrates Jesus' divine authority and His strategic approach to revealing His Messiahship. His stern charge and immediate dismissal of the healed leper are not arbitrary but are deeply rooted in His mission to fulfill righteousness and manage the public's perception of His identity. The urgency reflects the critical nature of His work and the need for His divine plan to unfold according to His perfect timing, not human enthusiasm or misunderstanding. This passage teaches us about the importance of obedience to Christ's specific commands, even when they seem counter-intuitive or limit our natural desire to celebrate or proclaim. It underscores that true healing and restoration often come with responsibilities and require adherence to divine instructions for the greater good of God's kingdom.

* [Matthew 8:4](/matthew/8-4 "Matthew 8:4 - Jesus' Command to the Leper")
* [Luke 5:14](/luke/5-14 "Luke 5:14 - Jesus' Instructions to the Cleansed Man")
* [Leviticus 14:2-3](/leviticus/14-2-3 "Leviticus 14:2-3 - Law for Cleansing Lepers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 1:43 calls us to consider the nature of our obedience to Christ. Just as Jesus gave a stern and immediate command to the healed leper, He often gives us clear instructions in His Word or through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our natural inclination, especially after experiencing God's grace or a breakthrough, might be to immediately share our joy or tell everyone. However, this verse reminds us that sometimes, faithful obedience involves restraint, discretion, and adherence to specific, perhaps counter-intuitive, divine timing. It challenges us to trust that God's plans and methods are superior to our own, even when they require us to curb our enthusiasm or act in ways that seem less impactful in the short term. True discipleship is marked not just by receiving God's blessings, but by diligently and humbly obeying His commands, understanding that His purposes are always for our ultimate good and the glory of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "straitly charged" obedience, even if it feels counter-intuitive or requires restraint?**
* **How does the "forthwith" nature of Jesus' command challenge your own tendencies towards procrastination or delay in spiritual matters?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the balance between celebrating God's work and faithfully following His specific instructions, even those that involve silence or discretion?**

### FAQ

**Why was Jesus so stern ("straitly charged") with the man He had just healed?**

Answer: Jesus' sternness, conveyed by the Greek word `embrimáomai`, likely served multiple purposes. Firstly, it underscored the absolute necessity of the man's immediate obedience to the command to go to the priest and offer the prescribed sacrifice, which was crucial for his full reintegration into society according to Mosaic Law (cf. [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws for Cleansing Leprosy")). Secondly, and perhaps more significantly for Mark's Gospel, it was part of Jesus' strategy of the "Messianic Secret." Jesus frequently commanded those He healed or those who recognized His identity to keep silent (e.g., [Mark 3:12](/mark/3-12 "Mark 3:12 - Demons Ordered to Silence"), [Mark 8:30](/mark/8-30 "Mark 8:30 - Peter's Confession and Jesus' Command")). This was to prevent a premature or politically charged understanding of His Messiahship, which could lead to an uprising against Rome or a misunderstanding of His true mission as the suffering servant, not a conquering king. The sternness emphasized the gravity of this command to silence.

**Why did Jesus "forthwith send him away" immediately after healing him?**

Answer: The immediate dismissal, highlighted by Mark's characteristic use of "forthwith" (Greek `euthéōs`), emphasizes the urgency and decisiveness of Jesus' actions. There are several reasons for this immediacy. First, it was to ensure the man promptly fulfilled the requirements of the Law by presenting himself to the priest, which was necessary for his official declaration of cleanness and reintegration. Second, it was to enforce the command to silence regarding his healing. The rapid departure minimized opportunities for the man to speak about his miracle prematurely, thus helping to manage the burgeoning crowds and prevent the spread of misinformation about Jesus' identity and mission. As [Mark 1:45](/mark/1-45 "Mark 1:45 - The Man's Disobedience and its Consequences") shows, the man's disobedience to this command had significant consequences for Jesus' ability to minister openly in the towns.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:43, with its depiction of Jesus' authoritative and urgent command to the newly cleansed leper, powerfully points to Christ's ultimate work as the Great Physician and the Lord of all. Just as Jesus physically cleansed the leper, He came to offer ultimate spiritual cleansing from the leprosy of sin (cf. [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")). His stern charge and immediate dismissal, though seemingly harsh, underscore His sovereign control over His mission and the timing of His revelation. This foreshadows His perfect obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross, where He became the ultimate sacrifice for sin, making us truly clean (cf. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The physical healing and the subsequent command to present himself to the priest under the Old Covenant law find their fulfillment in Christ, who is our High Priest, presenting us, cleansed and justified, before God (cf. [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and [Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1-2 "Romans 5:1-2 - Justification by Faith")). Thus, this verse, while detailing a specific historical event, ultimately magnifies Jesus as the one who not only heals our deepest spiritual sickness but also authoritatively guides us into true communion with God, demanding our complete and immediate obedience for His glory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:30

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

Mark 3:12

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

Luke 8:56

And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

Mark 5:43

And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

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];