Matthew 12:16

And charged them that they should not make him known:

And {G2532} charged {G2008} them {G846} that {G3363} they should {G4160} not {G3363} make {G4160} him {G846} known {G5318}:

but warned them not to make him known.

warning them not to make Him known.

and charged them that they should not make him known:

Commentary

Matthew 12:16 presents a concise yet profound instruction from Jesus: "And charged them that they should not make him known." This seemingly simple command is a key element in understanding Jesus' ministry, His approach to public revelation, and the nature of His kingdom.

Context

This verse immediately follows a scene where Jesus has healed many people who came to Him, including those afflicted with various diseases and demonic possession (Matthew 12:15). Despite the crowds and His powerful miracles, Jesus issues a strict directive for silence regarding His identity and deeds. This command is part of a broader pattern seen throughout the Gospels, particularly in Matthew and Mark, where Jesus often avoids public fanfare. This strategic quietness also sets the stage for Matthew's emphasis on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Jesus' life.

Key Themes

  • The Messianic Secret: This command is a classic example of what scholars term the "Messianic Secret." Jesus frequently instructed those He healed or His disciples not to reveal His identity as the Messiah or the details of His miracles. The reasons are multifaceted and debated but likely include:
    • To prevent a premature political uprising against Roman rule, as many expected the Messiah to be an earthly king who would lead a revolution, which was not Jesus' primary mission.
    • To control the timing and nature of His revelation, ensuring His mission culminated in the cross and resurrection, rather than being misunderstood as purely a miracle-worker or political liberator.
    • To emphasize His spiritual kingship over an earthly one, and the spiritual transformation He came to bring.
  • Humility and Strategic Timing: Jesus consistently demonstrated humility, not seeking personal glory or public fanfare for Himself. His actions were guided by divine timing, and this command reflects a strategic delay in His full public disclosure until the appointed time of His Passion. This humility is a stark contrast to the world's pursuit of fame and recognition.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: While not explicitly stated in this verse, Matthew, in particular, often highlights how Jesus' life and ministry fulfill Old Testament prophecies. The subsequent verses (Matthew 12:17-21) explicitly connect Jesus' quiet, non-confrontational ministry to the prophecy of the Servant of the Lord in Isaiah 42:1-4, which describes a servant who "shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "charged" is epetimēsen (ἐπετίμησεν). This is a strong verb that can mean "to rebuke," "to admonish with a threat," or "to strictly order." It indicates that Jesus' command was not a mere suggestion but a serious, emphatic instruction, underscoring the importance He placed on this silence.

Practical Application

This verse invites reflection on the nature of Christian witness and timing in our own lives.

  • It teaches us about humility and not seeking personal glory or recognition for spiritual gifts or experiences. Our focus should be on God's glory, not our own.
  • It highlights the importance of divine timing in ministry and personal revelation. Not every truth needs to be proclaimed immediately or loudly; sometimes, quiet service and strategic silence are more effective in allowing God's plan to unfold.
  • It reminds us that Jesus' kingdom is fundamentally spiritual, not political or earthly. Our witness should reflect this spiritual reality, focusing on transformation of the heart rather than external displays of power or popularity.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 9:30

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

  • 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.

  • Matthew 17:9

    And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

  • 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];

  • 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.

  • Luke 5:15

    But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.
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