Matthew 8:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, See {G3708} thou tell {G2036} no man {G3367}; but {G235} go thy way {G5217}, shew {G1166} thyself {G4572} to the priest {G2409}, and {G2532} offer {G4374} the gift {G1435} that {G3739} Moses {G3475} commanded {G4367}, for {G1519} a testimony {G3142} unto them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yeshua said to him, "See that you tell no one; but as a testimony to the people, go and let the cohen examine you, and offer the sacrifice that Moshe commanded."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following His compassionate healing of a leper, Jesus issues a precise command, blending a directive for immediate secrecy with an instruction to adhere to the Mosaic Law. This seemingly paradoxical order reveals Jesus' deep respect for the established religious system, His strategic approach to revealing His messianic identity, and His intention to provide an undeniable public testimony of His divine authority and power to cleanse, both physically and ceremonially.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' miraculous healing of a man afflicted with leprosy, as recorded in [Matthew 8:2-3](/matthew/8-2-3 "Matthew 8:2-3 - Jesus Heals a Leper"). This miracle is strategically placed early in Matthew's narrative of Jesus' public ministry, following the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), which demonstrated Jesus' authoritative teaching. The healing of the leper, a person considered ritually unclean and socially ostracized, powerfully demonstrates Jesus' authority over disease and defilement. His willingness to touch the leper, rather than simply speak a word of healing, underscores His profound compassion and His direct engagement with human suffering, transcending the strictures of ceremonial purity laws. The command in [Matthew 8:4](/matthew/8-4 "Matthew 8:4 - Jesus' Command to the Healed Leper") serves as a bridge, showing Jesus' power while also indicating His careful navigation of societal and religious expectations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Leprosy in ancient Israel was not merely a physical ailment but carried immense social and religious implications. According to the Mosaic Law, particularly [Leviticus 13-14](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13-14 - Laws Concerning Leprosy"), a leper was declared ritually unclean by a priest, necessitating their isolation from the community. Any contact with a leper rendered a person unclean. If a leper was healed, they were required to present themselves to a priest for examination and to offer specific purification sacrifices to be officially declared clean and reintegrated into society. This process was rigorous and involved multiple steps, including the offering of two birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop, followed by subsequent offerings of lambs and fine flour. Jesus' instruction to "shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded" directly references these prescribed Levitical rites, highlighting the profound cultural and religious significance of the leper's healing and subsequent re-entry into communal life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' Authority and Power**, demonstrating His ability to perform miracles that defy human limitations and even the strictures of the Law, yet always in alignment with God's will. Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' Fulfillment of the Law**, as He instructs the healed man to meticulously follow the Mosaic requirements for purification, affirming that He came "not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them" as stated in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). Thirdly, the command "See thou tell no man" introduces the theme of the **Messianic Secret**, a recurring motif in the Gospels, particularly Mark. This secrecy was likely intended to manage public expectations, prevent premature political uprisings, and allow Jesus to define His messianic role through His teaching and sacrificial death rather than solely through sensational miracles. Finally, the phrase "for a testimony unto them" emphasizes the theme of **Witness and Verification**, as the priestly verification would serve as an irrefutable, official testament to Jesus' divine power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shew (Greek, _deiknýō_):** This verb means "to show" or "to point out," literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies the act of presenting oneself for formal inspection and verification. It implies a deliberate, public demonstration, not merely a casual appearance. The healed leper was to make his healing evident and undeniable to the priest, initiating the official process of reintegration into the community and proving the miraculous nature of his cleansing.
* **commanded (Greek, _prostássō_):** Derived from *pros* (towards) and *tassō* (to arrange), this word means "to arrange towards" or "to enjoin." It implies a formal, authoritative directive or instruction. Here, it emphasizes that the "gift" was not an arbitrary offering but a specific requirement laid down by Moses, thus carrying the weight of divine law. Jesus, in commanding the leper to offer this gift, acknowledges and upholds the divine authority behind the Mosaic Law.
* **testimony (Greek, _martýrion_):** This term refers to something evidential, evidence given, or a witness. It denotes a public declaration or proof. In this verse, the act of presenting oneself to the priest and offering the prescribed gift would serve as an undeniable, official witness to the priests themselves and, by extension, to the Jewish religious establishment, of the miraculous healing that had occurred. It was an objective, verifiable fact that challenged their understanding and potentially their authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus saith unto him, 'See thou tell no man;":** Jesus issues a direct, emphatic prohibition against publicizing the miracle. This is a classic instance of the "Messianic Secret," a recurring theme in the Gospels. The reasons for this command are multifaceted: to prevent a premature or politically motivated understanding of His messiahship, to avoid hindering His ministry by overwhelming crowds seeking only physical healing, and to allow His identity to be revealed fully and properly through His teaching, suffering, death, and resurrection.
* **"but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest,":** Despite the command for secrecy regarding Jesus' role, the healed man is instructed to engage with the established religious authority. This directive demonstrates Jesus' respect for the Mosaic Law and the priestly system, which was divinely ordained for the ceremonial cleansing and reintegration of lepers. The act of "showing oneself to the priest" was the first crucial step in the official purification process outlined in [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws for Cleansing Lepers").
* **"and offer the gift that Moses commanded,":** This part of the command specifies the required purification offering. The "gift that Moses commanded" refers to the precise sacrifices detailed in [Leviticus 14:1-32](/leviticus/14-1-32 "Leviticus 14:1-32 - Purification Rites for Lepers"). By instructing the man to fulfill these requirements, Jesus demonstrates His commitment to upholding the Law, not abolishing it. This also ensures the man's full ceremonial and social reintegration into the community.
* **"for a testimony unto them.'":** The ultimate purpose of this public act is revealed here. The priest's official examination and the prescribed offerings would serve as an undeniable "testimony" or evidence to the religious authorities. This act would officially verify the miraculous healing, presenting an irrefutable fact that a person once declared unclean by their own standards was now perfectly clean. This testimony was meant to confront them with the reality of God's power at work through Jesus, whether they chose to acknowledge it or not.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, as Jesus issues direct commands ("See thou tell no man," "go thy way, shew thyself," "offer the gift"). This highlights His divine authority and the immediate necessity of obedience. There is also an element of **Paradox** or **Irony** in the command for secrecy ("tell no man") immediately followed by a directive for a public, official act ("shew thyself to the priest... for a testimony unto them"). This tension underscores the complex nature of Jesus' ministry—private revelation of power coupled with public validation of His work. Furthermore, the healing of the leper and the subsequent purification rites carry profound **Symbolism**. Physical leprosy, with its defilement and isolation, serves as a powerful symbol for sin and its separating effects. The cleansing and reintegration symbolize spiritual cleansing and restoration to fellowship with God and community, foreshadowing the greater work of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:4 intricately weaves together themes of divine authority, the fulfillment of the Law, and the nature of witness. Jesus, as the Son of God, demonstrates absolute power over disease, yet He submits to and upholds the Mosaic Law, emphasizing that His mission is not to destroy but to perfect the divine revelation. The command to present the healed leper to the priest underscores the importance of proper order and verification, even in the face of miraculous intervention. This act serves as a public declaration of God's restorative power, challenging the religious establishment to recognize the signs of the Messiah's presence. It also highlights the tension between Jesus' desire to control the timing and understanding of His messianic identity (the "Messianic Secret") and the necessity of providing undeniable proof of His divine work.

* [Leviticus 14:2-4](/leviticus/14-2-4 "Leviticus 14:2-4 - The Law for Cleansing a Leper")
* [Mark 1:43-45](/mark/1-43-45 "Mark 1:43-45 - Jesus' Command to the Healed Leper")
* [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 8:4 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to consider the multifaceted nature of obedience, witness, and spiritual restoration. Jesus' command to the healed leper to follow the prescribed purification rites, even after a miraculous healing, teaches us the importance of honoring established order and authority, even when our experience of God's grace seems to transcend conventional norms. It reminds us that spiritual transformation often involves practical steps of obedience and seeking reconciliation within our communities. The "testimony" aspect encourages us to live lives that undeniably bear witness to the transformative power of Christ, allowing our changed character and actions to speak volumes. Furthermore, the secrecy command, while specific to Jesus' unique ministry context, subtly prompts us to consider the wisdom of discerning when to speak and when to allow God's work to unfold in His perfect timing, avoiding premature or self-serving declarations. Ultimately, this passage invites us to reflect on the depth of God's desire to cleanse, restore, and reintegrate us into His fellowship, just as the leper was brought back into the community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to bypass established processes or authorities, even when God has already worked miraculously?**
* **How can my life, transformed by Christ, serve as a clear and undeniable "testimony" to others, even without explicit verbal declarations?**
* **What does Jesus' respect for the Mosaic Law teach me about my own approach to God's Word and the principles He has established?**
* **How does the healing of the leper symbolize God's desire to cleanse us from the "leprosy" of sin and restore us to full fellowship with Him and His people?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus command the healed leper not to tell anyone?**

Answer: Jesus' command, often referred to as the "Messianic Secret," was a strategic part of His ministry. There are several reasons scholars propose for this secrecy. Firstly, it prevented a premature public declaration of His messiahship, which could have led to political misunderstandings or attempts to make Him an earthly king, diverting from His true spiritual mission. Secondly, it allowed Jesus to control the timing and manner of His revelation, ensuring that His identity as the Messiah was understood in light of His teaching, suffering, death, and resurrection, rather than solely through sensational miracles. Thirdly, it helped Him avoid being overwhelmed by crowds seeking only physical healing, which would have hindered His ability to move freely and teach effectively. A similar command is found in [Mark 1:44](/mark/1-44 "Mark 1:44 - Jesus' Command to the Leper").

**Why did Jesus send the man to the priest if He had already healed him?**

Answer: Jesus sent the healed man to the priest for several crucial reasons, demonstrating His respect for and fulfillment of the Mosaic Law. According to [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws for Cleansing Lepers"), only a priest could officially declare a leper clean and oversee the purification rites necessary for their reintegration into society. By sending the man to the priest, Jesus affirmed the validity of the Law and the priestly system. This act also provided an undeniable, official "testimony" to the religious authorities that a man, once declared unclean by their own standards, was now perfectly clean. It was a verifiable miracle that challenged their understanding and bore witness to Jesus' divine power.

**What was "the gift that Moses commanded"?**

Answer: "The gift that Moses commanded" refers to the specific purification offerings required by the Mosaic Law for someone cleansed of leprosy. These requirements are detailed in [Leviticus 14:1-32](/leviticus/14-1-32 "Leviticus 14:1-32 - Purification Rites for Lepers"). The initial ritual involved two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop. After seven days, further offerings, including lambs and fine flour, were required. By instructing the healed man to offer this gift, Jesus ensured that the man fully complied with the Law's requirements for ceremonial cleansing and social reintegration, demonstrating Jesus' own adherence to the Law He came to fulfill.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 8:4, with its command for the healed leper to present himself to the priest and offer the prescribed gift, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' own person and work. The healing of the leper vividly foreshadows Christ's ultimate power over sin, which is the spiritual leprosy that defiles and separates humanity from God. Just as the leper was made physically clean and restored to community, so too are believers cleansed from the defilement of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the ultimate High Priest, as described in [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and [Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23-28 "Hebrews 7:23-28 - Jesus, a Superior Priesthood"). He does not merely oversee purification rites but *is* the perfect and final offering, having offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). The "testimony" to the priests points to the undeniable evidence of Jesus' messianic identity and divine authority, culminating in His resurrection, which served as the ultimate proof to all, including those who rejected Him ([Acts 2:32-36](/acts/2-32-36 "Acts 2:32-36 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")). Thus, the physical cleansing and ceremonial re-entry of the leper into society beautifully illustrate the spiritual cleansing and eternal reconciliation with God that is accomplished solely through faith in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest and perfect sacrifice.

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

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.

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.

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];

Matthew 9:30

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

Mark 6:11

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.