New Testament

Luke 5:14

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus heals a man with leprosy and instructs him not to share the news of his healing with others.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

Jesus ordered him not to tell anyone. "Instead," he said, "go show yourself to the priest and make the offering for your cleansing that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus heals a man with leprosy and instructs him not to share the news of his healing with others. Instead, he tells the man to go to the priest and offer the sacrifices required by the Law of Moses. This was important because it would confirm the man's healing and serve as a testimony to the priest and the community about Jesus' power. By following the Law, the man would also be reinstated into society, as lepers were often isolated due to their condition. Jesus' command to remain silent about the healing reflects his desire to avoid premature fame and misunderstanding about his mission. He wanted to focus on fulfilling the Law and demonstrating his authority through the proper channels, rather than seeking public attention.

Key themes

Related topics

healing, obedience, testimony

How to apply Luke 5:14 to your life

This verse encourages us to follow God's guidance and obey His commands, even when we experience personal breakthroughs. Sharing our testimonies at the right time can be powerful, but we should also respect the process of healing and restoration in our lives and communities.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 5:14 mean?

In Luke 5:14, Jesus heals a man with leprosy and instructs him not to tell anyone about the healing. Instead, he tells the man to go to the priest and offer the required sacrifices, which serves as a testimony to the priest and the community about Jesus' healing power.

What is the significance of the priest in Luke 5:14?

The priest in Luke 5:14 plays a crucial role in confirming the man's healing according to the Law of Moses. By showing himself to the priest and making the required offerings, the man would be reinstated into society and validated in his healing.

What does the term 'cleansing' refer to in Luke 5:14?

In Luke 5:14, 'cleansing' refers to the process of being healed from leprosy, which required specific offerings and rituals as outlined in the Law of Moses. This act of cleansing was essential for the man to be accepted back into the community.

How does Luke 5:14 relate to obedience?

Luke 5:14 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as Jesus instructs the healed man to follow the Law rather than share his healing immediately. This highlights the value of respecting the process of healing and restoration in our lives.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

The Book of Luke

Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold

In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.

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