New Testament
Luke 5:14
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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."
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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.
What Luke 5:14 means
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.
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
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Keep studying Luke 5:14
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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.
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