New Testament
Luke 8:56
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Her parents were astonished, but Jesus strictly instructed them not to tell anyone what had happened.
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And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
What Luke 8:56 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, after Jesus raises a girl from the dead, her parents are filled with amazement at the miracle they have just witnessed. Their astonishment reflects the profound impact of Jesus' power over life and death. However, Jesus instructs them not to share this miracle with anyone. This command may seem strange, but it highlights His desire to control the narrative around His ministry and prevent premature fame or misunderstanding of His mission. By keeping this miracle private, Jesus aims to focus on His teachings and the deeper spiritual truths He came to reveal, rather than just being seen as a miracle worker. This moment emphasizes the importance of faith and the personal nature of Jesus' miracles, as they are not merely for public spectacle but for the transformation of individuals and families.
How to apply Luke 8:56 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the miraculous works of God in our lives and to respond with awe and gratitude. It also reminds us that sometimes, the most profound experiences with God are personal and may not need to be shared widely. Reflect on how you can honor these moments privately.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jairus' Daughter and a Woman Healed (Luke 8:40–56)
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Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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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 8:56 mean?
Luke 8:56 describes the moment after Jesus raises a girl from the dead, where her parents are astonished by the miracle. Jesus instructs them not to tell anyone about what happened, emphasizing His desire to manage how His miracles are perceived and to focus on His teachings.
Why did Jesus tell the parents not to tell anyone in Luke 8:56?
Jesus instructed the parents not to share the miracle to prevent premature fame and misunderstanding of His mission. He wanted to ensure that His ministry was centered on spiritual truths rather than being solely recognized for miraculous acts.
What is the significance of astonishment in Luke 8:56?
The astonishment of the girl's parents in Luke 8:56 highlights the profound impact of witnessing Jesus' power over death. It reflects the deep emotional and spiritual transformation that can occur through faith and divine intervention.
What themes are present in Luke 8:56?
Key themes in Luke 8:56 include miracles, faith, astonishment, secrecy, divine authority, family, and transformation. These themes illustrate the personal nature of Jesus' miracles and the importance of faith in experiencing God's power.
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