New Testament
Luke 8:56
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, after Jesus raises a girl from the dead, her parents are filled with amazement at the miracle they have just witnessed.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Her parents were astonished, but Jesus strictly instructed them not to tell anyone what had happened.
And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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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