New Testament
Mark 5:43
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Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell anyone about this, and then told them to give her something to eat.
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And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
What Mark 5:43 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus performs a miracle by raising a girl from the dead. After restoring her to life, He instructs those present to keep this event a secret. This command highlights the importance of discretion regarding His miracles, possibly to avoid drawing excessive attention or misunderstanding about His mission. Additionally, Jesus tells them to give the girl something to eat, which emphasizes His care for her physical needs after her miraculous healing. This act shows that Jesus is concerned not only with spiritual matters but also with the well-being of individuals in their everyday lives. The combination of secrecy and practical care illustrates the holistic nature of Jesus' ministry, addressing both the miraculous and the mundane aspects of life.
How to apply Mark 5:43 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of both spiritual and physical care in our lives and the lives of others. It reminds us to be discreet about our faith experiences, sharing them wisely while also addressing practical needs, such as providing support and nourishment to those in need.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jairus' Daughter and a Woman Healed (Mark 5:21–43)
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Jesus

Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 5:43 mean?
Mark 5:43 describes Jesus raising a girl from the dead and instructing those present to keep this miracle a secret. This emphasizes the need for discretion regarding His works and highlights His concern for the girl's physical well-being by asking them to give her something to eat.
What is the significance of secrecy in Mark 5:43?
The secrecy in Mark 5:43 reflects Jesus' desire to control the narrative around His miracles and avoid misunderstandings about His mission. It suggests that He wanted to focus on His ministry without drawing excessive attention or sensationalism.
What themes are present in Mark 5:43?
Key themes in Mark 5:43 include the miracle of resurrection, the secrecy surrounding Jesus' works, His compassion for physical needs, and the holistic nature of His ministry that addresses both miraculous and everyday aspects of life.
What can we learn from Mark 5:43?
Mark 5:43 teaches us the importance of balancing spiritual experiences with practical care for others. It encourages discretion in sharing our faith while also addressing the physical needs of those around us.
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