New Testament
Matthew 8:4
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Then Jesus told him, "Don't tell anyone; instead, go show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."
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And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
What Matthew 8:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus instructs a man he has healed from leprosy not to share his healing with others immediately. Instead, he is to go to the priest and present the offering that Moses prescribed in the Law. This act serves two purposes: it fulfills the requirements of the Jewish law regarding leprosy and acts as a testimony to the priest about Jesus' miraculous power. By following this command, the healed man would not only demonstrate his obedience to the law but also provide evidence of Jesus' authority and compassion. Jesus' request for secrecy may reflect his desire to avoid premature fame or misunderstanding about his mission. This moment highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and the fulfillment of the law in the context of Jesus' ministry.
How to apply Matthew 8:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to follow God's guidance in our lives, even when it may seem counterintuitive. It reminds us that obedience to God's commands can lead to greater understanding and testimony of His work in our lives. Sharing our experiences at the right time can have a powerful impact.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 8:4 mean?
Matthew 8:4 describes Jesus instructing a healed leper to keep his healing private and to follow the Jewish law by showing himself to the priest and offering the required gift. This emphasizes obedience to the law and serves as a testimony to the priest about Jesus' healing power.
What is the significance of the priest in Matthew 8:4?
In Matthew 8:4, the priest plays a crucial role in confirming the healing of the leper according to Jewish law. By presenting himself to the priest, the healed man fulfills the legal requirements and provides evidence of Jesus' miraculous work.
What does the gift mentioned in Matthew 8:4 refer to?
The gift mentioned in Matthew 8:4 refers to the offering prescribed by Moses in the Law for those healed of leprosy. This offering was a way to express gratitude and fulfill the requirements of the Jewish law.
How does Matthew 8:4 relate to obedience?
Matthew 8:4 illustrates the theme of obedience by showing the healed leper following Jesus' instructions to go to the priest. This act of obedience not only fulfills the law but also serves as a testimony to the power of Jesus.
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