And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

LUKE 8:56KJV
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Luke 8:56 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:56 mean?

Luke 8:56 describes how the parents of the girl Jesus raised from the dead were amazed, but Jesus told them not to tell anyone what had happened. The verse shows both the wonder of the miracle and Jesus’ instruction for secrecy about it.

In this scene, Jesus has just brought a young girl back to life in front of her parents. The parents’ astonishment reflects the extraordinary nature of what they witnessed. Jesus’ command to keep quiet about the event suggests he did not want public attention or misunderstanding about his miracles at that moment.

The Greek behind Luke 8:56

  • The word "astonished" (ἐξέστησαν, exestēsan) means to be utterly amazed or beside oneself with wonder. This emphasizes just how overwhelming the experience was for the parents.
  • The word "charged" (παρήγγειλεν, parēngeilen) is often used for giving a strong order or command, not just a suggestion. Jesus is making a clear and serious request for silence.
  • The word "done" (γέγονεν, gegonen) refers to what had happened or come to pass. Jesus is specifically telling them not to spread news about the miracle itself.

Why Luke 8:56 matters

  • The verse clears up the idea that Jesus always wanted his miracles widely publicized; here, he deliberately asks for secrecy, which can challenge assumptions about his intentions.
  • Luke 8:56 highlights the deeply personal impact of Jesus’ miracles on individuals and families, not just on crowds.
  • This verse connects to a pattern in the Gospels where Jesus sometimes limits publicity, possibly to avoid misunderstandings about his mission or to control the timing of events leading to his crucifixion.

Where else these words appear

“astonished” Greek G1839 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 12:23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
  • Luke 2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
  • Acts 8:11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

“parents” Greek G1118 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
  • Luke 21:16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
  • John 9:23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

“charged” Greek G3853 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
  • Acts 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

“man” Greek G3367 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 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.
  • Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
  • Galatians 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.