Mark 1:43 (KJV)

What does Mark 1:43 mean?

Mark 1:43 describes Jesus giving a very firm instruction to the man he had just healed, immediately sending him away after the miracle. The verse highlights both the urgency and seriousness with which Jesus wanted the man to follow his directions.

In this scene, Jesus has just healed a man with leprosy. After the healing, Jesus speaks directly to the man, making it clear—almost sternly—that he must leave right away and do something specific next. The language used shows that Jesus was not casual about his instructions; he wanted the man to act quickly and precisely, setting up the next part of the story where Jesus tells him what to do after being healed.

The Greek behind Mark 1:43

• The word "straitly charged" comes from the Greek ἐμβριμησάμενος (embrimēsamenos, not tagged here) but the tag for "charged" (ἐμβριμάομαι, G1690) often means to warn sternly or to give a strong command. This shows Jesus was very serious and emphatic in his instruction.
• "Forthwith" (εὐθύς, G2112) means "immediately" or "right away," emphasizing that Jesus wanted the man to act without delay.
• "Sent him away" (ἐκβάλλω, ekballō, G1544) is a strong word that can mean to drive out or send out forcefully. Here, it suggests Jesus was insistent that the man leave at once, not just politely dismissing him.

Why Mark 1:43 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that Jesus was always gentle in tone; here, he is quite forceful, showing that some situations called for urgency and strictness.
• The strong language sets up the importance of what Jesus will tell the man to do next, highlighting that following Jesus’ instructions was not optional.
• Mark’s use of these words connects to his overall style of showing Jesus’ authority and the immediate, action-oriented nature of his ministry.