And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

MARK 1:44KJV
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Mark 1:44 (KJV)

What does Mark 1:44 mean?

Mark 1:44 records Jesus telling a man he has just healed not to tell anyone about it, but instead to go directly to the priest and offer the sacrifices required by Moses’ law as proof of his healing. This instruction focuses on following the proper religious steps after being cleansed, rather than spreading news of the miracle.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a man who had been healed of leprosy. According to Jewish law, a person healed from such a disease needed to be examined by a priest and make specific offerings (see Leviticus 14). Jesus’ command highlights respect for the established process and shows that the healing should be officially recognized according to the law of Moses, serving as a public testimony to the priests.

Where else these words appear

“cleansing” Greek G2512 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
  • John 2:6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
  • Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

“commanded” Greek G4367 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
  • Matthew 21:6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
  • Acts 10:33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

“testimony” Greek G3142 · used in 20 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.
  • Luke 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

“shew” Greek G1166 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
  • James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.