And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

MARK 5:43KJV
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Mark 5:43 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:43 mean?

Mark 5:43 describes how Jesus strictly instructed those present not to tell anyone what had happened and told them to give the girl something to eat. This shows Jesus’ concern for both privacy and the girl’s practical needs after raising her from the dead.

In this scene, Jesus has just brought Jairus’s daughter back to life in front of her parents and a few disciples. He tells them not to spread the news, possibly to avoid drawing attention or misunderstanding about his identity and mission. Jesus also makes sure the girl is cared for physically, highlighting his attention to ordinary needs even in miraculous moments.

The Greek behind Mark 5:43

  • The word translated “straitly” is πολύ (polys), here tagged as G4183, which often means “much” or “greatly.” In this context, it emphasizes that Jesus gave a very strong or serious warning about keeping the event quiet.
  • The verb “charged” (διαστέλλομαι, diastellomai, G1291) means to give a strict order or command, not just a casual suggestion. This shows Jesus was very deliberate in telling them to keep silent.
  • The verb “commanded” (εἶπεν, eipen, G2036) is a straightforward word for giving an instruction, but the context shows Jesus’ practical care in telling them to feed the girl, making sure her recovery is complete.

Why Mark 5:43 matters

  • Mark 5:43 clears up the idea that Jesus always sought public attention for his miracles; here, he specifically wants to avoid publicity.
  • The verse highlights that Jesus cares about both spiritual and physical needs, as seen in his instruction to feed the girl after her resurrection.
  • This moment connects to the wider theme in Mark of Jesus’ authority and compassion, showing his power over death and his concern for ordinary life.

Where else these words appear

“charged” Greek G1291 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
  • Mark 8:15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
  • Acts 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

“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.

“eat” Greek G5315 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
  • Luke 7:36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.
  • John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.