Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

MATTHEW 16:20KJV
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Matthew 16:20 (KJV)

What does Matthew 16:20 mean?

Matthew 16:20 describes Jesus telling his disciples, his close followers, to keep his identity as “the Christ” to themselves. After Peter has recognized him, Jesus directs the group not to spread that recognition to other people.

The KJV word “charged” means that Jesus gave them a firm instruction. The instruction concerns what the disciples may tell others, not what they may believe about Jesus themselves.

The Greek behind Matthew 16:20

  • “he” — διαστέλλομαι (diastellomai): The Greek word carries the sense of giving a clear or firm order. It stands behind the KJV phrase “charged he,” showing the force of Jesus’ instruction.
  • “disciples” — μαθητής (mathētēs): This word means a learner or follower. Here it identifies the people receiving the instruction as those who have been learning from Jesus.
  • “Christ” — χριστός (christos): The word means “anointed one,” someone marked out by having oil poured on them. It is a title, rather than Jesus’ family name.

Why Matthew 16:20 matters

  • The instruction follows a direct recognition of Jesus’ identity. In verse 16, Peter has called him “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” so the disciples have already spoken about who they believe Jesus is.
  • The wider passage places Jesus’ instruction just before he begins to speak about his coming suffering and death. In verse 21, Jesus tells his disciples what lies ahead for him in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“he” Greek G1291 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 5:43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
  • 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.