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.

MATTHEW 8:4KJV
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Matthew 8:4 (KJV)

What does Matthew 8:4 mean?

Matthew 8:4 records Jesus telling a man he has just healed not to tell anyone about it, but instead to go show himself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded as proof of his healing. Jesus directs the man to follow the requirements of the Jewish law as a testimony to the priests.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a man who has just been healed of leprosy. The instruction to "shew thyself to the priest" refers to the process in the Law of Moses where a healed leper had to be examined by a priest and offer a specific sacrifice (see Leviticus 14). Jesus' command emphasizes respect for the law and provides a way for the healing to be officially recognized.

The Greek behind Matthew 8:4

  • "προσενέγκον" (proseneṅkon, "offer"): This word means to bring or present, especially as an offering. Jesus is telling the man to actively bring the required gift, not just to show up, but to fulfill the law's ritual.
  • "μαρτύριον" (martyrion, "testimony"): This word means evidence or proof. Jesus frames the healed man's visit to the priest as a testimony, not just for the man himself, but as a sign to the priests and the community that something significant has happened.

Why Matthew 8:4 matters

  • Matthew 8:4 shows Jesus' respect for the Jewish law and its rituals, even as he performs miraculous healings outside the usual religious system.
  • The verse clarifies that Jesus did not seek public attention for his miracles, but wanted the healing to be officially recognized through proper channels.
  • This instruction connects the miracle to the broader story of Jesus' ministry, showing that his actions fulfilled and respected the traditions of Moses, while also pointing to something new happening through him.

Where else these words appear

“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:
  • Mark 1:44 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.
  • 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.

“gift” Greek G1435 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 23:19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
  • Hebrews 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

“testimony” Greek G3142 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
  • 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.