Luke 9:21
And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;
Luke 9:21 · King James Version
Meaning
When Jesus straitly charged his disciples not to tell anyone about the miracles he performed or about his identity as the Messiah, he did so for several reasons. One reason was to prevent premature excitement and misunderstanding among the people. Jesus knew that if news spread too quickly, it could lead to misconceptions about his mission and purpose. Additionally, Jesus wanted to avoid unnecessary confrontations with religious leaders and authorities who were threatened by his teachings and miracles. By keeping a low profile, Jesus could continue his ministry without attracting unwanted attention or interference. Finally, Jesus may have wanted to teach his disciples the importance of humility and obedience. By following his instructions and keeping his identity a secret, the disciples learned to trust in Jesus' timing and wisdom. Overall, this verse highlights Jesus' strategic approach to his ministry and the importance of discretion in spreading the message of the gospel.
Theological Overview
In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 5, verse 43, Jesus instructs those who witnessed a particular miracle not to share what they had seen with others. The term 'straitly charged' signifies the seriousness and urgency with which Jesus delivered this command. This particular instruction has led to various theological interpretations. Some scholars believe that Jesus wanted to prevent excessive attention that could hinder his ability to carry out his ministry effectively. Others suggest that he was trying to avoid unrest among the religious leaders who viewed his actions with suspicion. Additionally, some commentators point to the fact that Jesus had a specific timeframe for his mission and didn't want premature publicity to disrupt his plans. Ultimately, this verse highlights the divinely orchestrated timing and strategy of Jesus' ministry, demonstrating his wisdom and foresight in managing the expectations and reactions of those around him.
Luke 9:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
But he charged them, and commanded [them] to tell this to no man;
World English Bible
But he warned them, and commanded them to tell this to no one,
Douay-Rheims
But he strictly charging them, commanded they should tell this to no man.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he warned and commanded them, that they should tell that to no man,