Mark 7:36
And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;
Mark 7:36 · King James Version
Meaning
When Jesus performed miracles, he often instructed those who witnessed them to keep the event private. In this particular verse, Jesus charged individuals not to share the miracles he performed. However, despite his request for secrecy, news about his miraculous acts spread even more widely. This phenomenon can be interpreted as a demonstration of the immense impact that witnessing a miracle had on those who experienced it. The witnesses were so overwhelmed by the power and love they had witnessed that they could not help but share it with others, despite Jesus' instructions otherwise. This verse highlights the difficulty of containing the truth of Jesus' actions and teachings, showcasing the awe and wonder that they inspired in those who were fortunate enough to witness them firsthand. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact that Jesus had on those around him, and how his message of love and redemption captivated hearts and compelled individuals to spread the good news far and wide.
Theological Overview
One possible theological interpretation of this verse where Jesus commands those who witness his miracles to not tell anyone about them could be seen as an example of Jesus' divine plan and timing. Jesus knew that the time had not yet come for him to publicly reveal himself as the Messiah, and he did not want the news of his miracles to escalate prematurely and disrupt his mission. The more he instructed people to keep quiet, the more they disobeyed, perhaps because they were so amazed by his works that they couldn't help but share the incredible news with others. This highlights the struggle between human desires to share good news and divine timing, emphasizing the importance of patience and trust in God's plan.
Mark 7:36 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it.
World English Bible
He commanded them that they should tell no one, but the more he commanded them, so much the more widely they proclaimed it.
Douay-Rheims
And he charged them that they should tell no man. But the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal did they publish it.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he commanded them, that they should tell no man: but howe much soeuer hee forbad them, the more a great deale they published it,