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Book of Mark - Chapter 5 - Verse 43

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

Meaning

When analyzing the verse "And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat," it is important to understand the context in which it was spoken. This verse comes from the Bible, specifically the book of Mark, and refers to a miraculous healing performed by Jesus. In this particular instance, Jesus raises a young girl from the dead, demonstrating his power and compassion. The reason why Jesus charged those present not to speak of the miracle and instructed that the girl be given something to eat, was likely to avoid unnecessary attention and hysteria that could potentially disrupt the healing process or cause harm to the girl by overwhelming her in her weakened state. By instructing silence and providing nourishment, Jesus shows his concern for both the physical and spiritual well-being of the girl and those witnessing the miracle. This verse serves as a reminder of Jesus' humility, mercy, and care for those in need.

Theological Overview

Some scholars believe that the significance of Jesus charging those who witnessed the miracle not to spread the news is rooted in his desire to prevent the news of the resurrection from spreading before his ultimate sacrifice on the cross. By keeping the news of his miracles quiet, Jesus could continue his ministry without unnecessary distractions or premature confrontations with the authorities. The act of giving the girl something to eat after her resurrection has been interpreted as a demonstration of Jesus' compassion and care for her well-being. In this context, the act of feeding her symbolizes Jesus' concern for both the physical and spiritual needs of those he encounters. The word 'straitly' can be understood as emphasizing the seriousness and importance of Jesus' instructions, suggesting that they were not to be taken lightly by those who received them. Overall, this verse highlights Jesus' divine power, compassion, and the strategic timing of his actions in the context of his ministry on earth.

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