Luke 8:56

Luke 8:56, in plain English

Her parents were absolutely stunned, but Jesus told them not to tell anyone what had happened. Some miracles are too sacred for the spotlight.

Why it's here

After raising their daughter from the dead, Jesus told them to keep it quiet. He was not interested in fame or spectacle. Sometimes the most profound encounters with God are the most private.

Who's speaking

Jesus instructs the amazed parents.

Where it sits in the story

The parents were beside themselves with joy and shock. But Jesus surprised them with one more instruction: do not tell anyone. The miracle was for them and their daughter, not for the crowd.

The scholarly reading

The parents were existēsan ('astonished/beside themselves'), but Jesus parangeilen ('ordered') them to tell mēdeni ('no one') what had happened. This command for silence aligns with the messianic secret motif, controlling the timing and manner of Jesus' identity revelation.

Language and setting

The command to silence, while practically difficult given the mourners' presence, reflects Jesus' consistent pattern of restraining premature messianic proclamation. The parents' astonishment is the natural response to witnessing resurrection power.

Voice

Luke narrates the parents' reaction, and Jesus gives strict instructions about secrecy.

Significance

The girl's parents were utterly astonished, but Jesus strictly ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened, maintaining control over how and when His identity as the one with power over death would be revealed.

54But Jesus took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up!”

55Her spirit returned, and at once she got up. And He directed that she be given something to eat.

56Her parents were astounded, but Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Read all of Luke 8 — A storm, a legion of demons, a bleeding woman, and a dead girl — Jesus moves through a world of chaos and brings order with a word or a touch.