Luke 5:14 Meaning and Explanation
“And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus instructs the man to tell no one, but to show himself to the priest and offer the sacrifice Moses commanded, as a testimony.
What Does Luke 5:14 Mean?
Jesus pairs the miracle with the law's own process. Leviticus 14 appointed the priest to verify a cleansing and prescribed the offerings that restored a healed leper to community and worship. By sending the man there, Jesus honors what Moses commanded and secures the man's full return — not just healed skin, but a restored place among his people.
The charge to silence guards the mission: Jesus does not want fame as a wonder-worker to outrun his message. The verified cleansing will speak in the right way — 'a testimony unto them,' official evidence that God's cleansing power is at work in Israel. Some works of God are meant to be documented quietly before they are ever shouted.
Luke 5:14 in the Original Language
martyrion (μαρτύριον), 'testimony' -- evidence offered as proof; a formal witness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 5:14
What does Luke 5:14 mean?
Jesus instructs the man to tell no one, but to show himself to the priest and offer the sacrifice Moses commanded, as a testimony.