Matthew 12:16

16 But Jesus warned the people not to tell who he was.

Matthew 12:16 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 12:16

And charged them that they should not make him known.
] This charge was given, either to the multitude that followed him, and were healed by him, that when they returned to the respective places from whence they came, they would not make it known to his enemies where he was, and what he had done to them; being neither desirous of popular applause and glory, nor willing to provoke them more, nor to fall into their hands as yet; or else, as Mark seems to intimate, to the unclean spirits, that they would not declare who he was, the Son of God, they confessed him to be: and very likely it was given to both, and that they should neither tell where he was, nor who he was; and this charge was a very severe one; for the word signifies a charge with threatenings, should they not observe his orders.

Matthew 12:16 In-Context

14 But the Pharisees left and made plans to kill Jesus.
15 Jesus knew what the Pharisees were doing, so he left that place. Many people followed him, and he healed all who were sick.
16 But Jesus warned the people not to tell who he was.
17 He did these things to bring about what Isaiah the prophet had said:
18 "Here is my servant whom I have chosen. I love him, and I am pleased with him. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will tell of my justice to all people.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.