After Sermon on Mount, after curing a leper.
Matthew 8:4 See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
Matthew 8:4 See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
Watch out. Tell no one. Instead, bring yourself show to the priest and offer the gift, the one Moses commanded, as a proof for them.
Being cured and proving it are two different things.
This verse has a lot of less common Greek words for Jesus and, as usual, the reason is that Jesus is making a number of plays on words. The words translated as "go" and "offer" both of which are based on "bringing" and both terms are used to refer to bringing people to judgment. Both the terms translated as "offer" and "testimony" relate to giving proof or more specifically, evidence.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "see" is not the common word usually translated as "see."
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "no man" does not capture the word's general meaning.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "but" is not the common word usually translated as "but."
- IP - Inserted Phrase-- The phrase ""thy way" doesn't exist in the source.
- CCW - Confusing Word -- The "see" is not the common word usually translated as "see."
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "that" doesn't exist in the source.
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "don't" does not capture object and indirect object.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "but" is not the common word usually translated as "but."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the one" is not shown in the English translation. "
See: -- (CW) "See" is from a Greek verb, which means "to see with the eyes," "to look," and "to observe." It has the sense ofsighting something. Jesus uses this word often to mean "watch out" or "look out" as a warning but another verb is better translated as "watch" so "look" works more consistently.
thou -- This is from the second-person, singular form of the verb.
tell . - The word translated as "speak" means "to say" and "to speak." It is one of the two most common words translated "speak," "say" and "tell," but it has more a sense of addressing and proclaiming.
no man; - (CW) The Greek word translated as "no man" here means "no one" and "nothing." There is no noun "man" here.
but -- (CW) The Greek word translated as "but" denotes an exception or simple opposition. It is used to emphasize the contrast between things like we use "instead," "but instead,"or "rather." It is not the common word usually translated as "but." It is the Greek word "other" like we use "otherwise." Jesus often uses this conjunction to connect a negative clause, "not this," with a positive one, "instead this."
go -- "Go" is a Greek verb that means literally "go under" or "bring under," and Jesus uses it to mean "go away" and "depart."
thy way, -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "thy way" in the Greek source.
shew - "Shew" is an uncommon verb that means "show", "point out", "make known", "display", "exhibit", and "offer."
thyself -- "Thyself" is the second person reflexive pronoun.
to -- This word "to" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article; without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
priest, -- The Greek noun translated as "priest" means "priest," "sacrificer," and "diviner." -
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
offer -- The Greek word translated as "thou bring" is not that common word for "bring," but one that has the additional meaning of "to offer" and "to present." It is in the form of something that "might" happen, as it should be with the leading "if." The word is specifically used to describe offering sacrifices. The "you" here is singular. While Christ generally addresses his listeners in the plural, this might indicate he is addressing someone specifically as in answering a question.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article; without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
gift - The word translated as "gift" means "gift," or "offering" but it has the special meaning of an offering to the gods. These gifts were "burnt" offerings, offerings that were burnt upon the grill that was the altar.
that - The word translated as "that" is the Greek definite article; without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
Moses -- "Moses" is from the Greek spelling of the name for the author of the first five books of the OT. Unlike most Hebrew names, Jesus sometimes adds Greek ending to it in the form of a first-declension Greek noun.
commanded, -- The word translated as "commanded" primarily means "to place." It means command in the sense of a law or rule that is "put in place." This is also a very unusual word for Jesus, used only in two verses.
, for -- The word translated as "for" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "as much as (of measure or limit)," "in regards to" a subject,"up to" limits in time and measure, and "for" a purpose or object.
a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a noun doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.
testimony -- "Testimony" is the Greek word "testimony" or "proof." From the word martys, source of our word 'martyr', which means "witness."
unto -- This word "unto" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object.
them. -- The word translated as "them" or "to them" is the Greek adjective that acts like our third-person pronoun. The form is the third person, plural as an indirect object of the verb or the object of a preposition. A dative object of a preposition implies no movement but in a fixed position.
See: -- (CW) "See" is from a Greek verb, which means "to see with the eyes," "to look," and "to observe." It has the sense ofsighting something. Jesus uses this word often to mean "watch out" or "look out" as a warning but another verb is better translated as "watch" so "look" works more consistently.
that -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "that" in the Greek source.
you -- This is from the second-person, singular form of the verb.
don't - - (CW) The Greek word translated "no" is the word that means "no one."
tell . - The word translated as "speak" means "to say" and "to speak." It is one of the two most common words translated "speak," "say" and "tell," but it has more a sense of addressing and proclaiming.
anyone; - The Greek word translated as "anyone" here means "no one" and "nothing."
But -- (CW) The Greek word translated as "but" denotes an exception or simple opposition. It is used to emphasize the contrast between things like we use "instead," "but instead,"or "rather." It is not the common word usually translated as "but." It is the Greek word "other" like we use "otherwise." Jesus often uses this conjunction to connect a negative clause, "not this," with a positive one, "instead this."
go -- "Go" is a Greek verb that means literally "go under" or "bring under," and Jesus uses it to mean "go away" and "depart."
show - "Shew" is an uncommon verb that means "show", "point out", "make known", "display", "exhibit", and "offer."
yourself -- "Yourself " is the second person reflexive pronoun.
to -- This word "to" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article; without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
priest, -- The Greek noun translated as "priest" means "priest," "sacrificer," and "diviner." -
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
offer -- The Greek word translated as "thou bring" is not that common word for "bring," but one that has the additional meaning of "to offer" and "to present." It is in the form of something that "might" happen, as it should be with the leading "if." The word is specifically used to describe offering sacrifices. The "you" here is singular. While Christ generally addresses his listeners in the plural, this might indicate he is addressing someone specifically as in answering a question.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article; without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
gift - The word translated as "gift" means "gift," or "offering" but it has the special meaning of an offering to the gods. These gifts were "burnt" offerings, offerings that were burnt upon the grill that was the altar.
missing "the one" -- (MW) The untranslated word the one" is the Greek definite article; without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
Moses -- "Moses" is from the Greek spelling of the name for the author of the first five books of the OT. Unlike most Hebrew names, Jesus sometimes adds Greek ending to it in the form of a first-declension Greek noun.
commanded, -- The word translated as "commanded" primarily means "to place." It means command in the sense of a law or rule that is "put in place." This is also a very unusual word for Jesus, used only in two verses.
as -- The word translated as "as" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "as much as (of measure or limit)," "in regards to" a subject,"up to" limits in time and measure, and "for" a purpose or object.
a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a noun doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.
testimony -- "Testimony" is the Greek word "testimony" or "proof." From the word martys, source of our word 'martyr', which means "witness."
to -- This word "to" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object.
them. -- The word translated as "them" or "to them" is the Greek adjective that acts like our third-person pronoun. The form is the third person, plural as an indirect object of the verb or the object of a preposition. A dative object of a preposition implies no movement but in a fixed position.
Ὅρα [20 verses](verb 2nd sg pres imperat act) "See" is from horao, which means "to see with the eyes," "to look," "to observe," "see," "aim," "have sight," "behold," "keep in sight," and as a metaphor of mental sight, "discern," and "perceive." Jesus often uses it as a warning as we would use "watch out" or "look out."
μηδενὶ [7 verses](adj sg dat) "No man" is from medeis, which means "nobody," "no one," "not even one," "naught," "good for naught," and "nothing."
εἴπῃς, [162 verses] (2nd sg aor subj act ) "Thou tell" is eipon, which means "to speak," "to say," "to recite," "to address," "to mention," "to name," "to proclaim," "to plead," "to promise," and "to offer." This is the second most common word Jesus uses for this idea. Perhaps translating it consistently as "tell" would work
ἀλλὰ [154 verses](conj) "But" is alla, which means "instead," "otherwise," "but," "still," "at least," "except," "yet," nevertheless," "rather," "moreover," and "nay."
ὕπαγε [47 verses](verb 2nd sg pres imperat act) "Go" is hypago, which means "to lead under," "to bring under," "to bring a person before judgment," "to lead on by degrees," "to take away from beneath," "to withdraw," "to go away," "to retire," "to draw off," and "off with you." -- "Go" is a Greek verb that means literally "go under" or "bring under," and Jesus uses it to mean "go away" and "depart."
σεαυτὸν [5 verses](pron refl masc sg acc) "Thyself" is from seatou, which means "of yourself." -- "Thyself" is the second person reflexive pronoun.
“δεῖξον [6 verses](verb 2nd sg aor imperat act) "Shew" is from deiknyo, which means "show", "point out", "make known", "display", "exibit", and "offer."
τῷ [821 verses](article sg masc dat) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").
ἱερεῖ,” [8 verses](noun sg masc dat ) "To the priest" is from hiereus, which means "priest," "sacrificer," and "diviner."
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
προσένεγκον [7 verses](verb 2nd sg aor imperat act) "Offer" is prosphero, which means literally "to bring in front of" also means "to bring to, " "to bring upon," "to apply to," [without dat] "to apply, use, or use," "to add to," "to present," "to offer," "to address [proposals]," "to convey [property]," "to contribute," "to pay," "to be carried towards [passive]," "to attack," "to assault," "to go toward," "to deal with," "to take [food or drink]," to exhibit," "to declare," and "to lead to."
τὸ [821 verses](article sg masc nom) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").
δῶρον [8 verses](noun sg neut acc) "Gift" is doron, which means "gift," "present," and specifically a "votive gift" or "offering" to a god. The simpler term without the sense of a votive offering is "dorea."
ὃ [821 verses](article sg neut acc) "That" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). -
προσέταξεν [2 verses](3rd sg aor ind act) "Commanded" is from prostasso, which means "to place", "to post", "to attach to", "to command", "to prescribe", "to enjoin," and "to order."
Μωυσῆς [18 verses](Hebrew Name) "Moses" is Moyses, which means "Moses."
εἰς [325 verses](prep) "For" is eis, which means "into (of place)," "up to (of time)," "until (of time)," "as much as (of measure or limit)," "as far as (of measure or limit)," "towards (to express relation)," "in regard to (to express relation)," "of an end or limit," and "for (of purpose or object)."
μαρτύριον [8 verses](noun sg neut acc) "Testimony" "Testimony" is martyrion, which means "testimony," and proof."
αὐτοῖς, [55 verses](pron/adj pl masc dat) "Them" is the dative case of the third-person, plural adjective that is used as a pronoun. The word also means "the same,""one's true self," and "the soul" as opposed to the body. It also means "of one's own accord."
A play on the words translated as "go" and "offer" both of which are based on "bringing" and both terms are used to refer to bringing people to judgment.
Both the terms translated as "offer" and "testimony" relate to giving proof or more specifically, evidence.
“See that you don’t tell even one person,” he said, gesturing to where they could see the people still gathered on the main beach below in the distance. It was this instruction from the Master that kept Pisca from wanting to talk about her cure during our testimony.
The street urchins, however, had already seen and heard, and they later reported the story to others.
The Master led the group down the path toward the beach. Pisca’s family walked with Phillip. Magdalena and the street kids followed.
“Why can’t we tell?” Pisca asked Phillip.
“The Teacher wants people to come to hear his teaching, not to see wonders,” explained the young Phillip.
“These crowds will be the death of us all,” Magdalena complained.
“But even if we don’t tell anyone,” Pisca said thoughtfully, “a lot of people saw us. They will see we were healed when our marks fade.”
“That’s why you can’t stay with us and the Master,” explained Magdalena.
“But where can we go instead?” Micos asked the Master, tugging on his sleeve.
The Master stopped and knelt down to the boy’s level.
“Instead?” the Teacher responded sadly. “Depart.”
“Go back to your people,” Magdalena finished.
“But our priest,” Pisca’s mother responded, “said I could never return after infecting my children.”
“Show yourself to the priest,” the Teacher advised.
“Even when the sores fade, he won’t trust it,” she said. “He will expect the disease to come back. But if I could mention your name and say that you healed me...”
She left the incomplete question hanging.
The Master thought for a moment. Then he took Phillip aside and said something to him. Pisca saw the Master give Phillip the small money bag he had used during the Sermon and another small bag as well.
When they returned, Phillip explained, “I will go with you. And help you with the priest.”
“And present that gift,” added the Teacher.
Pisca thought he meant the money bag.
“What gift?” asked her mother.
“The one put in place by Moses,” the Teacher clarified.
“To prove you are clean to your priest and tribe,” Phillip explained.
“As evidence for them,” the Teacher added.
“I will accompany you on the journey and explain it,” finished Phillip.