The Greek verb diastellomai means to give strict orders, command, or charge someone firmly. It carries the sense of separating out a specific instruction — setting apart a directive that must be followed.
A striking feature of diastellomai in Mark's Gospel is its use in the 'Messianic Secret' — Jesus frequently commanded those he healed or who witnessed miracles to tell no one (Mark 1:44; 5:43; 7:36; 8:15). This restraint served the timing and nature of Jesus's ministry, ensuring that his identity would be understood in light of the cross rather than through miraculous power alone. Divine authority includes the authority to command silence.