Devine Scripture

Luke 5:21

What does Luke 5:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 5:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 5:21 means

The scribes and Pharisees reason among themselves, accusing Jesus of blasphemy because only God can forgive sins. This response exposes their theological concern and bewilderment: Jesus’ claim to forgive threatens the boundaries of acceptable authority in Judaism. Their private reasoning indicates skepticism and perhaps hostility, interpreting Jesus’ words as unlawful presumption. The verse frames the coming exchange: Jesus will confront their inward thoughts and then validate his claim by healing, showing that forgiveness is not merely theological talk but accompanied by visible power and divine backing.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this that speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this that speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the scribes and Pharisees were having an argument, saying, Who is this, who has no respect for God? who is able to give forgiveness for sins, but God only?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, `Who is this that doth speak evil words? who is able to forgive sins, except God only?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the scribes and Pharisees began to think, saying: Who is this who speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason [in their minds], saying, Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who is able to forgive sins butGod alone?

Context

Following Jesus’ pronouncement of forgiveness, the religious leaders react with internal accusation, which Luke records to set up Jesus’ public response. Their reasoning reflects the conflict between established religious expectations and Jesus’ actions. This moment leads to Jesus challenging their hearts and proving his authority through a miracle. The verse moves the narrative from an act of compassion to theological confrontation, revealing the growing opposition Jesus will face.

v.20And seeing their faith, he said, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

v.21This passage

v.22But Jesus perceiving their reasonings, answered and said unto them, Why reason ye in your hearts?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 103:3

    Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;

  • Acts 6:11

    Then they suborned men, who said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

  • Leviticus 24:16

    And he that blasphemeth the name of Jehovah, he shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the sojourner, as the home-born, when he blasphemeth the name of Jehovah, shall be put to death.

  • 1 Kings 21:10

    and set two men, base fellows, before him, and let them bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst curse God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him to death.

  • Isaiah 44:22

    I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

  • Mark 2:6

    But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

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