Luke 5:24
What does Luke 5:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 5:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 5:24 means
Jesus declares that so they may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, he commands the paralytic to arise, take up his couch, and go home. Jesus links his title ‘Son of man’ with the authority to forgive, claiming a unique role on earth. The command to rise and carry the bed makes the test concrete and public. The healing will serve as proof that his forgiveness is backed by authority. The phrase ‘on earth’ emphasizes Jesus’ operative authority in human history, not merely a claim about the future or heaven.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (he said unto him that was palsied), I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go unto thy house.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (he said unto him that was palsied), I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go unto thy house.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But so that you may see that on earth the Son of man has authority for the forgiveness of sins, (he said to the man who was ill,) I say to you, Get up, and take up your bed, and go into your house.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And that ye may know that the Son of Man hath authority upon the earth to forgive sins--(he said to the one struck with palsy) --I say to thee, Arise, and having taken up thy little couch, be going on to thy house.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But that you may know that the Son of man hath the power on earth to forgive sins (he saith to the sick of the palsy), I say to thee to: Arise, take up thy bed and go into thy house.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But that ye may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, he said to the paralysed man, I say to thee, Arise, and take up thy little couch and go to thine house.
Context
Following the rhetorical contrast, Jesus provides the proof by asserting his authority and then healing the man. This verse is pivotal: it transforms the encounter from a private spiritual pronouncement into a public demonstration of divine prerogative. The command leads immediately to the man’s recovery, which will astonish witnesses and vindicate Jesus before many, even as it aggravates religious authorities. The verse moves the narrative to public amazement and glorification of God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 16:13
Now when Jesus came into the parts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is?
- Daniel 7:13
I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
- Matthew 26:64
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Henceforth ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.
- Revelation 1:13
and in the midst of the candlesticks one like unto a son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about at the breasts with a golden girdle.
- Acts 3:6
But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.
- Matthew 9:6
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (then saith he to the sick of the palsy), Arise, and take up thy bed, and go unto thy house.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 5
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 5.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Solitude
Solitude, often distinguished from loneliness, is a state of being alone that can be intentionally sought for spiritual growth and reflection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.