Devine Scripture

Matthew 9:3

What does Matthew 9:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 9:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 9:3 means

Observing Jesus' declaration of forgiveness for the paralytic's sins, some scribes inwardly accuse Him of blasphemy. They correctly understood that only God can forgive sins, and in their minds, Jesus, a man, was claiming a divine prerogative. This reveals their strict adherence to traditional theological understanding, yet a failure to recognize the divine person standing before them, leading to a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' true identity and authority.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And some of the scribes said among themselves, This man has no respect for God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And lo, certain of the scribes said within themselves, `This one doth speak evil.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And behold some of the scribes said within themselves: He blasphemeth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And behold, certain of the scribes said to themselves, This [man] blasphemes.

Context

This verse immediately reveals the scribes' internal, negative reaction to Jesus' declaration of sin forgiveness. It follows directly from Jesus' pronouncement, highlighting the immediate theological conflict. This critical thought process from the religious leaders sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent response, where He will challenge their assumptions and unequivocally demonstrate His authority.

v.2And behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, be of good cheer; thy sins are forgiven.

v.3This passage

v.4And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

Cross references

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

  • Mark 14:64

    Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be worthy of death.

  • Matthew 26:65

    Then the high priest rent his garments, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy: what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard the blasphemy:

  • Matthew 7:29

    for he taught them asonehaving authority, and not as their scribes.

  • John 10:33

    The Jews answered him, For a good work we stone thee not, but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

  • Mark 7:21

    For from within, out of the heart of men, evil thoughts proceed, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,

  • Luke 7:39

    Now when the Pharisee that had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner.

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