Devine Scripture

Matthew 9:5

What does Matthew 9:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 9:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 9:5 means

Jesus challenges the scribes with a rhetorical question, asking which is easier: to declare sins forgiven or to command a paralytic to walk. From a human perspective, both seem impossible. However, Jesus' question points to the deeper theological truth: if He can perform the visible miracle of physical healing, it provides evidence of His authority to perform the invisible, greater miracle of spiritual forgiveness. Forgiveness, being a spiritual act, is ultimately a more profound display of divine power.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For which is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and walk?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For which is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and walk?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For which is the simpler, to say, You have forgiveness for your sins; or to say, Get up and go?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for which is easier? to say, The sins have been forgiven to thee; or to say, Rise, and walk?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee: or to say, Arise, and walk?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For which is easier: to say, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Rise up and walk?

Context

This verse continues Jesus' engagement with the scribes, providing a foundational argument for His authority. It immediately follows His recognition of their thoughts and sets up the demonstration that will prove His power. It is a critical link between the spiritual pronouncement and the physical miracle that will publicly vindicate His claim.

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

v.5This passage

v.6But 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.

Cross references

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

  • John 5:17

    But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh even until now, and I work.

  • Mark 2:9

    Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

  • Acts 3:16

    And by faith in his name hath his name made this man strong, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is through him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

  • 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.

  • John 5:8

    Jesus saith unto him, Arise, take up thy bed, and walk.

  • Acts 9:34

    And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee: arise, and make thy bed. And straightway he arose.

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