Devine Scripture

Mark 2:4

What does Mark 2:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 2:4 means

Unable to get through the densely packed crowd, the men ingeniously uncovered a section of the roof above where Jesus was sitting. After breaking open the roof, they carefully lowered the paralyzed man on his bed directly into Jesus' presence. This extraordinary act demonstrates remarkable persistence, creativity, and profound faith, showing their desperate conviction that Jesus was the only one who could help their friend, overcoming all physical obstacles.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the crowd, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed whereon the sick of the palsy lay.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the crowd, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed whereon the sick of the palsy lay.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when they were unable to get near him because of all the people, they got the roof uncovered where he was: and when it was broken up, they let down the bed on which the man was.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and not being able to come near to him because of the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was, and, having broken <FI>it<Fi> up, they let down the couch on which the paralytic was lying,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was: and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and, not being able to get near to him on account of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where he was, and having dug [it] up they let down the couch on which the paralytic lay.

Context

This verse describes the solution to the problem presented by the impenetrable crowd in verse 2 and the arrival of the paralytic in verse 3. It showcases the incredible faith and determination of the men, which becomes a focal point for Jesus' response. This bold action directly precedes Jesus' powerful declaration in the next verse, making their effort critical to the unfolding miracle.

v.3And they come, bringing unto him a man sick of the palsy, borne of four.

v.4This passage

v.5And Jesus seeing their faith saith unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins are forgiven.

Cross references

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

  • Deuteronomy 22:8

    When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thy house, if any man fall from thence.

  • Luke 5:19

    And not finding by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

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