Mark 2:7
What does Mark 2:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 2:7 means
The scribes silently questioned Jesus' statement, perceiving it as blasphemy because, in their understanding, only God possesses the authority to forgive sins. This reflection reveals their strict adherence to Mosaic Law and their accurate theological principle that sin against God can only be absolved by God Himself. However, their failure lay in not recognizing the divine authority of Jesus, leading them to misinterpret His claim as an affront to God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Why doth this man thus speak? he blasphemeth: who can forgive sins but one, even God?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Why doth this man thus speak? he blasphemeth: who can forgive sins but one, even God?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Why does this man say such things? he has no respect for God: from whom does forgiveness come but from God only?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Why doth this one thus speak evil words? who is able to forgive sins except one--God?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Why doth this man speak thus? He blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins, but God only?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Why does this [man] thus speak? he blasphemes. Who is able to forgive sins exceptGod alone?
Context
This verse articulates the unspoken thoughts of the scribes introduced in verse 6, clarifying the nature of their objection to Jesus' claim of forgiving sins. It reveals their understanding of God's unique prerogative in forgiveness. This critical internal debate directly prompts Jesus to supernaturally perceive their thoughts and respond, setting up His defense of His divine authority in the subsequent verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness; for we have rebelled against him;
- Luke 7:49
And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that even forgiveth sins?
- John 20:20
And when he had said this, he showed unto them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord.
- Job 14:4
Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.
- John 10:36
say ye of him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
- Luke 5:21
And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this that speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?
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