Mark 2:9
What does Mark 2:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 2:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 2:9 means
Jesus posed a rhetorical question to the scribes, asking whether it was easier to declare a man's sins forgiven or to command him to rise and walk. This question highlights that both acts require divine power, with the physical healing serving as a visible, verifiable proof of the invisible, spiritual authority to forgive sins. It challenges them to consider the tangible evidence of His power.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Which 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?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Which 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?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Which is the simpler, to say to a man who is ill, You have forgiveness for your sins, or, Get up, take up your bed, and go?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862which is easier, to say to the paralytic, The sins have been forgiven to thee? or to say, Rise, and take up thy couch, and walk?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy: Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say: Arise, take up thy bed and walk?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, [Thy] sins are forgiven [thee]; or to say, Arise, and take up thy couch and walk?
Context
Building on Jesus' perception of the scribes' thoughts in verse 8, this verse presents His direct argumentative question. It challenges their assumptions by juxtaposing a visible act (healing) with an invisible one (forgiveness), preparing the way for Jesus to demonstrate His authority to perform both. This question sets the stage for the public display of power that will confirm His earlier spiritual claim.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 9:5
For which is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and walk?
- Luke 5:22
But Jesus perceiving their reasonings, answered and said unto them, Why reason ye in your hearts?
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