King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
For whether is easier, to say, [Thy] sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
Complete Jewish Bible:
Tell me, which is easier to say -- `Your sins are forgiven' or `Get up and walk'?
Berean Standard Bible:
Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’
American Standard Version:
For which is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and walk?
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
For{G1063} whether{G5101} is{G2076} easier{G2123}, to say{G2036}, Thy sins{G266} be forgiven{G863} thee{G4671}; or{G2228} to say{G2036}, Arise{G1453}, and{G2532} walk{G4043}?
Cross-References (KJV):
John 5:8
- Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
John 5:14
- Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
Mark 2:9
- Whether 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?
Mark 2:12
- And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
Acts 3:16
- And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Luke 5:23
- Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?
Luke 5:25
- And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Matthew 9:5
Matthew 9:5 is a verse that captures a moment in the ministry of Jesus Christ, highlighting His authority and the interconnectedness of physical healing and spiritual forgiveness. The historical context places this event in the early part of Jesus' public life, as He moves throughout Galilee teaching, preaching, and healing. In this particular instance, Jesus is addressing a paralytic man, and before healing his physical ailment, He pronounces forgiveness for the man's sins.
The themes present in this verse include the power of Jesus to forgive sins, which was traditionally understood to be an authority reserved for God alone. By asking, "For whether is easier, to say, [Thy] sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?" Jesus challenges the scribes' silent accusations of blasphemy, demonstrating that His authority extends beyond the physical realm into the spiritual. The question posed by Jesus implies that both acts—forgiving sins and healing the body—require divine power, and by performing the latter (healing the paralytic), He confirms His ability to do the former (forgive sins).
This verse underscores the holistic approach of Jesus' mission: He came not only to heal bodies but also to restore souls. It reflects the intrinsic link between spiritual well-being and physical health in Jesus' ministry, emphasizing that true healing is both internal and external. The verse also serves as a testament to the faith required by those who seek healing and forgiveness, as Jesus' response is prompted by the faith of those who brought the paralytic to Him.
In summary, Matthew 9:5 showcases Jesus' divine authority to forgive sins and heal the body, challenging the religious norms of the time. It illustrates the unity of spiritual and physical restoration in His ministry and the importance of faith in accessing the transformative power of Christ.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: G1063
There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: γάρ
Transliteration: gár
Pronunciation: gar
Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet. - Strong's Number: G5101
There are 483 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: τίς
Transliteration: tís
Pronunciation: tis
Description: probably emphatic of τὶς; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions):--every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why. - Strong's Number: G2076
There are 812 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐστί
Transliteration: estí
Pronunciation: es-tee'
Description: third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle. - Strong's Number: G2123
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εὐκοπώτερος
Transliteration: eukopṓteros
Pronunciation: yoo-kop-o'-ter-os
Description: comparative of a compound of εὖ and κόπος; better for toil, i.e. more facile:--easier. - Strong's Number: G2036
There are 901 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἔπω
Transliteration: épō
Pronunciation: ep'-o
Description: a primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from ἐρέω, ῥέω, and φημί); to speak or say (by word or writing):--answer, bid, bring word, call, command, grant, say (on), speak, tell. Compare λέγω. - Strong's Number: G266
There are 190 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἁμαρτία
Transliteration: hamartía
Pronunciation: ham-ar-tee'-ah
Description: from ἁμαρτάνω; a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful). - Strong's Number: G863
There are 133 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀφίημι
Transliteration: aphíēmi
Pronunciation: af-ee'-ay-mee
Description: from ἀπό and (to send; an intensive form of , to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow):--cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up. - Strong's Number: G4671
There are 204 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: σοί
Transliteration: soí
Pronunciation: soy
Description: dative case of σύ; to thee:--thee, thine own, thou, thy. - Strong's Number: G2228
There are 283 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἤ
Transliteration: ḗ
Pronunciation: ay
Description: a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than:--and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea. Often used in connection with other particles. Compare especially ἤδη, ἤπερ, ἤτοι. - Strong's Number: G1453
There are 135 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐγείρω
Transliteration: egeírō
Pronunciation: eg-i'-ro
Description: probably akin to the base of ἀγορά (through the idea of collecting one's faculties); to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence):--awake, lift (up), raise (again, up), rear up, (a-)rise (again, up), stand, take up. - Strong's Number: G2532
There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καί
Transliteration: kaí
Pronunciation: kahee
Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet. - Strong's Number: G4043
There are 90 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: περιπατέω
Transliteration: peripatéō
Pronunciation: per-ee-pat-eh'-o
Description: from περί and πατέω; to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary):--go, be occupied with, walk (about).