Luke 5:18

KJV

And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought [means] to bring him in, and to lay [him] before him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, men {G435} brought {G5342} in {G1909} a bed {G2825} a man {G444} which {G3739} was {G2258} taken with a palsy {G3886}: and {G2532} they sought {G2212} means to bring {G1533} him {G846} in {G1533}, and {G2532} to lay {G5087} him before {G1799} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some men came carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. They wanted to bring him inside and lay him in front of Yeshua,

Berean Standard Bible

Just then some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They tried to bring him inside to set him before Jesus,

American Standard Version

And behold, men bring on a bed a man that was palsied: and they sought to bring him in, and to lay him before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 5:18 vividly portrays the determined efforts of a group of men who, facing an impassable crowd, brought their paralyzed friend on a bed to Jesus. This verse sets the stage for a profound encounter that highlights not only the desperate need for healing but also the extraordinary faith and perseverance of those who sought to lay their friend before Christ, anticipating His miraculous power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This dramatic scene immediately follows Jesus' call of Levi (Luke 5:27-32) and a discussion about fasting (Luke 5:33-39), demonstrating His authority over both spiritual and physical realms. The preceding verses (Luke 5:17) establish the setting: Jesus is teaching in a house, surrounded by a massive crowd, including Pharisees and teachers of the law from all over Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. The presence of these religious leaders underscores the growing scrutiny Jesus faced, setting the stage for the controversy that will erupt when Jesus claims the authority to forgive sins. This narrative is a pivotal moment, showcasing Jesus' divine power and His revolutionary approach to healing and sin, a story also powerfully recounted in the synoptic parallels of [Mark 2:3-4](/mark/2-3-4 "Mark 2:3-4 - The Paralytic Lowered Through the Roof") and [Matthew 9:2](/matthew/9-2 "Matthew 9:2 - Jesus Forgives and Heals").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Capernaum, a bustling fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, served as Jesus' primary base of operations during His Galilean ministry, making it a natural hub for such large gatherings. Houses in this period, particularly those of common people, often had flat roofs accessible by external stairs, constructed of beams, branches, and packed earth. This structural detail is crucial for understanding the men's ingenious method of access. Paralysis was a devastating condition in ancient society, rendering individuals utterly dependent on others and often leading to social isolation and poverty, as there were no effective medical treatments. The presence of Pharisees and teachers of the law indicates their growing interest in Jesus, moving from mere curiosity to active observation and, increasingly, opposition, reflecting the religious establishment's concern over His teachings and claims.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 5:18 introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the Gospel. The **unwavering faith** of the men is paramount; their determination to overcome physical barriers speaks volumes about their conviction in Jesus' power, a faith that Jesus Himself acknowledges in [Luke 5:20](/luke/5-20 "Luke 5:20 - Jesus Sees Their Faith"). This passage also powerfully illustrates **perseverance and resourcefulness**, as the men "sought means to bring him in," refusing to be deterred by the overwhelming crowd. Furthermore, the narrative highlights the vital theme of **community and compassion**, showcasing how supportive friendship can literally carry one's burdens and bring them into the presence of Christ. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His **divine authority**, not merely over physical ailments, but, more significantly, over sin, as seen in the subsequent verses of [Luke 5:21-26](/luke/5-21-26 "Luke 5:21-26 - Jesus Forgives and Heals the Paralytic"), which challenges the religious leaders' understanding of God's power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **paralysed (Greek, _paralýō'_):** From παρά and λύω, meaning "to loosen beside," or "relax." In its perfect passive participle form, it describes someone who is "paralyzed" or "enfeebled." This word precisely defines the man's physical state: he was utterly incapacitated, unable to move or help himself, signifying a complete loss of motor function and highlighting his total dependence on others for his very movement and access to healing.
* **sought (Greek, _zētéō'_):** Of uncertain affinity, this verb means "to seek," either literally or figuratively. In this context, it conveys an active, intentional, and persistent search for a way to achieve their goal. It emphasizes the men's resolute determination and ingenuity in the face of significant obstacles, indicating that they did not merely wish for a way, but actively pursued and found a solution.
* **to bring in (Greek, _eisphérō'_):** From εἰς (into) and φέρω (to carry), meaning "to carry inward" or "to lead into." This compound verb perfectly describes the action of the men, not just bringing the paralytic *to* the house, but specifically *into* the presence of Jesus within the crowded dwelling. It highlights the directness and purpose of their action: their aim was to get the man directly before Jesus, no matter the difficulty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy":** This opening clause immediately introduces the central figures and the dire situation. The "behold" (ἰδού, _idoú_) serves as an attention-grabber, inviting the reader to witness the unfolding drama. "Men" (ἀνήρ, _anḗr_, referring to individual males) emphasizes the collective effort of these dedicated friends. The "bed" (κλίνη, _klínē_), likely a simple mat or stretcher, underscores the man's complete immobility, as he could not even walk to Jesus. His condition, "taken with a palsy" (paralysis), signifies a profound physical brokenness, making him utterly dependent and helpless.
* **"and they sought [means] to bring him in":** This phrase highlights the crucial element of perseverance. Faced with the impenetrable crowd, the men did not give up. The verb "sought" (ἐζήτουν, _ezḗtoun_) indicates a continuous, active search for a solution, demonstrating their unwavering commitment. This was not a passive desire but an active pursuit of a way to overcome the physical barrier, revealing their resourcefulness and determination.
* **"and to lay [him] before him":** This final clause clarifies the ultimate objective of the men's persistent efforts: to present the paralyzed man directly "before" (ἐνώπιον, _enṓpion_, in the face of, in the presence of) Jesus. Their goal was not just to get him into the house, but specifically into Jesus' immediate sight and presence, believing that proximity to the Lord was essential for the desired healing. This act underscores their faith in Jesus' unique power and authority.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 5:18 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The opening word, **"Behold" (ἰδού)**, acts as an immediate attention-grabber, creating a sense of urgency and inviting the reader to witness a remarkable event. This interjection functions as a spotlight, drawing focus to the extraordinary scene about to unfold. The narrative also uses **Vivid Imagery**, painting a clear picture of the "men" carrying a "bed" with a "man which was taken with a palsy," immediately establishing the pathos and the physical challenge. Furthermore, the phrase "they sought means to bring him in" subtly employs **Implied Hyperbole** regarding the crowd's density, suggesting an almost insurmountable obstacle, thereby magnifying the men's subsequent extraordinary actions. Finally, the entire verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Jesus' display of divine authority, not only in physical healing but, more profoundly, in the forgiveness of sins, which is the true climax of the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 5:18 is a powerful testament to the efficacy of intercessory faith and the compassionate nature of God. The men's relentless pursuit of Jesus on behalf of their paralyzed friend underscores the biblical principle that our persistent prayers and actions for others can open doors for divine intervention. Their faith, though not explicitly stated as belonging to the paralytic himself, is recognized by Jesus as a catalyst for healing, demonstrating that God often responds to the faith of a community or individuals acting on behalf of another. This narrative beautifully illustrates the power of communal support in bringing the broken and needy into the presence of the Great Physician, highlighting that true compassion moves beyond sympathy to active, determined effort. This passage foreshadows Jesus' authority over both physical ailments and, more significantly, the spiritual malady of sin, revealing Him as the ultimate source of holistic restoration.

* [Mark 2:5](/mark/2-5 "Mark 2:5 - Jesus Sees Their Faith")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Prayer of a Righteous Person")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 5:18 serves as a profound call to action for believers today, challenging us to embody the same tenacious faith and compassionate resolve demonstrated by the paralytic's friends. In a world fraught with physical, emotional, and spiritual brokenness, we are summoned to be agents of hope, actively seeking ways to bring those in need into the transformative presence of Jesus. This may involve persistent prayer, creative acts of service, or courageous evangelism, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The story reminds us that true love for our neighbor compels us to go beyond mere sympathy, inspiring us to dismantle barriers—whether they be social, physical, or spiritual—that prevent others from encountering the Lord. It encourages us to cultivate a community of faith where burdens are shared, and collective perseverance leads to miraculous breakthroughs, trusting that God honors such unwavering devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "beds" (burdens or needs) are people in my life carrying that I can help bring before Jesus?**
* **What obstacles (physical, social, or spiritual) might be preventing others from encountering Christ, and how can I, like the friends, creatively overcome them?**
* **How can I cultivate a more persistent and intercessory faith, not just for myself, but for the needs of my community and the world?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so difficult for the men to bring the paralytic to Jesus?**

Answer: The text indicates that Jesus was teaching in a house that was so packed with people that "there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door" ([Luke 5:19](/luke/5-19 "Luke 5:19 - No Room at the Door")). This immense crowd, drawn by Jesus' reputation and the "power of the Lord was present to heal" ([Luke 5:17](/luke/5-17 "Luke 5:17 - The Power of the Lord Was Present")), created an impenetrable barrier. The men's determination to bring their friend directly into Jesus' presence led them to seek an unconventional and highly resourceful solution: accessing the house through the roof.

**What does "taken with a palsy" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "taken with a palsy" refers to a condition of paralysis. In ancient times, this would have meant a severe neurological impairment resulting in the inability to move parts of the body, often rendering the person completely immobile and dependent on others. It was a debilitating and often lifelong condition for which there was no known cure, highlighting the profound nature of the healing Jesus was about to perform.

**What does this verse teach us about faith?**

Answer: Luke 5:18, in conjunction with the subsequent verses, powerfully illustrates active, persistent, and intercessory faith. It teaches that genuine faith is not passive but is characterized by determined action and a refusal to be deterred by obstacles. The men's faith was so evident in their resourceful efforts that Jesus saw "their faith" ([Luke 5:20](/luke/5-20 "Luke 5:20 - Jesus Sees Their Faith")) and responded to it, not just by healing the paralytic's body but by first addressing his spiritual need for forgiveness. This emphasizes that faith often involves taking bold, unconventional steps to bring oneself or others into the presence of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 5:18, while seemingly a simple narrative of physical healing, profoundly foreshadows the comprehensive redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The paralytic, utterly helpless and dependent, serves as a poignant symbol of humanity's spiritual condition apart from God—incapacitated by sin, unable to move towards righteousness on its own. The men's determined efforts to bring their friend to Jesus prefigure the intercessory work of the Holy Spirit and the Church, who continually draw lost and broken souls to the Savior. Jesus' subsequent act of forgiving the man's sins before healing his body (Luke 5:20-25) reveals His ultimate authority as the Son of Man, who has power on earth to forgive sins, a power that even the religious leaders recognized as belonging to God alone. This miracle is not merely about restoring physical mobility but about Jesus' mission to address the root cause of human suffering: sin. He is the Great Physician, not only mending broken bodies but, more importantly, offering spiritual healing and new life, fulfilling the prophetic hope of a Messiah who would bear our infirmities and carry our sorrows, ultimately culminating in His atoning sacrifice on the cross, which makes true spiritual healing and reconciliation with God possible for all who believe, as declared in [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - He Bore Our Griefs and Sorrows") and powerfully confirmed in [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Have Been Healed").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:2

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Matthew 9:8

But when the multitudes saw [it], they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Mark 2:3

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

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 9:33

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

John 5:5

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

John 5:6

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time [in that case], he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?