Luke 5:20

KJV

And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he saw {G1492} their {G846} faith {G4102}, he said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Man {G444}, thy {G4675} sins {G266} are forgiven {G863} thee {G4671}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yeshua saw their trust, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you."

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus saw their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

American Standard Version

And seeing their faith, he said, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 5:20 records a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry where, upon witnessing the extraordinary faith of a paralytic man and his four friends, Jesus declares the man's sins forgiven. This profound statement immediately highlights Jesus' divine authority, as only God could forgive sins, and underscores His primary concern for spiritual healing over physical ailments, setting the stage for a deeper revelation of His identity and mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This passage is nestled within a series of miraculous healings and authoritative teachings that characterize Jesus' early Galilean ministry in the Gospel of Luke. Immediately preceding [Luke 5:20](/luke/5-20 "Luke 5:20 - Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralytic"), Jesus has healed a leper ([Luke 5:12-16](/luke/5-12-16 "Luke 5:12-16 - Jesus Heals a Leper")) and taught large crowds. The narrative of the paralytic man begins in [Luke 5:17](/luke/5-17 "Luke 5:17 - The Power of the Lord was Present"), emphasizing that "the power of the Lord was present to heal them." The dramatic actions of the friends—their inability to enter through the door due to the crowd, their ascent to the roof, and their innovative method of lowering the man directly before Jesus ([Luke 5:18-19](/luke/5-18-19 "Luke 5:18-19 - The Paralytic Lowered Through the Roof"))—build intense anticipation for Jesus' response. Verse 20 is the climax of this initial interaction, leading directly into the scribes' and Pharisees' indignant questioning of Jesus' authority in [Luke 5:21](/luke/5-21 "Luke 5:21 - The Scribes and Pharisees Question Jesus' Authority"), which Jesus then addresses by demonstrating His power to heal physically as proof of His power to forgive spiritually.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place in Capernaum, a significant center for Jesus' ministry on the Sea of Galilee, bustling with activity and drawing large crowds. The presence of Pharisees and "doctors of the law" from "every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem" ([Luke 5:17](/luke/5-17 "Luke 5:17 - The Power of the Lord was Present")) indicates that Jesus' reputation had spread widely, and religious authorities were already observing Him closely. In Jewish thought of the time, sickness was often associated with sin (though not always a direct cause-and-effect, as seen in [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1-3 "John 9:1-3 - Healing of the Man Born Blind")), and only God could truly forgive sins. Therefore, Jesus' declaration of forgiveness was not merely a pastoral comfort but a direct claim to divine prerogative, a claim that would be perceived as blasphemous by the religious leaders if He were not God. The architectural detail of lowering the man through the roof is plausible for houses of that era, which often had flat roofs accessible by an external staircase, constructed with beams and packed earth that could be dug through.
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty and Authority of Jesus**, particularly His unique power to forgive sins, a divine attribute that challenges the established religious order and points to His true identity. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Centrality of Faith**, demonstrating that genuine, active faith—not just intellectual assent—is what moves Jesus to act, even when it involves overcoming significant obstacles. The collective faith of the friends and the paralytic himself is explicitly noted by Jesus. Thirdly, the narrative underscores the **Priority of Spiritual Healing over Physical Healing**. While the physical ailment is evident and pressing, Jesus addresses the man's spiritual condition first, revealing that the greatest human need is reconciliation with God and the forgiveness of sin, a theme echoed in [Mark 8:36](/mark/8-36 "Mark 8:36 - What Does It Profit a Man?"). Finally, it foreshadows the **Opposition to Jesus' Ministry** from religious authorities, who immediately perceive His claim to forgive sins as blasphemy, setting the stage for future conflicts that permeate the Gospels.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** Jesus' observation of "their faith" (G1492) signifies more than a mere glance; it implies a deep perception or understanding. This verb, often used in the perfect tense to mean "to know," suggests that Jesus not only visually registered their actions but fully comprehended the depth and quality of their conviction and reliance on Him. It was this profound insight into their hearts that prompted His response.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** The term "faith" (G4102) here denotes a profound moral conviction and trust, particularly reliance upon Christ for salvation. It encompasses both the belief in Jesus' ability to heal and, more importantly, a foundational trust in His divine authority. This "faith" was active, demonstrated by the friends' persistent and unconventional efforts to bring the paralytic to Jesus, overcoming physical and social barriers.
* **sins (Greek, _hamartía'_):** The word "sins" (G266) refers to acts that miss the mark of God's perfect standard, denoting moral failures and offenses against God. By addressing the man's sins first, Jesus indicates that the spiritual ailment is more critical than the physical one, and that true healing begins with reconciliation with God.
* **forgiven (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** The verb "forgiven" (G863) carries the strong sense of "sending away," "dismissing," or "releasing." This is not a mere overlooking of sin but a complete and definitive removal, a total release from the guilt and penalty of sin. It signifies a profound act of divine grace that completely separates the individual from their past transgressions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he saw their faith,"**: This opening clause establishes the catalyst for Jesus' radical declaration. The "he" refers to Jesus, and "their faith" encompasses not only the paralytic man's personal belief but also the extraordinary, persistent faith of his four friends who went to such lengths to bring him before Jesus. Jesus' perception of this faith is key; it is not a casual observation but a divine recognition of a deep, active trust.
* **"he said unto him,"**: This short phrase transitions from Jesus' observation to His authoritative pronouncement. The direct address to the paralytic man emphasizes the personal nature of the impending declaration, highlighting Jesus' direct engagement with the individual's greatest need.
* **"Man, thy sins are forgiven thee."**: This is the profound and controversial core of the verse. Jesus addresses the man as "Man" (ánthrōpos), a common and direct form of address. Crucially, He does not immediately command physical healing, which was the apparent purpose of the men's efforts. Instead, He pronounces spiritual healing: "thy sins are forgiven thee." This statement is a direct claim to divine authority, as only God has the power to forgive sins. It reveals Jesus' understanding of the man's deeper spiritual need and His own unique prerogative as the Son of God.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 5:20 employs several powerful literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is evident as the immediate expectation of the crowd and the paralytic's friends is a physical healing, yet Jesus offers spiritual forgiveness first. This unexpected action reveals a deeper truth about Jesus' mission and authority, which the religious leaders present fail to grasp, ironically highlighting their spiritual blindness. **Juxtaposition** is also prominent; the physical barrier of the crowd and the roof is dramatically contrasted with the spiritual breakthrough of sin's forgiveness. The man's physical paralysis is juxtaposed with the spiritual liberation Jesus offers. Furthermore, the scene is rich in **Symbolism**. The act of breaking through the roof to reach Jesus symbolizes the radical measures sometimes necessary to access God's grace and the breaking down of conventional barriers through faith. The forgiveness of sins itself symbolizes the ultimate healing and restoration that Jesus brings, addressing the root cause of human brokenness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 5:20 is a cornerstone passage for understanding Jesus' unique authority and the nature of salvation. By declaring the paralytic's sins forgiven, Jesus directly asserts a divine prerogative, challenging the prevailing theological understanding that only God could forgive sins. This act immediately elevates Jesus beyond a mere prophet or healer, positioning Him as God incarnate. His priority of spiritual healing over physical healing underscores the biblical truth that humanity's deepest need is reconciliation with a holy God, and that physical suffering, while real, is secondary to the eternal implications of sin. This moment also powerfully illustrates the efficacy of intercessory faith, demonstrating how the faith of others can open the door for God's grace to transform a life.

* [Mark 2:5](/mark/2-5 "Mark 2:5 - Parallel Account of Healing the Paralytic")
* [Matthew 9:2](/matthew/9-2 "Matthew 9:2 - Parallel Account of Healing the Paralytic")
* [Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "Isaiah 43:25 - God Forgives Sins")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 5:20 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, inviting us to consider the depth of Jesus' compassion and the breadth of His authority. The unwavering faith of the paralytic's friends serves as a powerful call to intercession, reminding us of our privilege and responsibility to bring others, both physically and spiritually, before Jesus. Their persistence, even to the point of unconventional and disruptive actions, illustrates that genuine love and faith will overcome obstacles to connect those in need with the Healer. Furthermore, Jesus' immediate focus on forgiving sins before healing the body challenges our own priorities. It compels us to recognize that while physical well-being is important, the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God are paramount for true flourishing and eternal life. This passage assures us that Jesus still possesses the authority to address our deepest spiritual brokenness, offering complete and liberating forgiveness to all who come to Him in faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What obstacles, physical or spiritual, might we need to "break through" today to bring ourselves or others to Jesus for healing and forgiveness?**
* **How does Jesus' prioritization of spiritual healing over physical healing challenge our own understanding of what truly matters in life?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate and demonstrate the kind of persistent, active faith seen in the friends of the paralytic?**
* **What does it mean for us personally to know that Jesus has the authority to forgive our sins completely?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus forgive the man's sins instead of immediately healing his paralysis?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to forgive the man's sins first, rather than immediately healing his physical paralysis, was a deliberate and profoundly significant act. It served several crucial purposes. Firstly, it demonstrated His divine authority. In Jewish theology, only God could forgive sins ([Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "Isaiah 43:25 - God Alone Forgives Sins")). By claiming this power, Jesus implicitly declared His deity, a claim that immediately provoked the religious leaders present ([Luke 5:21](/luke/5-21 "Luke 5:21 - The Scribes and Pharisees Question Jesus' Authority")). Secondly, it highlighted the priority of spiritual healing. While physical suffering is evident, Jesus understood that humanity's greatest need is reconciliation with God and freedom from the burden of sin. He was addressing the man's ultimate, eternal condition before his temporal one, emphasizing that the soul's health is paramount ([Mark 8:36](/mark/8-36 "Mark 8:36 - What Does It Profit a Man?")). Finally, it set the stage for a powerful demonstration: by then healing the man physically, Jesus provided tangible proof that He indeed possessed the authority to forgive sins, linking the visible miracle to the invisible spiritual reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 5:20 stands as a powerful testament to the Christ-centered nature of salvation, revealing Jesus as the ultimate source of forgiveness and spiritual restoration. In this moment, Jesus does not merely act as a compassionate healer but as God incarnate, exercising an authority that belongs to God alone. His declaration, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee," is a direct fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies that speak of God as the one who blots out transgressions ([Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "Isaiah 43:25 - God Forgives Sins")). This scene foreshadows the very purpose of His coming: to seek and to save that which was lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). The forgiveness Jesus offers here is not a temporary reprieve but a complete and utter removal of sin, made possible through His impending sacrificial death on the cross, where He would become the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This act of forgiveness in Capernaum is a preview of the new covenant, established in His blood, through which all who believe in Him receive the [forgiveness of sins](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood, the Forgiveness of Sins") and [reconciliation with God](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ"). Thus, Luke 5:20 is not just a story of a paralytic healed, but a profound revelation of Jesus as the divine Son, uniquely empowered to address humanity's deepest spiritual malady and offer eternal life.

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

Acts 14:9

The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

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.

Luke 7:48

And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

Colossians 3:13

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.

John 2:25

And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

Mark 2:5

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

2 Corinthians 2:10

To whom ye forgive any thing, I [forgive] also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave [it], for your sakes [forgave I it] in the person of Christ;