Luke 5:21

KJV

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the scribes {G1122} and {G2532} the Pharisees {G5330} began {G756} to reason {G1260}, saying {G3004}, Who {G5101} is {G2076} this {G3778} which {G3739} speaketh {G2980} blasphemies {G988}? Who {G5101} can {G1410} forgive {G863} sins {G266}, but {G1508} God {G2316} alone {G3441}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The Torah-teachers and the P'rushim began thinking, "Who is this fellow that speaks such blasphemies? Who can forgive sin except God?"

Berean Standard Bible

But the scribes and Pharisees began thinking to themselves, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

American Standard Version

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this that speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 5:21 records the indignant reaction of the scribes and Pharisees to Jesus' declaration of forgiveness for a paralyzed man. Their internal reasoning and subsequent question expose the core theological conflict: they correctly assert that only God possesses the authority to forgive sins, thereby implicitly accusing Jesus of blasphemy for claiming a divine prerogative. This pivotal moment underscores the growing tension between Jesus' messianic claims and the rigid understanding of the religious establishment, setting the stage for deeper theological confrontations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is immediately preceded by Jesus' encounter with a paralyzed man, whose friends demonstrate extraordinary faith by lowering him through a roof to reach Jesus ([Luke 5:18-19](/luke/5-18-19 "Luke 5:18-19 - The Paralytic Lowered Through the Roof")). Rather than immediately healing his physical ailment, Jesus' first words to the man are, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee" ([Luke 5:20](/luke/5-20 "Luke 5:20 - Jesus Forgives the Paralytic's Sins")). This unexpected declaration directly challenges the expectations of the crowd and, more critically, the religious leaders present. Luke explicitly states that "the power of the Lord was present to heal them" ([Luke 5:17](/luke/5-17 "Luke 5:17 - The Power of the Lord Present to Heal")), setting up the expectation of physical healing, yet Jesus prioritizes spiritual healing, provoking the scribes and Pharisees' theological objection. The subsequent healing of the man ([Luke 5:24-25](/luke/5-24-25 "Luke 5:24-25 - Jesus Heals the Paralytic")) serves as empirical proof of Jesus' authority to forgive sins, directly addressing their challenge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "scribes" (γραμματεῖς, _grammateús_) were highly educated Jewish scholars, experts in the Mosaic Law, responsible for copying, interpreting, and teaching it. The "Pharisees" (Φαρισαῖοι, _Pharisaîos_) were a prominent Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Law, both written and oral traditions, and their emphasis on ritual purity. Both groups held significant religious and social authority among the people. In Jewish theology, derived from the Old Testament, the forgiveness of sins was an exclusive prerogative of God (e.g., [Psalm 103:3](/psalms/103-3 "Psalm 103:3 - God Forgives All Your Sins")). To claim the ability to forgive sins was, from their perspective, to usurp divine authority, an act considered blasphemous and punishable by death under Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - Penalty for Blasphemy")). Their reaction in Luke 5:21 is thus rooted in their deeply held monotheistic convictions and their understanding of God's unique sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 5:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Divine Authority and Identity**. By claiming the power to forgive sins, Jesus implicitly, yet unequivocally, asserts a divine prerogative, directly challenging the religious leaders' understanding of who He is. This is a profound claim to deity, setting Him apart from mere prophets or teachers. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Nature of Sin and Forgiveness**. It reveals that sin is fundamentally an offense against God, requiring divine intervention for its remission, a truth the scribes and Pharisees correctly understood. Jesus' act demonstrates that He possesses the necessary authority to deal with humanity's deepest spiritual need. Thirdly, it marks an escalation in the **Conflict with Religious Authority**. This incident is one of the earliest and clearest instances of direct opposition from the Jewish religious establishment, who perceive Jesus' actions as a threat to their theological framework and authority. This conflict will intensify throughout Jesus' ministry, culminating in His crucifixion. Finally, the charge of **Blasphemy** introduced here becomes a recurring accusation against Jesus, particularly at His trial ([Matthew 26:65](/matthew/26-65 "Matthew 26:65 - Jesus Accused of Blasphemy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **reason (Greek, _dialogízomai'_):** This verb (G1260) means "to reckon thoroughly," implying a process of deliberation, discussion, or inward reflection. It suggests that the scribes and Pharisees were not merely surprised, but were actively processing and judging Jesus' statement according to their theological framework. Their "reasoning" was a calculated assessment leading to a definitive conclusion about Jesus' actions.
* **blasphemies (Greek, _blasphēmía'_):** This noun (G988) refers to "vilification," especially against God. In this context, it signifies impious or irreverent speech that claims attributes or powers belonging exclusively to God. The scribes and Pharisees understood Jesus' claim to forgive sins as a direct affront to God's unique sovereignty, thus constituting blasphemy, a capital offense under Jewish law.
* **forgive (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb (G863) means "to send forth," "to let go," or "to remit." In the context of sins, it means to pardon, to release from guilt, or to remit a debt. It highlights the divine action of removing the burden and penalty of sin. The religious leaders correctly identified this as an action only God could perform, making Jesus' act a direct challenge to their understanding of divine authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason":** This clause identifies the key antagonists and their immediate reaction. The "scribes" and "Pharisees" represent the religious establishment, guardians of the Law. Their "reasoning" was not an open inquiry but an internal, critical deliberation, a judgment based on their theological presuppositions. They were not seeking understanding but evaluating Jesus' words against their rigid framework.
* **"saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies?":** This rhetorical question expresses their indignant accusation. They perceive Jesus' claim to forgive sins as an audacious and impious utterance, a direct assault on God's honor and unique prerogative. The question "Who is this?" conveys contempt and disbelief, implying that Jesus, a mere man, has no right to make such a profound divine claim.
* **"Who can forgive sins, but God alone?":** This is the theological premise upon which their charge of blasphemy rests. It is a statement of absolute truth, deeply rooted in Old Testament theology: only the sovereign God has the authority and power to remit sins. Their error was not in this theological axiom itself, but in their failure to recognize that the one standing before them, Jesus, was indeed God incarnate, uniquely possessing this divine power.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **Literary Devices** in this verse to heighten the drama and theological significance. The use of a **Rhetorical Question** ("Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?") is prominent. These are not genuine inquiries seeking information, but rather emphatic statements designed to assert the scribes' and Pharisees' theological position and condemn Jesus. Furthermore, the passage is rich in **Dramatic Irony**. The religious leaders correctly state a profound theological truth—that only God can forgive sins—yet they are tragically blind to the fact that the very God they speak of is standing before them in human form, exercising that divine prerogative. Their accurate theological premise leads them to a fundamentally flawed conclusion about Jesus' identity. This creates a powerful sense of irony for the reader who understands Jesus' true nature. The verse also exemplifies **Conflict/Antagonism**, establishing a clear opposition between Jesus and the religious authorities, a theme that will dominate much of Luke's narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 5:21 serves as a foundational text for understanding Jesus' divine identity and the nature of salvation. The scribes and Pharisees' question, "Who can forgive sins, but God alone?" is theologically sound, reflecting a core truth of Old Testament monotheism. Their error was not in their understanding of God's exclusive prerogative, but in their inability to recognize that Jesus, standing before them, was God incarnate, uniquely qualified to exercise this divine authority. Jesus' claim to forgive sins is thus a direct assertion of His deity, a claim that He substantiates by subsequently performing a miracle that only God could enable. This incident highlights that sin is not merely a moral failing but a transgression against God, requiring a divine act of remission, which Jesus, as God, is uniquely able to provide.

* [Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "Isaiah 43:25 - God Blots Out Transgressions")
* [Mark 2:7](/mark/2-7 "Mark 2:7 - Scribes Accuse Jesus of Blasphemy")
* [John 10:33](/john/10-33 "John 10:33 - Jews Accuse Jesus of Blasphemy for Claiming to be God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 5:21 compels us to confront the same question the scribes and Pharisees posed: "Who is this?" Our answer to this question profoundly shapes our understanding of salvation, authority, and the very nature of God. If Jesus is merely a good teacher or prophet, His claim to forgive sins is indeed blasphemous. But if He is, as the New Testament proclaims, God incarnate, then His authority to forgive is not only legitimate but essential for our redemption. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial assessments of Jesus and to grapple with the radical implications of His divine claims. It reminds us that our deepest need is not merely physical healing, but spiritual forgiveness, a divine act that only Jesus can accomplish. It calls us to examine our own hearts: do we, like the scribes and Pharisees, allow our preconceived notions or traditions to blind us to the full truth of who Jesus is and what He offers?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Jesus' prioritization of forgiving sins over physical healing reveal about His understanding of humanity's greatest need?**
* **How does the scribes' and Pharisees' accurate theological premise ("only God can forgive sins") lead them to a flawed conclusion about Jesus? What lessons can we learn from their error?**
* **In what ways might we, like the religious leaders, allow our own assumptions or traditions to prevent us from fully embracing who Jesus is and the radical nature of His claims?**
* **If only God can forgive sins, and Jesus forgave sins, what does this imply about Jesus' identity, and how does this truth impact your personal faith?**

### FAQ

**Why was forgiving sins considered blasphemy by the scribes and Pharisees?**

Answer: In Jewish theology, derived from the Old Testament, the forgiveness of sins was understood to be an exclusive prerogative of God. Sin was seen as an offense against God's holiness and law, and therefore, only God had the authority to remit that offense. For a human being to claim the power to forgive sins was considered a usurpation of divine authority, an act of speaking impiously or irreverently against God, which is the definition of blasphemy. Such an act was punishable by death under Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - The Law on Blasphemy")). The scribes and Pharisees, with their deep reverence for God's sovereignty, saw Jesus' declaration in [Luke 5:20](/luke/5-20 "Luke 5:20 - Jesus Forgives the Paralytic's Sins") as a direct challenge to this fundamental theological truth.

**Did the scribes and Pharisees truly understand Jesus' identity?**

Answer: No, they did not. While they correctly understood the theological principle that only God can forgive sins, they failed to recognize that Jesus was indeed God incarnate. Their understanding of the Messiah did not include a figure who would claim divine prerogatives in such a direct manner. They saw Jesus as a man from Nazareth, and therefore, His claims to forgive sins were, to them, utterly audacious and sacrilegious. Their spiritual blindness prevented them from seeing the divine power at work in Jesus, even when He subsequently performed a physical miracle as proof of His authority to forgive ([Luke 5:24-25](/luke/5-24-25 "Luke 5:24-25 - Jesus Heals the Paralytic")).

**What is the significance of Jesus forgiving sins *before* healing the paralyzed man?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to forgive the man's sins before healing his physical paralysis ([Luke 5:20](/luke/5-20 "Luke 5:20 - Jesus Forgives the Paralytic's Sins")) is highly significant. Firstly, it reveals Jesus' priorities: He addresses the man's deepest spiritual need (forgiveness of sin) before his physical ailment. This highlights that sin is the root problem of humanity, leading to spiritual death, and that physical suffering can sometimes be a consequence of sin ([John 9:2-3](/john/9-2-3 "John 9:2-3 - Link Between Sin and Suffering")). Secondly, it serves as a direct challenge to the religious leaders, forcing them to confront His divine authority. Physical healing, while miraculous, could be attributed to a prophet. But forgiving sins was an act only God could perform. By making this claim, Jesus deliberately provoked their theological objection, setting the stage to prove His divine authority by then performing the visible, undeniable miracle of physical healing ([Luke 5:24-25](/luke/5-24-25 "Luke 5:24-25 - Jesus Heals the Paralytic")). He demonstrated that He had the authority to do the "unseen" (forgive sins) by doing the "seen" (physical healing).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 5:21 is a profound Christ-centered moment, revealing Jesus' identity as the Lord of Glory, who alone possesses the ultimate authority over sin. The scribes and Pharisees correctly declared that "Who can forgive sins, but God alone?" Their statement, though intended as an accusation, inadvertently becomes a theological truth that points directly to Christ's divine nature. Jesus' willingness and ability to forgive the paralytic's sins is a pre-crucifixion demonstration of His deity, foreshadowing the ultimate act of atonement on the cross. It is through His sacrificial death and resurrection that Jesus fully exercises this divine prerogative, offering complete forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe. He is the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The New Testament consistently affirms that "in him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins" ([Colossians 1:14](/colossians/1-14 "Colossians 1:14 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, Luke 5:21 is not merely a historical account of a conflict, but a powerful testament to Jesus' unique status as the only one who can truly forgive sins because He is God, who bore the penalty for those sins, making Him the sole source of eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")).

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

Isaiah 43:25

I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Luke 7:49

And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

John 10:33

The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

Mark 2:6

But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

Mark 2:7

Why doth this [man] thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

Acts 6:11

Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and [against] God.

Acts 6:13

And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: