Luke 5:23

KJV

Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?

KJV (with Strong's)

Whether {G5101} is {G2076} easier {G2123}, to say {G2036}, Thy {G4675} sins {G266} be forgiven {G863} thee {G4671}; or {G2228} to say {G2036}, Rise up {G1453} and {G2532} walk {G4043}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Which is easier to say? `Your sins are forgiven you'? 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

Which is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say, Arise and walk?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 5:23 captures a pivotal rhetorical question posed by Jesus to the scribes and Pharisees, challenging their unspoken accusations of blasphemy. In this moment, Jesus juxtaposes the spiritual act of forgiving sins with the tangible miracle of physical healing, implicitly asserting His divine authority over both the unseen spiritual realm and the visible physical world. The question serves to expose the spiritual blindness of His critics and to set the stage for a powerful demonstration of His unique power as the Son of Man.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Jesus' healing of a paralytic man in Capernaum. The story begins with the extraordinary faith of the paralytic's friends, who, unable to get through the crowded door, lowered him through the roof to reach Jesus' presence. Upon seeing their faith, Jesus' initial declaration was not a command for physical healing, but the profound pronouncement: "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee" ([Luke 5:20](/luke/5-20 "Luke 5:20 - Jesus Forgives the Paralytic")). This immediately provoked an internal, yet audible, theological crisis among the scribes and Pharisees present, who reasoned within themselves, "Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?" ([Luke 5:21](/luke/5-21 "Luke 5:21 - Scribes Question Jesus' Authority")). Perceiving their thoughts, Jesus directly addresses their unspoken challenge with the rhetorical question of Luke 5:23, setting up the subsequent, undeniable physical healing that would serve as irrefutable proof of His authority to forgive sins ([Luke 5:24-25](/luke/5-24-25 "Luke 5:24-25 - Jesus Heals the Paralytic")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish thought, there was often a strong correlation between sin and suffering, including physical ailments. While not every illness was directly attributed to a specific sin, the general worldview held that sickness could be a consequence of sin or a sign of divine displeasure. Therefore, the ability to heal was often seen as a sign of divine favor or prophetic authority. More critically, the power to forgive sins was understood to be an exclusive prerogative of God alone. No human, not even a prophet or priest, could unilaterally declare sins forgiven in the way Jesus did. The scribes and Pharisees, as the theological guardians and interpreters of the Law, rightly understood this. Jesus' claim, therefore, was perceived as a direct usurpation of divine authority, which they considered blasphemy—a capital offense under Jewish law. This cultural and theological backdrop makes Jesus' question in Luke 5:23 not merely a rhetorical flourish but a direct challenge to the very core of their understanding of God's unique power.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 5:23 contributes significantly to several key themes in the Gospel of Luke and Jesus' ministry. Foremost is the **Divine Authority of Jesus**, demonstrating His power not only over physical ailments but, more profoundly, over sin itself. This asserts His unique identity as God incarnate, capable of performing acts reserved for the divine. The passage also highlights the theme of **Holistic Salvation and Healing**, as Jesus addresses both the spiritual root (sin) and the physical manifestation (paralysis) of human brokenness, showcasing His comprehensive redemptive power. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Proof by Demonstration**, where Jesus uses a visible, verifiable miracle (healing) to validate an invisible, spiritual claim (forgiveness), providing undeniable evidence of His authority. Finally, the immediate and internal opposition from the religious leaders points to the burgeoning theme of **Conflict and Rejection of Jesus** by those who should have recognized Him. This confrontation is a recurring motif throughout [Jesus' public ministry](/luke/4 "Luke 4 - Jesus' Public Ministry Begins").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **easier (Greek, _eukopṓteros'_):** This comparative adjective, derived from "good" (εὖ) and "toil" (κόπος), literally means "better for toil" or "more facile." Jesus' use of "easier" is laden with irony. From a human perspective, it is "easier" to *say* sins are forgiven because there is no immediate, visible proof required. However, to *actually* forgive sins requires divine power, making it infinitely harder than merely commanding a physical healing, which, while miraculous, is observable and verifiable. Jesus' question subtly highlights the greater, invisible power He possesses.
* **forgiven (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb means "to send forth," "to let go," "to remit," or "to suffer." In the context of sin, it signifies the act of releasing or dismissing the guilt and penalty of sin. It implies a complete cancellation or pardon. Jesus' declaration of forgiveness is not merely a statement of hope or a prayer, but an authoritative act of divine remission, directly challenging the scribes' understanding that only God could perform such an act.
* **Rise up (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb means "to waken," "to rouse," "to lift up," or "to raise." It is frequently used for physical rising from sleep, a bed, or even from death. In this context, it is a direct command to the paralytic to stand up from his mat. The physical action of rising is a clear, undeniable demonstration of restored physical ability, serving as the tangible proof of the spiritual authority Jesus claimed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whether is easier,"**: Jesus initiates a rhetorical question, inviting His listeners to consider two alternatives and implicitly challenging their unspoken judgment. The term "easier" is ironic, as the spiritual act of forgiving sins, while invisible, is a far greater display of divine authority than the visible act of physical healing.
* **"to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee;"**: This clause presents the first alternative, representing the spiritual claim. From a human perspective, merely *saying* this is "easier" because its validity cannot be immediately verified by observation. However, it is precisely this claim that the religious leaders found blasphemous, as only God could truly forgive sins.
* **"or to say, Rise up and walk?"**: This clause presents the second alternative, representing the physical command. This is the tangible, verifiable action. While a miraculous feat, its immediate, observable outcome makes it a powerful, undeniable demonstration of authority that would validate the prior, invisible claim of forgiveness. Jesus uses the visible miracle as proof of His power to accomplish the invisible, greater miracle.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Luke 5:23 is a **Rhetorical Question**. Jesus poses a question not to elicit information, but to make a point, to challenge His audience's assumptions, and to guide them to a specific conclusion. By asking "Which is easier?" Jesus forces the scribes and Pharisees to confront the logical implications of His actions. He also uses **Juxtaposition** and **Antithesis** by placing two seemingly disparate actions—forgiving sins and healing paralysis—side-by-side for comparison. This highlights the profound connection between spiritual and physical restoration in His ministry and underscores the depth of His authority. There is also an element of **Irony** in Jesus' question. The religious leaders are focused on the "easier" (from a human perspective) claim of forgiveness, which they deem blasphemous, while failing to grasp the divine power required for both claims, especially the truly "harder" spiritual act.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 5:23 stands as a profound theological statement on the person and work of Jesus Christ. It unequivocally asserts His divine authority, placing Him in a unique position as one who can exercise the exclusive prerogative of God: the forgiveness of sins. By linking this spiritual power to the visible power of healing, Jesus demonstrates that His authority is not merely theoretical but manifest in tangible ways, confirming His identity as the Son of Man who possesses divine power on earth. This passage reveals that Jesus' mission encompasses both spiritual and physical restoration, addressing humanity's deepest need for reconciliation with God and its immediate suffering. It challenges the limited understanding of the religious leaders, who could only conceive of God's power in rigid, traditional terms, failing to recognize its embodiment in the person of Jesus.

* [Mark 2:7](/mark/2-7 "Mark 2:7 - Who Can Forgive Sins But God Alone?")
* [Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Matthew 9:6 - The Son of Man Has Power to Forgive Sins")
* [John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus Declares Unity with the Father")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 5:23 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us of the comprehensive nature of Jesus' power and care. It assures us that Jesus is not merely a historical figure or a moral teacher, but the living God who possesses ultimate authority over every aspect of our lives—our spiritual brokenness, our physical ailments, and our deepest needs. This passage invites us to trust in His ability to forgive our sins completely, knowing that the same power that commanded a paralytic to rise and walk is at work in our spiritual cleansing. It challenges us to look beyond the visible and to recognize the profound, invisible work of grace and forgiveness that Christ offers. Furthermore, it encourages us to bring all our brokenness, spiritual and physical, to Him, confident in His holistic power to restore and redeem.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' question in Luke 5:23 challenge your understanding of His authority?**
* **In what ways do you tend to separate spiritual healing from physical healing in your own life or understanding?**
* **What does this passage teach you about the nature of true forgiveness and who has the power to grant it?**
* **How might recognizing Jesus' holistic authority impact your prayers and your approach to life's challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ask this question, knowing the answer?**

Answer: Jesus' question in [Luke 5:23](/luke/5-23 "Luke 5:23 - Jesus' Rhetorical Question to the Scribes") was a rhetorical one, not asked out of ignorance, but strategically. He asked it to expose the unspoken thoughts and spiritual blindness of the scribes and Pharisees who were accusing Him of blasphemy ([Luke 5:21](/luke/5-21 "Luke 5:21 - Scribes' Accusation of Blasphemy")). By juxtaposing the invisible act of forgiving sins with the visible act of physical healing, Jesus was forcing them to confront the logical conclusion: if He could perform the visible miracle (which He was about to do), then He certainly possessed the authority for the invisible, greater miracle of sin forgiveness. It was a pedagogical tool to demonstrate His divine authority and identity as the Son of Man, who indeed has "power on earth to forgive sins" ([Luke 5:24](/luke/5-24 "Luke 5:24 - Jesus' Authority to Forgive Sins")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 5:23, with its profound assertion of Jesus' authority to forgive sins and heal, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the redemptive work of the cross and resurrection. While Jesus' question in this verse highlights His divine power, it is through His sacrificial death that the forgiveness of sins is fully secured for humanity. The "easier" act of saying sins are forgiven is ultimately validated by the "harder" reality of Christ bearing the penalty for those sins on the cross, offering His own life as the perfect atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Remission")). His resurrection from the dead, the ultimate "rising up," serves as the irrefutable proof of His victory over sin and death, establishing Him as the Lord who has all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, the authority Jesus claimed in Capernaum is not merely a localized miracle but a foreshadowing of the comprehensive salvation He would accomplish, canceling the record of our debt and nailing it to the cross ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Cancellation of Debt")). Through His finished work, believers are not only forgiven but also spiritually raised to new life, demonstrating His complete and enduring power over every form of human brokenness, both spiritual and physical ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Raised to New 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

Matthew 9:5

For whether is easier, to say, [Thy] sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

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?