Luke 5:24

KJV

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} that {G2443} ye may know {G1492} that {G3754} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} hath {G2192} power {G1849} upon {G1909} earth {G1093} to forgive {G863} sins {G266},(he {G266} said {G2036} unto the sick of the palsy {G3886},) I say {G3004} unto thee {G4671}, Arise {G1453}, and {G2532} take up {G142} thy {G4675} couch {G2826}, and go {G4198} into {G1519} thine {G4675} house {G3624}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But look! I will prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." He then said to the paralytic, "I say to you: get up, pick up your mattress and go home!"

Berean Standard Bible

But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on the earth to forgive sins...” He said to the paralytic, “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”

American Standard Version

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (he said unto him that was palsied), I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go unto thy house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 5:24 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, wherein He definitively asserts His divine authority to forgive sins on earth. This declaration, made in the presence of skeptical religious leaders, is immediately substantiated by a miraculous physical healing, serving as undeniable proof of His spiritual power. The verse highlights Jesus' unique identity as the Son of Man, demonstrating that His claims of spiritual authority are intrinsically linked to His ability to command physical reality, thereby offering holistic restoration to humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic statement in the narrative of Jesus healing a paralytic man. The preceding verses [Luke 5:17-19](/luke/5-17-19 "Luke 5:17-19 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic") describe the extraordinary effort of the man's friends to bring him to Jesus, lowering him through the roof of a crowded house. Jesus' initial response, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee" [Luke 5:20](/luke/5-20 "Luke 5:20 - Jesus Forgives Sins"), immediately provokes the scribes and Pharisees, who inwardly question His authority, reasoning, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" [Luke 5:21](/luke/5-21 "Luke 5:21 - Scribes Question Jesus' Authority"). Jesus, perceiving their thoughts [Luke 5:22](/luke/5-22 "Luke 5:22 - Jesus Perceives Their Thoughts"), then challenges them with a rhetorical question about the ease of saying "Thy sins be forgiven thee" versus "Rise up and walk" [Luke 5:23](/luke/5-23 "Luke 5:23 - The Question of Authority"), setting the stage for the definitive statement and miraculous demonstration in [Luke 5:24](/luke/5-24 "Luke 5:24 - Jesus Demonstrates Authority").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the forgiveness of sins was understood to be an exclusive prerogative of God. Only God could pardon offenses against Him, typically mediated through the sacrificial system or priestly intercession in the Temple. Therefore, Jesus' claim to forgive sins was perceived as blasphemy by the religious authorities, who saw it as an usurpation of divine power. The term "Son of Man" (Aramaic: *bar nasha*), while sometimes a general idiom for "human being," also carried profound messianic and eschatological significance, particularly from [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Prophecy"), where a divine figure is given everlasting dominion and authority. Jesus' use of this title here subtly yet powerfully links His human form to this prophetic, divine authority, challenging the established religious hierarchy's understanding of God's interaction with humanity.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in this passage, culminating in [Luke 5:24](/luke/5-24 "Luke 5:24 - Jesus' Authority to Forgive"), is **Jesus' Divine Authority**. He asserts and demonstrates power over both spiritual and physical realms, proving His unique identity. Another key theme is the **Interconnectedness of Sin and Suffering**. While not every illness is a direct result of individual sin, the narrative reflects a broader biblical understanding that sin is the ultimate root of humanity's brokenness, including physical ailments. Jesus addresses the spiritual malady first, highlighting its primacy. Finally, the passage emphasizes **Proof of Claim**. Jesus performs the physical miracle not just for the paralytic's benefit, but as irrefutable evidence for the skeptical onlookers that His invisible spiritual authority is real and active. This dual healing (spiritual and physical) elicits amazement and glorification of God from the crowd, as seen in [Luke 5:26](/luke/5-26 "Luke 5:26 - The Crowd's Reaction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** (G1849) This word signifies privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, often implying delegated influence or authority. Here, it refers to Jesus' inherent right and ability to act with divine prerogative, specifically in the realm of sin forgiveness. It's not merely strength, but legitimate, recognized authority.
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** (G1093) This term refers to the soil, a region, or the solid part of the terrene globe. In this context, it emphasizes the immediate, tangible sphere of human existence where Jesus is operating. His authority is not confined to the heavenly realm but is active and effective "upon earth," directly impacting human lives and conditions.
* **forgive (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** (G863) Meaning "to send forth," "to send away," or "to remit," this word is crucial for understanding the nature of sin's removal. It implies a complete release from the guilt and penalty of sin, a full pardon. Jesus' use of this term underscores His ability to truly absolve individuals, not merely to declare them absolved.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins,"**: This clause serves as the direct answer to the scribes' unspoken challenge. Jesus' "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a direct rebuttal to their internal questioning. He states His purpose: to provide undeniable proof of His authority. The title "Son of man" (G5207, _huiós_ and G444, _ánthrōpos_) is Jesus' preferred self-designation, connecting Him to both humanity and the divine, authoritative figure prophesied in Daniel. The core claim is His "power" (G1849, _exousía_) to "forgive" (G863, _aphíēmi_) "sins" (G266, _hamartía_) "upon earth" (G1909, _epí_ and G1093, _gē_), asserting a divine prerogative within the human sphere.
* **"(he said unto the sick of the palsy,)"**: This parenthetical statement clarifies to whom the following command is addressed, emphasizing the direct, personal nature of Jesus' interaction with the paralytic, even as His primary audience for the demonstration is the skeptical religious leaders. The "sick of the palsy" (G3886, _paralýō_) refers to the paralyzed man.
* **"I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house."**: This is Jesus' direct command, a test of His authority. The commands "Arise" (G1453, _egeírō_), "take up" (G142, _aírō_) "thy couch" (G2826, _klinídion_), and "go" (G4198, _poreúomai_) "into thine house" (G1519, _eis_ and G3624, _oîkos_) are immediate, specific, and verifiable. The physical healing serves as the tangible, public proof of the invisible, spiritual authority Jesus just claimed. The man's ability to obey these commands instantly validates Jesus' earlier declaration of forgiveness.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 5:24 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Dramatic Irony** is present as Jesus, knowing the scribes' thoughts, directly addresses their internal challenge with an external, verifiable miracle. The physical healing of the paralytic functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing the deeper spiritual healing and liberation from sin that Jesus offers. The act of the paralytic rising and carrying his bed is a **Concrete Demonstration** of an abstract truth—Jesus' authority to forgive sins. Furthermore, the entire episode functions as a **Theological Argument in Action**, where Jesus doesn't just verbally assert His deity but proves it through an undeniable display of power over both spiritual and physical maladies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 5:24 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the deity and mission of Jesus Christ. By claiming and demonstrating the power to forgive sins, Jesus unequivocally asserts a divine prerogative, placing Himself in a unique category distinct from any prophet or teacher. This act underscores that His primary mission is not merely physical healing, but spiritual reconciliation, addressing the fundamental human problem of sin. The physical miracle serves as a visible sign of an invisible reality, validating His authority as the Son of Man who has come to seek and to save the lost. This authority is comprehensive, extending over all aspects of human existence, offering complete restoration—spiritual, physical, and relational—to those who come to Him in faith.

* [Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Matthew 9:6 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic")
* [Mark 2:10](/mark/2-10 "Mark 2:10 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic")
* [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Power to Become Children of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of Luke 5:24 offers immense comfort and challenge to believers today. It assures us that Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, possesses absolute authority to forgive our sins, regardless of their magnitude. This means that true spiritual freedom, peace with God, and liberation from the burden of guilt are genuinely accessible through Him. We are invited to bring our spiritual paralysis—our sins, our shame, our brokenness—to Jesus, trusting in His unique power to forgive and restore. Just as the paralytic was commanded to rise and walk, we are called to rise from the spiritual death of sin and walk in newness of life, empowered by His grace. This passage compels us to examine our own hearts: do we truly believe in Jesus' authority to forgive? Are we living as though we have been forgiven, embracing the freedom and responsibility that comes with it?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Jesus' claim to "power upon earth to forgive sins" reveal about His identity?**
* **How does the physical healing of the paralytic serve as proof of Jesus' spiritual authority in your understanding?**
* **In what ways might you be "paralyzed" by unconfessed sin or guilt, and how does this verse encourage you to seek Jesus' forgiveness?**
* **How does believing in Jesus' authority to forgive sins impact your daily walk and your relationship with God?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus forgive the man's sins before healing his physical paralysis?**

Answer: Jesus prioritized the forgiveness of sins to address the deeper, spiritual malady of humanity. In the Jewish worldview, sin was often seen as the root cause of suffering and alienation from God. By forgiving sins first, Jesus demonstrated His divine authority and confirmed that He came to deal with humanity's most fundamental problem. The subsequent physical healing served as tangible, verifiable proof that He indeed possessed the power to forgive sins, which was an invisible, spiritual act. It was a public validation of His divine claims, particularly for the skeptical religious leaders present.

**What is the significance of Jesus referring to Himself as "the Son of man" in this context?**

Answer: The title "Son of man" (Greek: _ho huios tou anthrōpou_) is one of Jesus' most frequent self-designations. While it emphasizes His genuine humanity, it also carries profound theological weight, especially in light of the prophecy in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Prophecy"), where the Son of Man is a divine, authoritative figure who receives everlasting dominion. In [Luke 5:24](/luke/5-24 "Luke 5:24 - Jesus' Authority to Forgive"), Jesus uses this title to assert His unique, divinely appointed authority to forgive sins on earth, connecting His earthly ministry to His heavenly, messianic role. It's a subtle yet powerful claim to deity and ultimate authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 5:24 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who, as the Son of Man, truly possesses and exercised the power to forgive sins. This pivotal moment in Luke's Gospel foreshadows the cross, where Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, would offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His authority to forgive sins on earth was not merely a prophetic declaration but a divine prerogative that He would fully demonstrate through His atoning death and triumphant resurrection ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus Died for Our Sins and Was Raised for Our Justification")). Because He lived a perfect life, died as a substitute, and rose again, Jesus now reigns as our High Priest, interceding for us and offering full and free forgiveness to all who believe ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Intercedes for Us")). Thus, the power demonstrated in [Luke 5:24](/luke/5-24 "Luke 5:24 - Jesus' Authority to Forgive") is fully realized in the finished work of Christ, making reconciliation with God possible for every repentant heart ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and 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 53:11

He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Revelation 1:13

And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

Luke 5:13

And he put forth [his] hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

Acts 9:34

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

John 5:27

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

John 5:8

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

John 5:12

Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?