5:23 5:23

Luke 5:24

5:25 5:25

Bible Versions

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.
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}.
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!"
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.”
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.

Luke 5:24 (KJV) stands as a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, directly addressing the core question of His authority and identity. This verse is the climax of the narrative concerning Jesus' encounter with a man afflicted with palsy (paralysis) and the questioning scribes and Pharisees.

Context

Prior to this verse, Jesus had been teaching in a house so crowded that a paralytic man, brought by four friends, had to be lowered through the roof to reach Him (Luke 5:19). Upon seeing their faith, Jesus first declared to the man, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee" (Luke 5:20). This declaration immediately provoked the scribes and Pharisees, who reasoned in their hearts, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Luke 5:21). Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, then posed a rhetorical question about which was easier to say – 'Thy sins be forgiven thee' or 'Rise up and walk' – knowing that only the latter offered a visible, verifiable proof of divine power.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Divine Authority: The central message of Luke 5:24 is Jesus' explicit claim to possess "power upon earth to forgive sins." This was an astounding declaration, equating His authority directly with God's. The subsequent healing served as undeniable evidence of this spiritual power, demonstrating that His words of forgiveness were not empty.
  • The Connection Between Sin and Sickness: While not all sickness is a direct result of individual sin, this narrative highlights a biblical understanding that sin is the root cause of humanity's brokenness and suffering. Jesus addresses the spiritual malady (sin) before the physical one, emphasizing the primacy of spiritual healing.
  • Proof of Claim: Jesus performs the physical miracle not primarily for the man's benefit (though he is healed), but as a public demonstration for the skeptical religious leaders. The visible act of healing the paralytic served as irrefutable proof of His invisible authority to forgive sins. This powerful display left the crowd amazed and glorifying God (Luke 5:26).

Linguistic Insights

The title "Son of man" (Greek: ho huios tou anthrōpou) is a significant self-designation used by Jesus throughout the Gospels. It connects Him to both His humanity and His divine, prophetic role, particularly as described in Daniel 7:13, where the Son of Man is given everlasting dominion and glory. Here, it underscores His unique authority to act on God's behalf on earth.

Related Scriptures

  • This demonstration of authority to forgive sins is paralleled in other Gospels, such as Matthew 9:6 and Mark 2:10, emphasizing the importance of this event in the early church's understanding of Jesus' identity.
  • Jesus' ultimate authority in heaven and on earth is further proclaimed in Matthew 28:18, where He declares, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."

Practical Application

Luke 5:24 offers profound reassurance for believers today. It affirms that Jesus Christ indeed possesses the authority to forgive sins, not merely as a prophet or good teacher, but as God Incarnate. This means that true spiritual healing and reconciliation with God are available through Him. For those burdened by guilt or seeking spiritual peace, this verse points to Jesus as the ultimate source of forgiveness and liberation. It challenges us to look beyond the physical and recognize the deeper spiritual realities that Jesus came to address, offering not just temporary relief but eternal life and reconciliation with the Father.

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.

  • 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?
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