Luke 5:25

KJV

And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} immediately {G3916} he rose up {G450} before {G1799} them {G846}, and took up {G142} that whereon {G1909}{G3739} he lay {G2621}, and departed {G565} to {G1519} his own {G846} house {G3624}, glorifying {G1392} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Immediately, in front of everyone, he stood up, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home praising God.

Berean Standard Bible

And immediately the man stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God.

American Standard Version

And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his house, glorifying God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 5:25 captures the dramatic and conclusive moment of the paralytic man's healing by Jesus, serving as irrefutable evidence of Christ's divine authority to both forgive sins and restore physical health. The verse highlights the instantaneous nature of the miracle, the public validation of Jesus' power, and the man's immediate, joyful response of glorifying God, transforming a moment of skepticism into a powerful display of divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic culmination of a significant narrative found in [Luke 5:17-26](/luke/5-17-26 "Luke 5:17-26 - Healing the Paralytic"). Jesus is teaching in a house so crowded that Pharisees and teachers of the law from all over Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem are present. A paralytic man, brought by four determined friends, is lowered through the roof due to the impassable crowd. Rather than immediately addressing the man's physical ailment, Jesus first declares, "[Man, your sins are forgiven you](/luke/5-20 "Luke 5:20 - Jesus Forgives Sins")." This pronouncement deeply offends the religious leaders, who silently question Jesus' blasphemy, believing only God can forgive sins. In response to their unspoken challenge, Jesus then asks which is easier: to say, "Your sins are forgiven," or "Rise and walk"? He then commands the man to rise, take up his bed, and go home, demonstrating that He, the Son of Man, has authority on earth to forgive sins. Luke 5:25 records the immediate and powerful fulfillment of this command, serving as undeniable proof of Jesus' divine claims.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is likely Capernaum, a significant center for Jesus' early ministry. The presence of Pharisees and teachers of the law from various regions indicates the growing scrutiny Jesus was under, highlighting the religious establishment's concern over His teachings and actions. The concept of sin and sickness being linked was prevalent in Jewish thought (though not always directly causal, as [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1-3 "John 9:1-3 - Healing the Man Born Blind") clarifies). Therefore, Jesus' act of forgiving sins before healing was profoundly provocative, directly challenging the religious leaders' understanding of divine prerogative. The "bed" (κλινίδιον, _klinidion_) was likely a simple mat or pallet, easily carried, making the man's act of taking it up a clear, undeniable public display of his complete healing and the reversal of his previous state of helplessness.
* **Key Themes:** The episode in [Luke 5](/luke/5 "Luke 5 - Jesus Calls Disciples and Heals") powerfully underscores several core themes. Foremost is **Jesus' Divine Authority**, demonstrated not only over physical ailments but, more controversially, over sin itself. The physical miracle serves as a visible sign validating His claim to spiritual authority, a theme echoed in [Mark 2:10-11](/mark/2-10-11 "Mark 2:10-11 - The Son of Man Has Authority to Forgive Sins"). Another key theme is **Instantaneous Transformation**, emphasized by the word "immediately," showcasing the absolute and complete nature of God's restorative power. The **Public Witness** of the miracle, performed "before them" (the skeptical religious leaders and the amazed crowd), is crucial, as it provides irrefutable evidence that cannot be dismissed. Finally, the man's response of **Glorifying God** highlights the appropriate human response to divine intervention, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all power, healing, and goodness, a common theme throughout the Gospels when people encounter Jesus' miracles, as seen in [Luke 18:43](/luke/18-43 "Luke 18:43 - The Blind Man Glorifies God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **immediately (Greek, _parachrēma'_):** From G3916, meaning "at the thing itself, i.e., instantly." This word powerfully conveys the suddenness and completeness of the healing. There was no gradual recovery, no lingering weakness; the man was instantly restored to full health and strength, a testament to the absolute power of Jesus' command.
* **rose up (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** From G450, meaning "to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)." This signifies a complete reversal of the man's condition. From being utterly dependent and prostrate, he was empowered to stand on his own, embodying the physical manifestation of his spiritual liberation.
* **took up (Greek, _aírō'_):** From G142, meaning "to lift up; by implication, to take up or away." The act of taking up his mat is highly symbolic. The mat was not just an object; it was the very symbol of his paralysis and helplessness. By carrying it, he publicly demonstrated his complete healing and the reversal of his former state, transforming the instrument of his infirmity into a trophy of God's power.
* **glorifying (Greek, _doxázō'_):** From G1392, meaning "to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)." This word describes the man's immediate and appropriate response to the divine miracle. To "glorify God" means to acknowledge His majesty, power, and goodness, giving Him the honor and praise due to Him for His incredible work. It is an act of worship and testimony.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And immediately he rose up before them,"**: This clause emphasizes the instantaneous and public nature of the miracle. The healing was not delayed or hidden but occurred at once, in the full view of the skeptical religious leaders and the expectant crowd, serving as undeniable proof of Jesus' power.
* **"and took up that whereon he lay,"**: This action is crucial evidence of the man's complete restoration. The mat, which had been his prison, now became a light burden he could easily carry, symbolizing his freedom from paralysis and his return to full physical capability. It was a tangible, visible sign for all witnesses.
* **"and departed to his own house,"**: This signifies the man's return to normalcy, independence, and the rhythms of everyday life. He was no longer dependent on others to carry him or confined to a public place, but could freely return to his home, his life fully restored.
* **"glorifying God."**: This final phrase describes the man's natural and appropriate response to such a profound act of divine grace and power. His heart was filled with praise and thanksgiving, acknowledging God as the source of his miraculous healing and forgiveness, providing a powerful testimony to all who witnessed the event.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 5:25 masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Contrast** is evident in the man's state before and after the healing: from utter helplessness, requiring four friends and a hole in the roof, to immediate, independent action, walking and carrying his own mat. This stark contrast underscores the magnitude of Jesus' power. **Symbolism** is present in the "mat whereon he lay"; it is not merely a bed but a potent symbol of his former infirmity and dependence. By taking it up and walking, the man transforms this symbol of his weakness into a testament to his newfound strength and freedom. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the religious leaders question Jesus' authority to forgive sins, yet Jesus performs a visible miracle that implicitly proves His divine power, leaving them speechless and amazed, while the healed man openly glorifies God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The healing of the paralytic in Luke 5:25 profoundly illustrates Jesus' unique authority as both the Son of Man and the Son of God, capable of addressing humanity's deepest needs—spiritual and physical. His power to forgive sins, a prerogative reserved for God alone, is visibly authenticated by His power over physical infirmity. This miracle serves as a microcosm of the Gospel message: Jesus offers complete restoration, not just partial relief. The man's immediate glorification of God highlights the proper human response to divine grace and intervention, demonstrating that true healing leads to worship and public testimony. This event foreshadows the ultimate spiritual liberation and new life available through Christ, where the weight of sin is lifted, and individuals are enabled to walk in newness of life.

* [Mark 2:10-12](/mark/2-10-12 "Mark 2:10-12 - Jesus' Authority to Forgive Sins")
* [Acts 3:8](/acts/3-8 "Acts 3:8 - The Lame Man Walks and Praises God")
* [Matthew 9:6-8](/matthew/9-6-8 "Matthew 9:6-8 - The Paralytic Healed and Sins Forgiven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 5:25 invites us to consider the transformative power of Jesus in our own lives. Just as the paralytic was instantly and completely restored, Jesus offers us holistic healing—spiritual forgiveness and physical or emotional restoration. This passage challenges us to bring our deepest needs, even those we might perceive as impossible, to Christ with faith, knowing that He has authority over all things. Furthermore, the healed man's immediate response of glorifying God serves as a powerful model for us. When God works in our lives, whether through dramatic intervention or quiet grace, our natural and appropriate response should be one of praise, gratitude, and public acknowledgment of His goodness. Our transformed lives, like the man carrying his mat, become a living testimony to God's power and love, inviting others to witness and wonder.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "paralysis" or areas of helplessness in your life do you need to bring before Jesus for His healing touch?**
* **How does the instantaneous nature of this miracle impact your understanding of God's power and timing?**
* **In what ways can you more intentionally "glorify God" in your daily life in response to His work?**
* **How might your own "taken up mat" (a past struggle now overcome) serve as a public testimony to God's grace?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus forgive the paralytic's sins before healing his physical ailment?**

Answer: Jesus forgave the paralytic's sins first to address the deeper, spiritual need and to demonstrate His divine authority. In Jewish thought, sickness was often associated with sin, and only God could forgive sins. By declaring the man's sins forgiven, Jesus directly challenged the religious leaders' understanding of divine prerogative. The subsequent physical healing, which was visible and undeniable, served as irrefutable proof that Jesus indeed possessed the authority to forgive sins, thereby validating His claim as the Son of Man who has power on earth to forgive sins, as stated in [Luke 5:24](/luke/5-24 "Luke 5:24 - The Son of Man Has Authority to Forgive Sins"). This sequence highlights that spiritual healing (forgiveness) is paramount, and physical healing can be a sign of that greater spiritual reality.

**What is the significance of the man taking up his mat and departing to his own house?**

Answer: The act of taking up his mat (or pallet) was profoundly significant. For years, the mat had been the symbol and instrument of his paralysis and dependence. By carrying it, the man publicly demonstrated his complete and immediate healing. It was tangible proof that he was no longer bound by his infirmity but was fully restored. His departure "to his own house" signified a return to normalcy, independence, and the rhythms of everyday life. He was no longer confined to a public place or dependent on others but was free to return to his home, his life completely transformed by Jesus' power. This public display served as a powerful witness to all who saw him, confirming the miracle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 5:25, with its vivid portrayal of instantaneous healing and the man's immediate glorification of God, powerfully points to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The miracle of the paralytic's healing is not merely an isolated act of compassion but a profound demonstration of Jesus' messianic identity and His ultimate mission. His authority to forgive sins, a claim that provoked the religious leaders, is the very heart of the Gospel. Just as He lifted the burden of physical paralysis from the man, Jesus, through His atoning work on the cross, lifts the far heavier burden of sin from humanity, offering spiritual healing and new life. The man's ability to "rise up" and "take up" his mat foreshadows Christ's own resurrection, where He definitively conquered sin and death, rising from the grave to offer eternal life and true freedom to all who believe. The healed man's response of "glorifying God" anticipates the universal praise that will be rendered to Christ, who is God incarnate, for His redemptive work. This miracle, therefore, serves as a tangible sign of the spiritual liberation and complete restoration that Jesus, the Lamb of God, provides through His finished work, enabling us to walk in newness of life, glorifying God, as described in [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walking in Newness of Life") and [Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12-13 "Revelation 5:12-13 - Worthy is the Lamb").

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

John 9:24

Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.

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.

Psalms 107:20

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered [them] from their destructions.

Psalms 107:22

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

Psalms 103:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name.

Psalms 103:3

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Luke 17:15

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,