Mark 2:10

KJV

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} that {G2443} ye may know {G1492} that {G3754} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} hath {G2192} power {G1849} on {G1909} earth {G1093} to forgive {G863} sins {G266},(he saith {G3004} to the sick of the palsy {G3885},)

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,

Berean Standard Bible

But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” He said to the paralytic,

American Standard Version

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (he saith to the sick of the palsy),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 2:10 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus's ministry, where He explicitly asserts His divine authority to forgive sins on earth. This declaration serves as the theological linchpin for the subsequent physical healing of the paralytic, demonstrating that His power to address spiritual brokenness is as real and verifiable as His power to restore physical health. It directly confronts the scribes' unspoken challenge to His earlier pronouncement of forgiveness, revealing His unique identity as the Son of Man endowed with God's own prerogative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the broader narrative of [Mark 2:1-12](/mark/2-1-12 "Mark 2:1-12 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic and Forgives Sins"), which details Jesus's encounter with a paralytic man. After teaching in a crowded house in Capernaum, Jesus is approached by four men who, demonstrating remarkable faith, lower their paralyzed friend through the roof to reach Him. Instead of immediately addressing the man's physical ailment, Jesus first declares, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee" ([Mark 2:5](/mark/2-5 "Mark 2:5 - Jesus Forgives the Paralytic's Sins")). This pronouncement immediately provokes silent condemnation from the scribes present, who inwardly accuse Jesus of blasphemy, reasoning that only God can forgive sins. Aware of their thoughts, Jesus challenges them with a rhetorical question in [Mark 2:9](/mark/2-9 "Mark 2:9 - Jesus's Question to the Scribes"): "Which is 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?" Verse 10 then serves as Jesus's direct and authoritative answer, setting the stage for the physical miracle that will validate His spiritual claim.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the forgiveness of sins was understood to be an exclusive prerogative of God. Sickness was often linked to sin (though not always directly, as seen in [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1-3 "John 9:1-3 - Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind")), and healing was seen as a sign of God's favor and forgiveness. The scribes, as interpreters and guardians of the Mosaic Law, were deeply rooted in this understanding. When Jesus, a man, claimed to forgive sins, it was perceived as a direct usurpation of divine authority, hence their accusation of blasphemy. The title "Son of Man" was significant, drawing from [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Heavenly Authority"), where a figure described as "one like the Son of Man" is given everlasting dominion and glory by the Ancient of Days. By using this title, Jesus subtly yet profoundly hinted at His unique, divinely appointed role and authority, which transcended mere human capacity.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is **Jesus's Divine Authority**, particularly His power to forgive sins, a claim that directly challenges conventional Jewish theology and asserts His unique identity. This leads to the theme of **Jesus's Dual Nature**, as the title "Son of Man" simultaneously emphasizes His genuine humanity and His transcendent, divine authority, fulfilling messianic prophecies. The narrative also highlights the theme of **Validation through Miracle**, where the visible, physical healing of the paralytic in [Mark 2:11-12](/mark/2-11-12 "Mark 2:11-12 - The Paralytic Walks") serves as undeniable proof of Jesus's invisible, spiritual authority to forgive sins. This demonstrates that Jesus's words are not empty pronouncements but carry the very power of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** This term signifies not merely physical strength or ability, but a divinely granted privilege, authority, or rightful jurisdiction. It denotes the right to act, command, or control. In this context, Jesus is not just claiming ability, but the inherent right and legitimate authority to perform an act (forgiving sins) that was traditionally reserved for God alone.
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** This refers to the physical world, the terrestrial sphere. The phrase "on earth" emphasizes that Jesus's authority is not limited to the heavenly realm or a future eschatological event, but is actively exercised in the present, tangible world. It underscores the immediacy and present reality of His divine power.
* **forgive (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb means "to send forth," "to let go," "to release," or "to remit." When applied to sins, it signifies the act of releasing someone from the guilt, penalty, and bondage of sin. It implies a complete cancellation of the debt or offense, indicating a profound spiritual liberation and restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But that ye may know":** Jesus introduces this statement with a clear purpose: to provide irrefutable evidence. The "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a contrast or continuation, here serving to pivot from the scribes' unspoken doubts to a direct demonstration. The phrase "that ye may know" (G2443, _hína_ G1492, _eídō_) highlights Jesus's intent to reveal a profound truth about His identity and power, making it evident and undeniable to His skeptics.
* **"that the Son of man hath power on earth":** This is the core assertion of Jesus's authority. By referring to Himself as "the Son of man" (G5207, _huiós_ G444, _ánthrōpos_), Jesus employs a title that, while emphasizing His humanity, also carries rich Old Testament messianic connotations (e.g., [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds")). The phrase "hath power" (G2192, _échō_ G1849, _exousía_) explicitly states His possession of legitimate authority. Crucially, this power is "on earth" (G1909, _epí_ G1093, _gē_), signifying that His divine prerogative is active and exercised in the present human realm, not merely in a heavenly or future context.
* **"to forgive sins":** This clause specifies the nature of the authority Jesus possesses. The ability "to forgive sins" (G863, _aphíēmi_ G266, _hamartía_) was, in Jewish theology, an attribute belonging exclusively to God. By claiming this power, Jesus directly asserts His divine identity and prerogative, challenging the scribes' fundamental theological assumptions about who alone can grant spiritual absolution.
* **"(he saith to the sick of the palsy,)":** This parenthetical remark clarifies the immediate context and audience of Jesus's direct command. It indicates that following His declaration of authority to the scribes, Jesus then turns His attention back to the paralytic, ready to issue the command that will visibly demonstrate the reality of His spiritual authority. This transition highlights the practical, tangible outcome of His theological assertion.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 2:10 masterfully employs several literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is present, as the scribes, who believe they alone possess true religious insight, are unknowingly witnessing the very presence of God's authority in human form, yet they fail to recognize it. Jesus's statement is a direct **Assertion of Authority**, not merely a claim, but a definitive declaration of His unique power. The entire narrative functions as a **Sign**, where the physical healing of the paralytic in [Mark 2:11](/mark/2-11 "Mark 2:11 - The Paralytic Healed") serves as a visible, undeniable sign validating the invisible, spiritual act of sin forgiveness. This connection establishes a powerful **Symbolism**, where physical restoration symbolizes spiritual healing and new life, demonstrating Jesus's comprehensive power over both body and soul.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 2:10 is a profound theological statement, asserting Jesus's divine prerogative to forgive sins, a power traditionally reserved for God alone. This declaration underscores the radical nature of Jesus's identity and mission. It reveals that He is not merely a prophet, teacher, or healer, but the very Son of God, possessing the authority to address humanity's deepest spiritual need—reconciliation with a holy God. His ability to forgive sins on earth signifies that the Kingdom of God has drawn near in His person, bringing with it the ultimate remedy for sin and its consequences. This passage challenges the notion that human intermediaries or ritualistic sacrifices are sufficient for true forgiveness, pointing instead to the direct, personal authority of Jesus.

* [Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "Isaiah 43:25 - God Alone Forgives Sins")
* [Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Matthew 9:6 - Parallel Account of Jesus's Authority")
* [Luke 5:24](/luke/5-24 "Luke 5:24 - Parallel Account of Jesus's Authority")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 2:10 offers profound implications for our lives today. It calls us to recognize Jesus not just as a historical figure or a moral teacher, but as the living Lord who possesses ultimate authority over sin and its debilitating effects. For us, this means that true and complete forgiveness is available only through Him. When we are burdened by guilt, shame, or the weight of our past, we are invited to bring our spiritual paralysis to Jesus, just as the paralytic was brought to Him physically. This passage reassures us that Jesus is both willing and able to forgive, and His forgiveness is not a mere declaration but a powerful act that brings genuine spiritual healing and freedom. It also challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we, like the scribes, sometimes limit God's power or question His methods, or do we wholeheartedly embrace the radical truth of Jesus's divine authority?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's declaration of authority over sin challenge our understanding of Him and His unique identity?**
* **In what ways might we, like the scribes, be prone to questioning or limiting God's power in our lives or in the world?**
* **What does it mean for us personally that Jesus has the power to forgive sins "on earth," making forgiveness accessible and real in our present circumstances?**
* **How does the connection between physical healing and spiritual forgiveness in this passage inform our understanding of holistic redemption?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus heal the paralytic physically after forgiving his sins?**

Answer: Jesus healed the paralytic physically to provide tangible, undeniable proof of His invisible, spiritual authority to forgive sins. The scribes questioned His claim to forgive sins, reasoning that only God could do so. By performing a visible miracle—healing a man who was clearly paralyzed—Jesus demonstrated that His spiritual authority was real and divinely sanctioned. The physical healing in [Mark 2:11-12](/mark/2-11-12 "Mark 2:11-12 - The Paralytic Walks and Glorifies God") served as a public validation that His words of forgiveness carried the power of God. It was easier to *say* "Your sins are forgiven" than "Rise and walk," because the latter could be immediately verified. By doing the harder, verifiable act, He proved His authority for the invisible act.

**What is the significance of the title "Son of Man" that Jesus uses for Himself?**

Answer: The title "Son of Man" (Greek: _ho huios tou anthrōpou_) is one of Jesus's most frequent self-designations in the Gospels, and it carries profound significance. It emphasizes both His true humanity (He is truly a human being, born of a woman) and His unique, transcendent, and divine authority. This title has roots in the Old Testament, particularly [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Heavenly Authority"), where "one like the Son of Man" comes with the clouds of heaven and is given everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom. By using this title, Jesus subtly yet powerfully identifies Himself as the promised Messiah who possesses divine authority and will ultimately judge the world, linking His earthly ministry to His heavenly origin and future reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 2:10 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly His atoning sacrifice on the cross. While this verse declares Jesus's present authority to forgive sins on earth, it foreshadows the means by which that forgiveness would be universally secured: His death and resurrection. The power to forgive sins, which Jesus demonstrated in Capernaum, was fully realized when He became the ultimate sacrifice for sin, shedding His blood as the perfect propitiation ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). The New Testament consistently teaches that "without shedding of blood is no remission" ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - The Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")), and Jesus's blood is the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). Thus, Mark 2:10 is not merely a historical claim of authority, but a foundational truth pointing to the cross, where the Son of Man exercised His ultimate power to reconcile humanity to God, making forgiveness and eternal life available to all who believe ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through No Other Name")).

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

Daniel 7:13

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Daniel 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

Matthew 9:6

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

Matthew 9:8

But when the multitudes saw [it], they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Matthew 16:13

¶ When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

Acts 5:31

Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

John 5:20

For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.