Mark 2:10

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,)

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},)

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,

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

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

Mark 2:10 (KJV) is a pivotal statement by Jesus, revealing a core aspect of His divine identity and mission. It directly addresses the controversy surrounding His initial declaration to the paralytic man: "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee" (Mark 2:5).

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative in Mark 2:1-12, where Jesus is teaching in a crowded house. Four men, demonstrating extraordinary faith, lower their paralyzed friend through the roof to reach Jesus. Instead of immediately healing the man's physical ailment, Jesus first pronounces forgiveness of his sins. This immediately draws the criticism of the scribes present, who perceive it as blasphemy, reasoning that only God can forgive sins. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, then poses a question: "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?" (Mark 2:9). Verse 10 serves as Jesus's explicit declaration of His authority before performing the physical miracle, demonstrating that His power to forgive sins is real and verifiable.

Key Themes

  • The Authority of Jesus: The central theme is Jesus's unparalleled authority, specifically His power to forgive sins. This was a claim reserved for God alone in Jewish thought, making Jesus's statement profoundly significant and controversial. It underscores His divine prerogative.
  • Divine Identity of the Son of Man: Jesus refers to Himself as "the Son of man." This title, often used by Jesus, emphasizes both His true humanity and His unique, divine authority, drawing from prophetic visions like Daniel 7:13-14 where the Son of Man is given everlasting dominion and glory.
  • Proof through Miracle: The healing of the paralytic (Mark 2:11) serves as tangible evidence of Jesus's invisible authority to forgive sins. The physical miracle validates the spiritual declaration, demonstrating that His words carry divine power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Son of man" (Greek: ho huios tou anthrōpou) is a significant self-designation used by Jesus throughout the Gospels. It connects Him to humanity while simultaneously hinting at His transcendent, messianic role and divine authority. The Greek word for "power" here is exousia, which means "authority" or "right," not merely physical strength. This emphasizes Jesus's rightful claim to act on God's behalf in the realm of sin and forgiveness, a claim that astonished those who witnessed it.

Practical Application

Mark 2:10 reminds us that Jesus possesses ultimate authority over sin. For believers, this means that true forgiveness and spiritual healing are found in Him alone. It encourages us to approach Him with our spiritual burdens, just as the paralytic's friends brought him with his physical need. This passage also challenges us to recognize Jesus not just as a great teacher or healer, but as the one true God who can forgive sins and offer new life. His ability to heal the body served as a powerful sign of His even greater ability to heal the soul, offering a profound message of hope and redemption.

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Cross-References

  • Daniel 7:13 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Matthew 16:13 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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.