Mark 2:11

I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

I say {G3004} unto thee {G4671}, Arise {G1453}, and {G2532} take up {G142} thy {G4675} bed {G2895}, and {G2532} go thy way {G5217} into {G1519} thine {G4675} house {G3624}.

"I say to you: get up, pick up your stretcher and go home!"

“I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”

I say unto thee, Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thy house.

Commentary

Mark 2:11 KJV records Jesus’ direct command to the paralytic man He had just healed, instructing him to perform a physical action that would confirm his complete restoration. This pivotal moment underscores Jesus’ divine authority and the tangible reality of His healing power.

Context

This verse is the climax of a remarkable narrative found in Mark 2:1-12. Jesus was teaching in a crowded house in Capernaum when four men, demonstrating extraordinary faith, lowered their paralyzed friend through the roof to reach Him. Before commanding the healing, Jesus first declared the man’s sins forgiven (Mark 2:5). This provoked controversy among the scribes present, who questioned His authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:7), believing only God could do so. Jesus then posed a rhetorical question, asking which was easier: to say 'Your sins are forgiven' or to say 'Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk' (Mark 2:9). Verse 11 provides the powerful answer, proving His authority by a visible, undeniable miracle.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority: Jesus’ command to "Arise, and take up thy bed" is a direct demonstration of His authority over both physical ailments and, by implication, spiritual sin. He proves His power to forgive by performing a miracle that everyone can witness. This links His spiritual claims to tangible reality.
  • Complete Restoration: The command to "take up thy bed" signifies more than just the ability to walk; it implies a full recovery. The man was not just able to move, but strong enough to carry the very mat he had been confined to, leaving no doubt about his healing.
  • Public Witness: By telling the man to "go thy way into thine house" with his bed, Jesus ensured the miracle would be widely known and undeniable. The man became a living testimony to Jesus' power.
  • Faith and Action: While the faith of the paralytic and his friends initiated the encounter, Jesus' command required the healed man to act on his new ability, demonstrating his faith through obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "Arise" is egeire (ἐγείρε), a powerful imperative often used in the New Testament for waking up or even for resurrection. Its use here conveys the immediate, life-giving power of Jesus' word. The "bed" (Greek: krabattos - κράβαττος) refers to a small, humble mat or pallet, which the man was to carry. This specific instruction is significant because it highlights the completeness of the healing – the man was no longer dependent on the object that symbolized his infirmity; he could now carry it himself.

Practical Application

Mark 2:11 reminds us that Jesus has authority over all aspects of our lives, both spiritual and physical. Just as He healed the paralytic, He offers forgiveness for our sins and desires our holistic well-being. The story encourages us to bring our burdens and infirmities to Him, trusting in His power to restore. Furthermore, when God performs a work in our lives, He often calls us to demonstrate that change through our actions, becoming a witness to others.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 1:41 (3 votes)

    And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth [his] hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

  • John 6:63 (2 votes)

    It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.

  • John 5:8 (2 votes)

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

  • John 5:10 (2 votes)

    The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry [thy] bed.