Mark 2:3

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

And {G2532} they come {G2064} unto {G4314} him {G846}, bringing {G5342} one sick of the palsy {G3885}, which was borne {G142} of {G5259} four {G5064}.

four men came to him carrying a paralyzed man.

Then a paralytic was brought to Him, carried by four men.

And they come, bringing unto him a man sick of the palsy, borne of four.

Commentary

Mark 2:3 introduces a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry in Capernaum, setting the stage for a profound demonstration of His authority.

Context

This verse follows directly after Jesus' return to Capernaum, where a large crowd had gathered at the house where He was teaching. The house was so packed that there was no room left, not even at the door. This immense gathering highlights the widespread interest and desperate need among the people for Jesus' teachings and healing touch, creating a challenging environment for those seeking access to Him.

Key Themes

  • Faith and Persistence: The act of bringing the paralytic, despite the severe crowd and the need to access the roof, demonstrates extraordinary faith and determination not only on the part of the friends but also, implicitly, on the part of the sick man himself. Their perseverance in overcoming physical barriers to reach Jesus is a central message.
  • Community and Compassion: The phrase "borne of four" powerfully illustrates the collective effort and deep compassion of the man's friends. They embody true friendship, willing to go to great lengths to help someone in need reach the source of healing. This highlights the importance of supportive community in the Christian walk.
  • Jesus' Attractiveness: The sheer number of people drawn to Jesus underscores His growing reputation and the spiritual hunger of the era. People were willing to endure significant inconvenience just to be in His presence, indicating the profound impact of His ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sick of the palsy" in the King James Version refers to someone suffering from paralysis, a severe condition that rendered the individual unable to move on their own. This highlights the man's complete dependence on others and the gravity of his physical ailment. The detail that he "was borne of four" emphasizes the significant physical effort required by his friends to carry him, underscoring their dedication and the man's utter helplessness without their aid.

Related Scriptures

This remarkable account is also recorded in the other Synoptic Gospels, providing additional perspectives on the event:

The faith displayed by these friends is a recurring theme in Jesus' ministry, often preceding miraculous healing, as seen in other passages like the healing of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:52, where Jesus tells him, "thy faith hath made thee whole."

Practical Application

Mark 2:3 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of Christian community and intercessory action. It challenges believers to:

  • Persevere in Faith: To not let obstacles deter us from seeking God's help, whether for ourselves or for others. True faith often requires overcoming difficulties.
  • Be a Friend in Need: To actively bring those who are spiritually or physically sick to Jesus, even if it requires significant effort and unconventional methods. This speaks to the heart of bearing one another's burdens and demonstrating practical love.
  • Recognize Opportunities: To see crowded, seemingly impossible situations as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and grace, reminding us that God can work in unexpected ways.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 5:18

    And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought [means] to bring him in, and to lay [him] before him.

  • Luke 5:26

    And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

  • Matthew 9:1

    ¶ And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

  • Matthew 9:8

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

  • Matthew 4:24

    And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
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