Mark 2:4

KJV

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken [it] up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when they could {G1410} not {G3361} come nigh {G4331} unto him {G846} for {G1223} the press {G3793}, they uncovered {G648} the roof {G4721} where {G3699} he was {G2258}: and {G2532} when they had broken it up {G1846}, they let down {G5465} the bed {G2895} wherein {G1909}{G3739} the sick of the palsy {G3885} lay {G2621}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They could not get near Yeshua because of the crowd, so they stripped the roof over the place where he was, made an opening, and lowered the stretcher with the paralytic lying on it.

Berean Standard Bible

Since they were unable to get to Jesus through the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening, and lowered the paralytic on his mat.

American Standard Version

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the crowd, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed whereon the sick of the palsy lay.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 2:4 vividly portrays the extraordinary faith and determined ingenuity of four friends who sought healing for their paralyzed companion. Faced with an impenetrable crowd blocking the doorway to Jesus, they resorted to an audacious plan: ascending to the roof of the house where Jesus was teaching, dismantling a section of it, and carefully lowering the paralytic on his mat directly into the Lord's presence. This dramatic act underscores their unwavering conviction in Jesus' power and their profound commitment to their friend's well-being, setting the stage for one of Jesus' most significant demonstrations of authority over both sickness and sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in Mark's Gospel, immediately following Jesus' initial ministry in Capernaum, a bustling fishing village that served as his base of operations in Galilee. Mark 1 details Jesus' powerful teaching and numerous healings, establishing his growing fame and the increasing crowds that followed him. By [Mark 2:1](/mark/2-1 "Mark 2:1 - Jesus Returns to Capernaum"), Jesus has returned to Capernaum, and the news of his presence quickly draws such a multitude that the house is "no longer able to hold them, not even at the door" (implied from the need to go through the roof). This escalating popularity and the resulting physical barrier set the immediate scene for the desperate actions of the friends, highlighting the intense demand for Jesus' ministry and the lengths people would go to encounter him. The subsequent verses in [Mark 2:5-12](/mark/2-5-12 "Mark 2:5-12 - Jesus Heals and Forgives the Paralytic") reveal Jesus' response, not only healing the man but also declaring his sins forgiven, which sparks controversy among the scribes present, further developing the theme of Jesus' divine authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Galilean homes, particularly in Capernaum, were typically simple, single-story structures built of stone or mud-brick, often with flat roofs. These roofs were constructed from wooden beams, layers of brushwood, packed earth, and sometimes clay tiles. They were commonly used for various purposes, including sleeping, drying produce, or simply as extra living space, and were often accessible by an external staircase. The act of "uncovering the roof" (Gk. _apostegázō_) and "breaking it up" (Gk. _exorýssō_) would have been a significant, laborious, and messy undertaking, involving the removal of heavy materials and creating a substantial hole. This was not a minor act of removing a few tiles but a destructive and public display of desperation. Furthermore, the "press" (Gk. _óchlos_) refers to a dense, unmanageable crowd, typical of public gatherings around popular figures in that era. For a paralytic, who was often marginalized and considered ritually unclean, this act of public display and disruption was an extraordinary breach of social norms, underscoring the friends' radical commitment.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 2:4 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel. Firstly, it exemplifies **Extraordinary Faith**, not just of the paralytic, but primarily of his four friends. Their conviction in Jesus' power to heal was so absolute that they overcame a physical impossibility, demonstrating a belief that Jesus was their only hope. This faith is explicitly acknowledged by Jesus in [Mark 2:5](/mark/2-5 "Mark 2:5 - Jesus Sees Their Faith"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Persistent Determination** in the face of obstacles. The crowd was an insurmountable barrier, yet the friends refused to be deterred, showcasing a resourceful and tenacious spirit that finds a way where there seems to be none. This persistence is a model for seeking God's intervention in seemingly impossible situations. Thirdly, it beautifully illustrates **Intercessory Friendship and Community**. The friends acted as conduits of grace, bearing the burden of their helpless companion and literally bringing him into the presence of the Healer. This emphasizes the vital role of mutual support and sacrificial love within a community of faith, where believers actively facilitate another's encounter with Christ, mirroring the call to "bear one another's burdens" found in [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **press (Greek, _óchlos'_):** This term (G3793) denotes a "throng" or "multitude," often implying a dense, unmanageable crowd or even a "rabble." In this context, it emphasizes the sheer physical barrier that prevented conventional access to Jesus. It highlights the overwhelming popularity of Jesus and the desperate lengths people had to go to reach him, underscoring the severity of the obstacle the friends faced.
* **broken it up (Greek, _exorýssō'_):** This verb (G1846) literally means "to dig out," but in this context, it specifically refers to "removing roofing" or "uncovering." It implies a significant, laborious, and destructive act, not merely lifting a few tiles. This word emphasizes the immense effort, determination, and perhaps even audacity of the friends, who were willing to cause considerable damage and inconvenience to achieve their goal.
* **bed (Greek, _krábbatos'_):** This word (G2895) refers to a "mattress" or a "pallet," typically a simple, portable sleeping mat used by common people. Its mention here underscores the humble state of the paralytic and the practical, unceremonious means by which he was transported. It also highlights his complete helplessness, as he was unable to move himself and relied entirely on this simple conveyance and his friends.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press":** This opening clause establishes the central conflict and the immediate obstacle. The "press" (Gk. _óchlos_) signifies an overwhelming crowd, making any conventional approach to Jesus impossible. The friends' inability to "come nigh" (Gk. _prosengízō_) underscores the physical barrier and the desperation of their situation, setting the stage for their unconventional solution.
* **"they uncovered the roof where he was":** This phrase describes the friends' audacious and resourceful solution to the crowd problem. Instead of giving up, they identified an alternative route, demonstrating their unwavering determination. "Uncovered the roof" (Gk. _apostegázō_) implies a deliberate and significant act of removing the roof's covering, indicating their commitment to overcoming the physical barrier.
* **"and when they had broken [it] up":** This clause further emphasizes the physical effort involved in their task. The verb "broken up" (Gk. _exorýssō_) suggests a forceful and potentially destructive act of digging out or dismantling the roof structure. This was not a gentle removal but a determined, laborious process, highlighting the depth of their commitment and the lengths they were willing to go.
* **"they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay":** This final clause describes the culmination of their plan. "Let down" (Gk. _chaláō_) indicates a controlled descent, implying care and precision despite the disruptive method. The "bed" (Gk. _krábbatos_) signifies the paralytic's helplessness and dependence, while "wherein the sick of the palsy (Gk. _paralytikós_) lay" clearly identifies the object of their intercession and the recipient of the impending miracle.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 2:4 is rich in **Dramatic Action**, depicting a scene of intense physical effort and unwavering resolve. The vivid imagery of the friends scaling the roof, dismantling it, and lowering the man creates a powerful visual in the reader's mind, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of their faith. The **Obstacle/Resolution Narrative** is central, as the impenetrable crowd serves as a formidable barrier that is dramatically overcome by the friends' ingenuity. There is also an element of **Symbolism**: the "roof" can be seen as a symbol of conventional barriers and human limitations, which are literally "broken up" by faith. The "bed" itself, a humble and often overlooked object, becomes a powerful symbol of human helplessness and dependence, yet also the very means by which the paralytic is brought to the source of healing. The entire episode serves as a **Foreshadowing** of Jesus' authority not only over physical ailments but also over the spiritual barriers of sin, which he addresses in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 2:4 stands as a profound testament to the power of intercessory faith and the lengths to which true compassion will go. The friends' actions embody a radical trust in Jesus' ability to heal, demonstrating that genuine faith is not passive but active, resourceful, and persistent in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Their willingness to disrupt social norms and incur significant effort for the sake of another reflects the very heart of the Gospel: bringing the helpless and broken into the healing presence of Christ. This passage underscores that God often responds to desperate, audacious faith, not just individual belief, but also the collective, burden-bearing faith of a community. It challenges believers to consider what "roofs" they might need to "uncover"—what conventional barriers or personal discomforts they might need to overcome—to bring others to Jesus.

* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Prayer of a Righteous Person")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith Pleases God")
* [Matthew 17:20](/matthew/17-20 "Matthew 17:20 - Faith as a Mustard Seed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative in Mark 2:4 offers a compelling blueprint for how believers can live out their faith in practical, impactful ways today. It calls us to embody the same tenacious, problem-solving spirit as the four friends. In a world filled with spiritual and physical paralysis, we are challenged to ask ourselves: What obstacles are we willing to overcome to bring others to the transformative power of Jesus? This might involve stepping out of our comfort zones, investing significant time and resources, or even enduring social awkwardness or criticism. The story reminds us that our faith is not meant to be a private affair but a communal journey, where we actively bear one another's burdens and facilitate encounters with the Lord. It encourages us to pray with unwavering persistence, to serve with sacrificial love, and to share the Gospel with creative determination, trusting that God honors such audacious faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "roofs" or obstacles in your life, or in the lives of those you know, might God be calling you to "uncover" or overcome to bring someone closer to Jesus?**
* **How might you cultivate the kind of persistent and resourceful faith demonstrated by the friends in this passage, especially when facing seemingly impossible situations?**
* **In what ways can your community of faith better embody the intercessory and burden-bearing love shown by these four friends?**
* **Are there individuals in your life who are "paralyzed" by sin, despair, or circumstance, whom you need to intentionally bring before the Lord in prayer or action?**

### FAQ
**What was a typical roof like in Jesus' time, and how difficult would it have been to break through it?**

Answer: First-century Palestinian homes, especially in Capernaum, typically had flat roofs made of wooden beams, layers of brushwood, packed earth, and sometimes clay tiles. These roofs were sturdy and could support weight, often used for various household activities or as extra space. Breaking through such a roof, as described in [Mark 2:4](/mark/2-4 "Mark 2:4 - Friends Uncover the Roof"), would have been a significant and laborious undertaking. It wasn't a matter of simply lifting a few lightweight tiles but involved digging through compacted earth and possibly dismantling wooden supports. This act would have been messy, disruptive, and required considerable effort, underscoring the extraordinary determination and desperation of the friends.

**Why didn't Jesus just heal the paralytic from a distance, or why did the friends need to go to such extreme measures?**

Answer: While Jesus certainly had the power to heal from a distance (as seen in [Matthew 8:5-13](/matthew/8-5-13 "Matthew 8:5-13 - The Centurion's Faith") with the centurion's servant), the narrative in [Mark 2:4](/mark/2-4 "Mark 2:4 - Friends Uncover the Roof") emphasizes the human element of faith and persistence. The extreme measures taken by the friends highlight their profound and active belief in Jesus' power. Their audacious act served as a visible demonstration of their unwavering faith, which Jesus explicitly acknowledges in [Mark 2:5](/mark/2-5 "Mark 2:5 - Jesus Sees Their Faith"). This dramatic scene not only underscores the desperate need for healing but also powerfully illustrates the kind of tenacious faith that seeks out Jesus regardless of the obstacles, providing a profound lesson for all who seek God's intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic scene in Mark 2:4, where a paralytic is lowered through a roof to reach Jesus, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound truth that Jesus is the one who breaks through all barriers to bring healing and forgiveness. Just as the physical roof was a barrier to the paralytic's access to healing, sin creates an impenetrable barrier between humanity and God. The friends' audacious act of breaking through the roof foreshadows Jesus' own mission to break through the ultimate barrier of sin and death. He is the one who, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, "uncovered" the way to God, tearing the veil of the temple (see [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")) and opening a new and living way for us to draw near to God (as described in [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Our Access to God")). The physical healing of the paralytic points to the spiritual healing and forgiveness of sins that Jesus offers to all who come to Him by faith, for "by His wounds we are healed" ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")). Furthermore, the intercessory role of the friends, bringing the helpless man to Jesus, beautifully prefigures Christ's own ongoing role as our great High Priest and Intercessor, who ever lives to make intercession for us before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")). Thus, Mark 2:4 is not merely a story of physical healing but a powerful illustration of Jesus' divine authority to overcome all obstacles—physical, social, and spiritual—to bring salvation and restoration to humanity.

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

Luke 5:19

And when they could not find by what [way] they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with [his] couch into the midst before Jesus.

Deuteronomy 22:8

When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.