Mark 2:5

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

When {G1161} Jesus {G2424} saw {G1492} their {G846} faith {G4102}, he said {G3004} unto the sick of the palsy {G3885}, Son {G5043}, thy {G4675} sins {G266} be forgiven {G863} thee {G4671}.

Seeing their trust, Yeshua said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

And Jesus seeing their faith saith unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins are forgiven.

Commentary

Mark 2:5 records a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, demonstrating His divine authority and compassionate nature. This verse is central to understanding Jesus' mission and the priorities of the Kingdom of God.

Context

This event takes place in Capernaum, a key center for Jesus' early ministry. The house where Jesus was teaching was so packed that there was no room left, not even at the door. A paralytic man, suffering from "palsy" (a form of paralysis), was brought by four determined friends who, unable to get through the crowd, ingeniously lowered him through the roof. Jesus' immediate response to this extraordinary act of devotion sets the stage for a profound spiritual declaration.

Key Themes

  • The Power of Collective Faith: Jesus explicitly "saw their faith"—referring not just to the paralytic's belief, but especially to the bold, persistent faith of the four men who brought him. This highlights the importance of intercessory prayer and supportive community in bringing others to Christ.
  • Jesus' Authority to Forgive Sins: Rather than immediately healing the man's physical ailment, Jesus first addresses his spiritual condition, declaring, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee." This statement was highly controversial to the religious leaders present, as only God could forgive sins. It directly asserts Jesus' divine authority, a theme further explored when Jesus later proves His power by healing the man physically.
  • Prioritizing Spiritual Needs: Jesus' action reveals His primary concern for humanity's deepest need: reconciliation with God. While physical healing is important, spiritual healing and eternal salvation are paramount.

Linguistic Insights

The term "palsy" comes from the Greek word paralytikos (παραλυτικός), simply meaning "paralytic" or "one who is paralyzed." The phrase "be forgiven" translates the Greek aphietai (ἀφίενται), which signifies "to send away," "to release," or "to remit." It's a declaration of release from the burden and guilt of sin. Jesus addresses the man as "Son" (teknon - τέκνον), a tender and compassionate term that conveys affection and care, underscoring His gentle approach to one in need.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Compassion and Intercession: We are called to embody the persistent faith of the four friends, actively bringing others to Jesus, even overcoming obstacles.
  • The Core of the Gospel: It reminds us that forgiveness of sins, offered freely through Christ, is the most significant healing anyone can receive. This spiritual liberation is the foundation for all other blessings.
  • Jesus' Unchallenged Authority: We can rest assured in the knowledge that Jesus Christ possesses full authority to forgive sins and bring spiritual restoration to all who believe, a truth that echoes throughout the New Testament, such as in Acts 10:43, where Peter proclaims that through Jesus' name, all who believe receive remission of sins.
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 9:2 (14 votes)

    And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

  • James 5:15 (10 votes)

    And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

  • Mark 2:9 (6 votes)

    Whether is it 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 2:10 (6 votes)

    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,)

  • Matthew 9:22 (5 votes)

    But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

  • Luke 7:47 (4 votes)

    Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little.

  • Luke 7:50 (4 votes)

    And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.