Mark 2:6

KJV

But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} there were {G2258} certain {G5100} of the scribes {G1122} sitting {G2521} there {G1563}, and {G2532} reasoning {G1260} in {G1722} their {G846} hearts {G2588},

Complete Jewish Bible

Some Torah-teachers sitting there thought to themselves,

Berean Standard Bible

But some of the scribes were sitting there and thinking in their hearts,

American Standard Version

But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 2:6 captures a pivotal moment of internal theological conflict among the scribes present at Jesus' healing of the paralytic. Immediately following Jesus' declaration of sin-forgiveness, this verse reveals the scribes' deep-seated, silent deliberation and questioning of Jesus' authority, setting the stage for the direct accusation of blasphemy that follows. It highlights the clash between divine revelation and human religious tradition, underscoring the spiritual blindness of those who, despite their knowledge of the Law, failed to recognize the divine power manifest before them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial narrative arc in [Mark's Gospel](/mark/2 "Mark 2 - Jesus Heals and Forgives"), specifically detailing Jesus' ministry in Capernaum. It directly follows Jesus' bold declaration to the paralytic, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee" ([Mark 2:5](/mark/2-5 "Mark 2:5 - Jesus Forgives the Paralytic's Sins")). The preceding verses describe the extraordinary faith of the four men who lowered the paralytic through the roof, creating a dramatic backdrop for Jesus' controversial statement. Mark 2:6 then serves as the immediate internal reaction of the religious authorities, which quickly escalates into an open challenge in [Mark 2:7](/mark/2-7 "Mark 2:7 - The Scribes' Accusation of Blasphemy") and [Mark 2:8](/mark/2-8 "Mark 2:8 - Jesus Perceives Their Thoughts"). This verse is thus the narrative pivot point, transforming a scene of miraculous healing into a theological confrontation over Jesus' identity and authority.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "scribes" (Greek: _grammateis_) were highly respected and influential figures in first-century Jewish society. They were experts in the Mosaic Law, responsible for its interpretation, teaching, and application. Often associated with the Pharisees, they held significant religious and legal authority. Their presence in Capernaum, a bustling Galilean town and Jesus' adopted home base, indicates their keen interest in Jesus' burgeoning ministry, likely driven by a desire to assess His teachings against established Jewish tradition. In Jewish theology, the forgiveness of sins was an exclusive prerogative of God. Therefore, Jesus' claim to forgive sins was perceived by these scribes as a direct usurpation of divine authority, a profound challenge to their understanding of God's unique power, and thus, an act of blasphemy.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 2:6 is central to several major themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully introduces the theme of **Jesus' Divine Authority**, particularly His authority over sin, which was considered a divine prerogative. This act of forgiveness, rather than merely healing, provokes the scribes' internal "reasoning." Secondly, it highlights the **Growing Opposition** Jesus faced from the religious establishment. The scribes' internal questioning marks the beginning of their active antagonism, which will intensify throughout the Gospel. Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **Spiritual Blindness** versus spiritual insight. Despite witnessing Jesus' power and hearing His profound words, the scribes' intellectual and theological frameworks prevented them from recognizing the divine truth embodied in Jesus. Their focus on the perceived theological transgression (blasphemy) blinds them to the spiritual reality of God's presence and power. This contrasts sharply with the spiritual insight of those who brought the paralytic, demonstrating a key distinction between outward religious observance and genuine faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **scribes (Greek, _grammateús'_):** Refers to a professional writer, a scholar, or an expert in Jewish Law. These individuals were highly educated, responsible for interpreting and teaching the Torah. Their presence indicates an official, scrutinizing gaze upon Jesus' actions, representing the religious establishment's initial assessment of His ministry. Their expertise in the Law made them particularly sensitive to what they perceived as theological deviations.
* **reasoning (Greek, _dialogízomai'_):** This verb implies a thorough reckoning, an internal deliberation, or even a disputation within one's own mind. It suggests a process of critical thought, questioning, and weighing evidence, rather than a simple passing thought. In this context, it indicates the scribes were not merely surprised but were actively engaging in a theological debate with themselves about the implications of Jesus' words, specifically His claim to forgive sins.
* **hearts (Greek, _kardía'_):** In biblical anthropology, the "heart" is not merely the seat of emotions but the core of one's being – the center of intellect, will, and moral decision. Therefore, their "reasoning in their hearts" signifies a deep-seated, internal intellectual and spiritual deliberation. It was a profound, fundamental questioning of Jesus' authority that originated from their core beliefs and understanding of God's exclusive power to forgive sins.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But there were certain of the scribes sitting there,"**: This clause introduces the antagonists of the immediate narrative. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a contrast or shift, signaling the immediate reaction to Jesus' declaration in [Mark 2:5](/mark/2-5 "Mark 2:5 - Jesus Forgives the Paralytic's Sins"). The presence of "certain of the scribes" (G5100, _tìs_, meaning 'some' or 'certain ones') highlights that these were not random observers but specific, authoritative figures who had come to observe Jesus. Their "sitting there" (G2521, _káthēmai_) suggests a posture of deliberate observation, perhaps even judgment, as teachers and judges often sat when performing their duties.
* **"and reasoning in their hearts,"**: This is the crucial element of the verse, revealing the internal, unspoken thoughts of the scribes. The conjunction "and" (G2532, _kaí_) links their presence to their internal activity. Their "reasoning" (G1260, _dialogízomai_) was not an idle thought but a profound, critical deliberation, a mental disputation. The phrase "in their hearts" (G1722, _en_ G846, _autós_ G2588, _kardía_) emphasizes that this was an internal, deeply held conviction, rooted in their core understanding of theology and divine prerogative. They were silently concluding that Jesus' claim was blasphemous, as only God could forgive sins.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 2:6 employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the scribes' internal "reasoning" immediately signals the escalating conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities that will define much of Mark's narrative. This silent judgment sets the stage for the explicit accusations of blasphemy that follow. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: the scribes, who are experts in the Law and presumably closest to understanding God's ways, are precisely the ones who fail to recognize God's power manifest in Jesus. Their intellectual prowess becomes a barrier to spiritual truth. Finally, the phrase "reasoning in their hearts" functions as an **Internal Monologue**, allowing the reader access to the unspoken thoughts and theological objections of the scribes. This technique heightens the tension and underscores the profound spiritual and intellectual chasm between Jesus' understanding of His mission and the scribes' rigid adherence to tradition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 2:6 is profoundly significant as it marks the first explicit challenge to Jesus' divine authority in Mark's Gospel, specifically concerning His power to forgive sins. This power was understood in Judaism as belonging to God alone, making Jesus' declaration a direct claim to deity. The scribes' internal "reasoning" reflects their accurate understanding of this theological principle, yet their spiritual blindness prevented them from recognizing that the one standing before them was indeed God incarnate. This scene initiates a recurring theme of conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders, highlighting their inability to grasp the new covenant breaking forth through Christ's ministry. It underscores that true spiritual understanding often transcends rigid adherence to tradition, requiring an openness to God's fresh revelation.

* [Matthew 9:3](/matthew/9-3 "Matthew 9:3 - Scribes Question Jesus' Authority"): "And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth."
* [Luke 5:21](/luke/5-21 "Luke 5:21 - Scribes and Pharisees Question Jesus"): "And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"
* [Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "Isaiah 43:25 - God Alone Forgives Sins"): "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Mark 2:6 offers a powerful mirror for self-reflection. Like the scribes, we too can find ourselves "reasoning in our hearts," allowing our preconceived notions, intellectual pride, or adherence to familiar traditions to hinder our reception of God's truth or His work in our lives. The scribes were experts in the Law, yet their expertise became a barrier to recognizing the Lawgiver Himself. This challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly open to God's revelation, even when it defies our logic, challenges our comfort zones, or overturns our established understanding? True faith requires a humble posture, willing to submit our intellect and will to God's revealed truth, even when it seems counter-intuitive or demands a radical shift in perspective. It reminds us that spiritual discernment is not merely about intellectual knowledge but about a heart yielded to the Holy Spirit, ready to embrace the unexpected ways God chooses to work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What preconceived notions or intellectual frameworks might be preventing me from fully embracing God's truth or recognizing His work in my life today?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to "reason in my heart" against what God might be calling me to do or believe?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is more open and receptive to God's revelation, even when it challenges my understanding or traditions?**

### FAQ
**Who were the scribes mentioned in this verse, and why were they present?**

Answer: The scribes (Greek: _grammateis_) were highly educated Jewish scholars and legal experts, responsible for interpreting and teaching the Mosaic Law. They were often associated with the Pharisees and held significant religious authority. They were likely present in Capernaum, Jesus' adopted home, to observe and assess His teachings and actions, as His popularity grew. Their role was to ensure adherence to Jewish law and tradition, making them natural scrutinizers of anyone claiming new authority or teaching.

**Why was their "reasoning in their hearts" significant, rather than speaking aloud?**

Answer: Their internal "reasoning" (Greek: _dialogízomai_) was highly significant because it revealed their immediate and profound theological objection to Jesus' claim to forgive sins. Rather than a casual thought, it was a deep, internal deliberation or disputation. The phrase "in their hearts" (Greek: _en tais kardiais autōn_) emphasizes that this was a conviction originating from the very core of their being – their intellect, will, and moral understanding. It was a silent judgment, a conclusion that Jesus was blaspheming, which Jesus then supernaturally perceived, leading to the direct confrontation in [Mark 2:8](/mark/2-8 "Mark 2:8 - Jesus Perceives Their Thoughts"). This internal thought process was the precursor to their open opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 2:6, though seemingly a simple observation of the scribes' internal thoughts, is deeply Christ-centered in its implications. The scribes' "reasoning in their hearts" that "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" ([Mark 2:7](/mark/2-7 "Mark 2:7 - The Scribes' Accusation of Blasphemy")) inadvertently highlights the very essence of Christ's identity and mission. Jesus, by claiming and demonstrating the power to forgive sins, was unequivocally asserting His divine nature. This scene foreshadows the ultimate revelation of Jesus as the one in whom "all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). He is not merely a prophet or a teacher, but God incarnate, who "did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage" but "emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). The scribes, in their human wisdom and adherence to the Law, failed to recognize that the very God they worshipped was standing before them, exercising the divine prerogative of forgiveness. This moment in Mark's Gospel sets the stage for Jesus' ultimate act of forgiveness on the cross, where He, as the Lamb of God, truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), fulfilling the divine promise of reconciliation through His atoning sacrifice.

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 5:21

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

Luke 5:22

But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

Mark 8:17

And when Jesus knew [it], he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?

2 Corinthians 10:5

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Matthew 16:7

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, [It is] because we have taken no bread.

Matthew 16:8

[Which] when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?