Mark 2:7

KJV

Why doth this [man] thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

KJV (with Strong's)

Why {G5101} doth {G2980} this {G3778} man thus {G3779} speak {G2980} blasphemies {G988}? who {G5101} can {G1410} forgive {G863} sins {G266} but {G1508} God {G2316} only {G1520}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"How can this fellow say such a thing? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins except God?"

Berean Standard Bible

“Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

American Standard Version

Why doth this man thus speak? he blasphemeth: who can forgive sins but one, even God?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 2:7 records the indignant reaction of the scribes to Jesus's declaration of forgiveness to a paralytic man. They perceive His words as a profound act of blasphemy, challenging His authority by asserting that only God possesses the power to forgive sins. This pivotal moment not only highlights the scribes' rigid theological understanding but also sets the stage for Jesus's subsequent demonstration of His divine prerogative, revealing His true identity as the Son of Man with authority on earth to forgive sins.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 2:7 is nestled within a series of five conflict stories (Mark 2:1-3:6) that showcase Jesus's authority and provoke opposition from religious leaders. Preceding this verse, Jesus is teaching in a crowded house in Capernaum when a paralytic man is lowered through the roof by his four friends, a testament to their extraordinary faith (Mark 2:1-4). Instead of immediately healing the man's physical ailment, Jesus first addresses his spiritual condition, declaring, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee" ([Mark 2:5](/mark/2-5 "Mark 2:5 - Jesus Forgives the Paralytic")). This unexpected pronouncement directly triggers the scribes' internal questioning and accusation in verse 7, which then leads to Jesus's public demonstration of His authority to both forgive sins and heal the body ([Mark 2:8-12](/mark/2-8-12 "Mark 2:8-12 - Jesus Heals and Forgives")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scribes were highly educated Jewish scholars and interpreters of the Mosaic Law, often associated with the Pharisees. They were experts in the Torah and oral traditions, serving as legal authorities and teachers. Their presence in Capernaum, a bustling town on the Sea of Galilee, indicates the widespread interest in Jesus's ministry. In Jewish theology, sin was understood as a transgression against God, and only God could ultimately forgive it, often through the divinely ordained sacrificial system or by direct divine decree ([Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws of Sin Offerings")). To claim the power to forgive sins was, therefore, to usurp a divine prerogative, which was considered blasphemy, a capital offense under Jewish law ([Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - Punishment for Blasphemy")). The scribes' reaction reflects a deeply ingrained theological conviction about God's unique sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **Authority of Jesus**, particularly His divine authority over sin, which is a far greater power than merely healing physical ailments. The scribes' accusation inadvertently highlights the profound claim Jesus is making by forgiving sins, a claim He then substantiates by commanding the paralytic to rise ([Mark 2:10-12](/mark/2-10-12 "Mark 2:10-12 - Jesus Demonstrates His Authority")). Secondly, it reveals the **Spiritual Blindness and Opposition** of the religious elite. While the scribes correctly understood the theological principle that only God forgives sins, their rigid adherence to tradition and their preconceived notions about the Messiah prevented them from recognizing God's presence and power in Jesus. This theme of opposition from the religious establishment continues throughout Mark, culminating in Jesus's crucifixion. Lastly, it touches upon the **Nature of Sin and Forgiveness**, emphasizing that sin is fundamentally an offense against God, and true forgiveness must come from Him. Jesus's actions here demonstrate that He is the divine agent through whom this forgiveness is made possible, foreshadowing His ultimate atoning work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blasphemies (Greek, _blasphēmía_):** From G988, meaning "vilification (especially against God)." In this context, it refers to impious or irreverent speech directed against God, or, as in this case, claiming attributes or powers that belong solely to God. The scribes accuse Jesus of blasphemy because they believe He is usurping God's exclusive right to forgive sins.
* **forgive (Greek, _aphíēmi_):** From G863, meaning "to send forth, in various applications... to remit, suffer, yield up." Here, it specifically denotes the act of remitting or pardoning sins, releasing someone from the guilt and penalty associated with their transgressions. The scribes rightly understand this as a divine action.
* **God (Greek, _theós_) only (Greek, _heîs_):** G2316 refers to "a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity," and G1520 is "a primary numeral; one." The combination "God only" emphasizes the absolute exclusivity of this divine prerogative. The scribes' statement reflects a core monotheistic belief that the power to forgive sins belongs to God alone, reinforcing the gravity of their accusation against Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Why doth this [man] thus speak blasphemies?"**: This rhetorical question expresses the scribes' profound shock and indignation. They identify Jesus simply as "this man," deliberately withholding any recognition of His prophetic or messianic claims. Their use of "blasphemies" indicates their conviction that Jesus's claim to forgive sins is a direct and impious insult to God, an act that merits severe punishment.
* **"who can forgive sins but God only?"**: This second rhetorical question articulates the theological foundation of their accusation. The scribes correctly assert a fundamental truth of Jewish theology: the authority to forgive sins belongs exclusively to God. They see no human, no matter how righteous, as possessing this divine prerogative. Their question is not seeking an answer but rather stating an irrefutable theological principle, which they believe Jesus has violated.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 2:7 primarily employs a **Rhetorical Question** to convey the scribes' outrage and their theological conviction. The questions "Why doth this [man] thus speak blasphemies?" and "who can forgive sins but God only?" are not posed to elicit information but to express a strong, self-evident point of view. They serve to highlight the clash between Jesus's actions and the scribes' understanding of divine authority. The phrase "this [man]" functions as a form of **Understatement** or **Derogation**, deliberately diminishing Jesus's status and implicitly denying any divine or even prophetic authority, contrasting sharply with the profound power He has just claimed. This verse also utilizes **Irony**, as the scribes, in their attempt to condemn Jesus for blasphemy, inadvertently underscore the very truth of His divine identity and authority, which He then proceeds to demonstrate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 2:7 is a pivotal verse that highlights the profound theological implications of Jesus's ministry. The scribes' accusation, while intended to condemn, inadvertently sets the stage for a critical revelation of Jesus's divine nature. Their correct assertion that only God can forgive sins forms the backdrop against which Jesus's subsequent actions—both forgiving and healing—demonstrate His unique authority. This passage forces the reader to confront the question of who Jesus truly is, moving beyond a mere prophet or teacher to recognize Him as the embodiment of divine power and the sole source of ultimate forgiveness. It underscores that the core issue is not merely the healing of a body, but the salvation of a soul, a power reserved for God alone.

* [Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "Isaiah 43:25 - God Forgives Sins")
* [Psalm 130:4](/psalm/130-4 "Psalm 130:4 - Forgiveness with God")
* [Luke 5:21](/luke/5-21 "Luke 5:21 - Scribes' Reaction to Jesus Forgiving Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 2:7 challenges us to examine our own understanding of Jesus's identity and authority. Like the scribes, we may hold correct theological principles, yet fail to recognize God's work when it appears in unexpected forms or challenges our preconceived notions. This passage calls us to move beyond a superficial understanding of Jesus as merely a good teacher or healer, and to embrace the profound truth of His divine power to forgive sins—the deepest human need. It reminds us that true spiritual healing begins with the forgiveness of sins, and that this forgiveness is uniquely available through Christ. Our response to Jesus's claims reveals the true posture of our hearts: will we, like the scribes, be spiritually blind and resistant, or will we, like the paralytic's friends, demonstrate radical faith and receive His transformative power?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own preconceived notions or theological frameworks prevent me from fully recognizing Jesus's authority today?**
* **How does Jesus's authority to forgive sins impact my understanding of my own sin and my need for Him?**
* **What does it mean practically to trust in Jesus's complete authority for salvation and forgiveness in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**Why was it considered blasphemy for Jesus to forgive sins?**

Answer: In Jewish theology, sin was understood as a transgression against God, and therefore, only God had the ultimate authority to forgive sins. This belief is rooted in the Old Testament, where God is consistently portrayed as the one who pardons iniquity ([Psalm 103:3](/psalm/103-3 "Psalm 103:3 - God Forgives All Your Sins")). For any human to claim this power was seen as an act of usurpation, attributing to oneself a divine prerogative, which constituted blasphemy—a grave offense punishable by death under Jewish law ([Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - Punishment for Blasphemy")). The scribes' reaction in [Mark 2:7](/mark/2-7 "Mark 2:7 - Scribes Accuse Jesus of Blasphemy") was a direct consequence of this deeply held theological conviction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 2:7, with the scribes' indignant question, "who can forgive sins but God only?", powerfully sets the stage for the Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. While the scribes correctly state a fundamental truth about God's unique power, they fail to recognize that God Himself is present in the person of Jesus. Jesus's subsequent declaration and healing of the paralytic in [Mark 2:10-12](/mark/2-10-12 "Mark 2:10-12 - Jesus Demonstrates His Authority") serve as a tangible demonstration that He, the Son of Man, possesses this divine authority on earth. This points directly to His unique identity as the incarnate God, who came not only to teach and heal but primarily to deal with the root problem of humanity: sin. His ability to forgive sins is a direct precursor to His atoning work on the cross, where He would become the ultimate sacrifice for sin, taking upon Himself the penalty due to humanity ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus, 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")), offering forgiveness and new life to all who believe, thereby fulfilling the divine prerogative the scribes so jealously guarded.

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

Isaiah 43:25

I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

Daniel 9:9

To the Lord our God [belong] mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;

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 7:49

And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

Job 14:4

Who can bring a clean [thing] out of an unclean? not one.

Psalms 130:4

But [there is] forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.