Matthew 9:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, they brought {G4374} to him {G846} a man sick of the palsy {G3885}, lying {G906} on {G1909} a bed {G2825}: and {G2532} Jesus {G2424} seeing {G1492} their {G846} faith {G4102} said {G2036} unto the sick of the palsy {G3885}; Son {G5043}, be of good cheer {G2293}; thy {G4675} sins {G266} be forgiven {G863} thee {G4671}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some people brought him a paralyzed man lying on a mattress. When Yeshua saw their trust, he said to the paralyzed man, "Courage, son! Your sins are forgiven."

Berean Standard Bible

Just then some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.”

American Standard Version

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 are forgiven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 9:2 presents a profound moment where Jesus demonstrates His unparalleled authority over both physical affliction and spiritual sin. As a paralytic man is brought before Him by devoted friends, Jesus perceives their collective faith and, instead of immediately addressing the physical ailment, declares the man's sins forgiven. This radical pronouncement not only highlights Jesus's divine power but also sets the stage for a critical theological confrontation, emphasizing the priority of spiritual healing and the deep compassion of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This healing narrative immediately follows Jesus's return to Capernaum, described as "his own city" in [Matthew 9:1](/matthew/9-1 "Matthew 9:1 - Jesus Returns to Capernaum"), after calming a storm and casting out demons in the Gerasene region. It marks a shift back to His Galilean ministry and serves as a pivotal account demonstrating Jesus's authority, particularly over sin, which was a deeply controversial claim. The subsequent verses in [Matthew 9:3-8](/matthew/9-3-8 "Matthew 9:3-8 - Jesus's Authority Questioned and Proven") detail the scribes' immediate accusation of blasphemy, leading Jesus to perform the physical healing as tangible proof of His spiritual authority. This episode is also paralleled in [Mark 2:1-12](/mark/2-1-12 "Mark 2:1-12 - The Healing of the Paralytic") and [Luke 5:17-26](/luke/5-17-26 "Luke 5:17-26 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic"), with Mark and Luke providing the additional detail of the man being lowered through the roof, underscoring the extraordinary faith and determination of those who brought him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Capernaum, situated on the Sea of Galilee, served as Jesus's primary base of operations during His Galilean ministry. In first-century Jewish thought, there was often a strong correlation perceived between sin and sickness, where physical ailments were frequently viewed as a direct consequence of sin (though Jesus later challenges this simplistic view in [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1-3 "John 9:1-3 - Not Because of Sin")). Against this backdrop, Jesus's declaration of sin forgiveness before physical healing was deeply provocative. Forgiveness of sins was considered an exclusive prerogative of God, and any human claiming such authority would be seen as blaspheming. The presence of scribes, who were experts in Mosaic Law and Jewish tradition, underscores the theological weight of Jesus's actions and words, as they would be the first to recognize and challenge what they perceived as an affront to divine authority.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes central to Matthew's Gospel and Jesus's ministry. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus's Divine Authority**, particularly His power to forgive sins, a claim reserved for God alone. This immediately establishes Him as more than a mere prophet or healer. Second, the **Power of Faith** is profoundly emphasized, not just the faith of the paralytic, but the active, persistent, and intercessory faith of his friends, which Jesus "seeing" prompts His initial response. This highlights the importance of communal support and belief in bringing individuals to Christ. Lastly, the theme of **Holistic Salvation** emerges, where Jesus addresses the man's spiritual need (forgiveness) before his physical need (healing). This demonstrates that Jesus's mission encompasses the restoration of the whole person, prioritizing the eternal over the temporal, a concept echoed throughout the Gospels, such as in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **seeing (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, a primary verb meaning to see, literally or figuratively; by implication, to know. Here, it signifies Jesus's perceptive understanding and recognition of the genuine, active faith demonstrated by the paralytic and his friends. It's not merely a glance but an insightful discernment of their inner conviction and earnest desire.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** From G4102, meaning persuasion, credence, or moral conviction, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation. In this context, it refers to the deep trust and confidence that the paralytic and his friends had in Jesus's ability and willingness to intervene. It was a faith that spurred them to extraordinary action, overcoming obstacles to bring the man into Jesus's presence.
* **forgiven (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** From G863, meaning to send forth, to forgive, forsake, or remit. The form used here (perfect passive indicative) implies a completed action with ongoing results, signifying a divine declaration of absolution that is immediate, definitive, and eternally effective. Jesus's use of this word underscores His authority to grant full and lasting pardon for sins.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed":** This clause sets the scene, introducing the central figure of the paralytic and highlighting the effort of those who brought him. The phrase "behold" (G2400, _idoú_) draws immediate attention to the significance of the event about to unfold, emphasizing its dramatic and miraculous nature. The detail of the man "lying on a bed" underscores his complete helplessness and dependence, making the subsequent healing all the more profound.
* **"and Jesus seeing their faith":** This is a pivotal phrase, revealing the catalyst for Jesus's action. It's not the man's suffering alone, but the active, visible faith of the group (the paralytic and his friends) that moves Jesus. This highlights the power of corporate faith and intercession, signaling that Jesus responds to genuine belief and earnest seeking.
* **"said unto the sick of the palsy; "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee."":** This is the heart of the verse, where Jesus's divine authority is boldly asserted. His tender address, "Son," conveys compassion and intimacy, while "be of good cheer" (G2293, _tharséō_) is an encouragement to take courage and hope. Most significantly, Jesus's declaration, "thy sins be forgiven thee," is a direct claim to divine prerogative, immediately challenging the religious understanding of the scribes present and prioritizing the man's spiritual condition over his physical one.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 9:2 employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The use of **Foreshadowing** is evident, as Jesus's declaration of sin forgiveness immediately sets the stage for the controversy that follows in [Matthew 9:3](/matthew/9-3 "Matthew 9:3 - Scribes Accuse Jesus of Blasphemy"), hinting at the deeper theological implications of His ministry and the opposition He would face. There is a profound **Irony** in Jesus's initial response: the physically paralyzed man, whose immediate need appears to be healing, first receives spiritual liberation. This subverts expectations and underscores Jesus's priority of addressing the root spiritual sickness of humanity. The **Symbolism** of the bed is also potent, representing the man's utter helplessness and confinement, which Jesus will later command him to take up, symbolizing complete restoration and freedom. The phrase "behold" (Greek _idoú_) functions as an **Exclamatory Interjection**, drawing the reader's attention to the dramatic and significant nature of the event, inviting them to witness a divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage is foundational for understanding Jesus's identity and mission. By claiming the authority to forgive sins, Jesus implicitly declares His deity, stepping into a role reserved exclusively for God in Jewish theology. This act transcends mere physical healing, addressing the deepest human need—reconciliation with God. It reveals that Jesus's primary concern is not merely alleviating temporal suffering but offering eternal salvation, a holistic restoration that begins with spiritual cleansing. The collective faith of the friends also underscores the New Testament theme of intercession and the power of community in bringing individuals to Christ, demonstrating that faith is not always a solitary endeavor.

* [Mark 2:5-12](/mark/2-5-12 "Mark 2:5-12 - Jesus Forgives and Heals") - This parallel account emphasizes the scribes' questioning of Jesus's authority to forgive sins and Jesus's subsequent demonstration of that authority through physical healing.
* [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant") - Prophesies of the Suffering Servant who "bore our griefs and carried our sorrows... was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed," connecting physical and spiritual suffering to the atoning work of the Messiah.
* [Psalm 103:3](/psalm/103-3 "Psalm 103:3 - God Forgives and Heals") - "He forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases," illustrating God's dual capacity for spiritual and physical restoration, a capacity Jesus embodies.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 9:2 offers profound insights for contemporary faith and life. It challenges us to consider Jesus's priorities: while physical ailments are real and distressing, the forgiveness of sins addresses our deepest, most eternal need. This passage encourages us to bring our spiritual burdens, our guilt, and our shame to Jesus with absolute confidence, knowing that He possesses the ultimate authority to grant complete absolution. Furthermore, it highlights the transformative power of a faith community. Just as the friends went to extraordinary lengths to bring the paralytic to Jesus, we are called to be agents of intercession and compassion, actively bringing others to the Savior, whether through prayer, evangelism, or practical acts of love. Our faith should not be passive but should compel us to action on behalf of those in need, trusting in Jesus's power to heal both body and soul.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Jesus's immediate declaration of "thy sins be forgiven thee" reveal about His priorities for humanity?**
* **How does the "faith" of the friends in this passage challenge or affirm your understanding of communal faith and intercession?**
* **In what ways might we be "paralyzed" by sin or spiritual burdens today, and how does Jesus's response in this verse offer hope?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as a church, better embody the active, persistent faith demonstrated by those who brought the paralytic to Jesus?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus forgive the man's sins before healing his physical paralysis?**

Answer: Jesus's decision to forgive the man's sins first was a profound theological statement. In Jewish thought, only God could forgive sins. By making this declaration, Jesus implicitly claimed divine authority, which immediately sparked controversy among the scribes present ([Matthew 9:3](/matthew/9-3 "Matthew 9:3 - Scribes Question Jesus's Authority")). He was prioritizing the man's eternal spiritual condition over his temporal physical one, demonstrating that the deepest human need is reconciliation with God. The subsequent physical healing then served as tangible proof of His unseen spiritual authority, answering the unspoken question of whether He truly had the power to forgive. This act reveals Jesus's mission to offer holistic salvation, addressing the root cause of humanity's brokenness.

**What kind of "faith" did Jesus see, and why was it so significant?**

Answer: Jesus "seeing their faith" refers to the active, demonstrable faith of both the paralytic and, crucially, his friends. This wasn't a passive belief but a faith that spurred them to extraordinary action. As detailed in the parallel accounts ([Mark 2:4](/mark/2-4 "Mark 2:4 - Lowered Through the Roof") and [Luke 5:19](/luke/5-19 "Luke 5:19 - Faith of the Friends")), they overcame significant obstacles, even lowering the man through a roof, to bring him into Jesus's presence. This collective, persistent, and intercessory faith was a powerful testament to their conviction in Jesus's ability to heal and save. It highlights that Jesus responds to genuine, active trust, and underscores the vital role of community in bringing others to Christ.

**Does this passage teach that all sickness is a direct result of sin?**

Answer: No, this passage does not teach that all sickness is a direct result of personal sin. While there was a common cultural perception in Jesus's time that linked sin and suffering, Jesus Himself later challenged this simplistic view (e.g., in [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1-3 "John 9:1-3 - Blind Man Not Born Blind Due to Sin")). In this specific instance, Jesus addresses the man's sins first to assert His divine authority to forgive, a claim that was more radical than merely performing a physical healing. He demonstrates that He has power over both spiritual and physical ailments, but He does not establish a universal rule that all illness stems from individual transgression. Rather, He shows His compassion and power to deal with the totality of human brokenness, both physical and spiritual.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:2 stands as a profound Christ-centered declaration, revealing Jesus not merely as a miracle worker but as the divine Son of God who possesses ultimate authority over sin. When Jesus declares, "thy sins be forgiven thee," He is exercising a prerogative belonging to God alone, thereby asserting His own deity. This act foreshadows His ultimate mission: to offer true and lasting forgiveness through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. The forgiveness granted here is a glimpse into the new covenant established by Christ's blood, where redemption and the remission of sins are freely offered to all who believe. As [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ") proclaims, "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Jesus, the Lamb of God, came to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and His declaration in Matthew 9:2 is a powerful demonstration of that saving power, ultimately fulfilled in His death and resurrection, through which all who confess their sins can find true and complete absolution ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")).

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

Mark 2:1

¶ And again he entered into Capernaum after [some] days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

Mark 2:12

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

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.

Jeremiah 31:33

But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Jeremiah 31:34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Matthew 9:22

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.