Matthew 9:3

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This [man] blasphemeth.

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, certain {G5100} of the scribes {G1122} said {G2036} within {G1722} themselves {G1438}, This {G3778} man blasphemeth {G987}.

On seeing this, some of the Torah-teachers said among themselves, "This man is blaspheming!"

On seeing this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!”

And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

Context

Matthew 9:3 occurs immediately after Jesus heals a paralytic man. In Matthew 9:2, Jesus tells the paralytic, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." This declaration, rather than the physical healing itself, is what provokes the strong reaction from the scribes. As religious experts and interpreters of the Mosaic Law, they believed the power to forgive sins was an exclusive attribute of God. Therefore, Jesus' statement was seen as a direct challenge to their theological understanding and a perceived usurpation of divine authority.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Authority and Identity: The scribes' accusation highlights a central theme in the Gospels: the true identity of Jesus. By claiming the ability to forgive sins, Jesus was asserting a divine prerogative. This act demonstrates Jesus' authority as the Son of Man, who possesses power on earth to forgive sins, a concept challenging the scribes' limited view of His nature.
  • Blasphemy: In Jewish law, blasphemy was a grave offense, punishable by death. It involved speaking evil against God, dishonoring His name, or claiming attributes that belong solely to Him. The scribes believed Jesus was committing this ultimate sin by assuming a power (forgiveness of sins) that only God possessed, thereby equating Himself with God.
  • Divine Knowledge: The verse notes that the scribes "said within themselves," yet Jesus immediately knew their thoughts (as revealed in Matthew 9:4). This detail further emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and omniscience, contrasting sharply with the scribes' human limitations and hidden judgments.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "blasphemeth" is blasphēmeō (βλασφημέω). This term signifies speaking impiously, irreverently, or slanderously of God or sacred things. It implies a malicious or contemptuous utterance against the divine. For the scribes, Jesus' claim to forgive sins was the ultimate form of blasphemy, as it attributed to a human being a power reserved for God alone. Understanding this term is crucial for grasping the severity of their internal judgment against Jesus.

Practical Application

This passage compels us to consider the true identity of Jesus. The scribes, despite their deep knowledge of the Law and religious traditions, failed to recognize God's presence and authority embodied in Jesus. Their rigid adherence to the letter of the law blinded them to the spirit of God's redemptive work. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder to look beyond superficial appearances and human expectations to truly understand and acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, who possesses divine authority, including the power to forgive sins and offer complete redemption. It challenges us to examine our own preconceptions about how God works and who He is in our lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 26:65

    Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

  • Leviticus 24:16

    And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, [and] all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name [of the LORD], shall be put to death.

  • 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 7:39

    Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw [it], he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman [this is] that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

  • Luke 7:40

    And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

  • John 10:33

    The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

  • John 10:36

    Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

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