Matthew 9:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 9:3 captures a pivotal moment following Jesus' declaration of forgiveness to a paralytic man, revealing the immediate, internal opposition from the religious elite. The verse records the scribes' silent accusation that Jesus, by claiming the authority to forgive sins, was committing blasphemy—an offense they believed only God Himself could commit. This internal judgment sets the stage for a direct confrontation over Jesus' divine identity and authority, highlighting the profound theological chasm between Jesus' self-revelation and the scribes' rigid understanding of divine prerogative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an immediate response to Jesus' actions in [Matthew 9:2](/matthew/9-2 "Matthew 9:2 - Jesus Forgives Sins"). Jesus, seeing the faith of those who brought the paralytic, declares, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." This statement precedes any physical healing and is the direct trigger for the scribes' internal condemnation. The subsequent verses, [Matthew 9:4-8](/matthew/9-4-8 "Matthew 9:4-8 - Jesus' Authority to Forgive Sins and Heal"), detail Jesus' response to their thoughts, demonstrating His divine knowledge and proving His authority to forgive sins by commanding the paralytic to rise and walk. The entire pericope (Matthew 9:1-8) serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority not just over disease, but over sin itself, a power intrinsically linked to His divine nature.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scribes (γραμματεῖς, *grammateis*) were a highly influential class in first-century Judaism, serving as experts in the Mosaic Law, interpreters of tradition, and often legal advisors. They meticulously copied and studied the Scriptures, and their authority derived from their deep knowledge of the Torah. In Jewish theology, the forgiveness of sins was understood as an exclusive prerogative of God. Only God could truly forgive sins; human priests could only offer sacrifices that atoned for them according to the Law. Therefore, for a man—even one performing miracles—to claim the power to forgive sins was, in their eyes, a direct usurpation of divine authority, a profound insult to God, and thus, an act of **blasphemy** (βλασφημία), which was a capital offense under Jewish law (cf. [Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - Punishment for Blasphemy")). Their reaction was rooted in their theological framework, which did not allow for a human figure to possess such divine power.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 9:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Jesus' Divine Authority and Identity**. By claiming the power to forgive sins, Jesus asserts a prerogative that belongs solely to God, forcing the question of His true nature. This act aligns with other passages where Jesus demonstrates divine authority, such as His power over nature ([Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and demons ([Matthew 8:28-34](/matthew/8-28-34 "Matthew 8:28-34 - Jesus Casts Out Demons")). Secondly, the scribes' accusation introduces the critical theme of **Blasphemy**, which becomes a recurring charge against Jesus throughout His ministry, ultimately leading to His trial and crucifixion (cf. [Matthew 26:65](/matthew/26-65 "Matthew 26:65 - Jesus Accused of Blasphemy")). Finally, the fact that the scribes "said within themselves" yet Jesus responded to their thoughts ([Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knows Their Thoughts")) highlights Jesus' **Divine Omniscience**, a quality that further points to His unique identity as God incarnate.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **scribes (Greek, _grammateús'_):** From γράμμα (gramma), meaning "a writer." This term refers to a professional scribe or secretary, but in the New Testament context, it primarily denotes those learned in the Jewish Law, serving as its interpreters and teachers. Their role was crucial in preserving and explaining the Torah, making their opposition to Jesus particularly significant as it came from the religious establishment.
* **within themselves (Greek, _en heautoû'_):** Composed of the preposition `en` (in, within) and the reflexive pronoun `heautoû` (himself, themselves). This phrase emphasizes that the scribes' accusation was an internal thought, a private judgment not yet vocalized. The fact that Jesus knew what they were thinking, despite their silence, powerfully demonstrates His divine omniscience and ability to perceive the innermost thoughts of others.
* **blasphemeth (Greek, _blasphēméō'_):** From βλάσφημος (blasphēmos), meaning "to vilify." This verb signifies speaking impiously, irreverently, or slanderously, especially against God or sacred things. 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, thereby dishonoring God's unique prerogative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold,"**: This introductory phrase, often translated as "and look!" or "and suddenly!", serves to draw the reader's attention to an unexpected or significant event. It signals a dramatic shift in the narrative focus from the paralytic's healing to the scribes' reaction.
* **"certain of the scribes"**: This identifies the specific group observing Jesus. As noted in the context, these were the religious experts and guardians of the Law, whose presence indicates the official scrutiny Jesus was under. Their collective presence and shared internal thought suggest a unified theological opposition.
* **"said within themselves,"**: This crucial detail highlights that the scribes' accusation was not spoken aloud but was a private, internal judgment. This sets up the demonstration of Jesus' divine knowledge in the subsequent verse, as He perceives their unspoken thoughts, further validating His divine claims.
* **"This [man] blasphemeth."**: This is the core accusation. "This [man]" (οὗτος, *houtos*) is a somewhat dismissive or contemptuous reference to Jesus. The charge of "blasphemeth" (βλασφημέω, *blasphēméō*) is the most severe theological accusation possible in Judaism, implying that Jesus was speaking evil against God or claiming divine attributes for Himself, specifically the power to forgive sins.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 9:3 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the very individuals who are supposed to be spiritual guides and interpreters of God's will are the ones who fail to recognize God's presence and authority in Jesus. Their deep knowledge of the Law ironically blinds them to the Lawgiver Himself. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as this internal accusation of blasphemy anticipates the formal charges that will be brought against Jesus later in His ministry, culminating in His trial before the Sanhedrin where He is condemned for blasphemy (e.g., [Matthew 26:65-66](/matthew/26-65-66 "Matthew 26:65-66 - Jesus Condemned for Blasphemy")). Finally, the contrast between the scribes' hidden thoughts and Jesus' immediate knowledge of them creates a powerful **Contrast**, emphasizing Jesus' divine omniscience against human limitation and hidden judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The scribes' accusation in Matthew 9:3 directly challenges Jesus' divine authority and identity, forcing the reader to confront the profound implications of His claim to forgive sins. In Jewish theology, the power to forgive sins was understood as an exclusive attribute of God (e.g., [Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "Isaiah 43:25 - God Forgives Sins")). By asserting this power, Jesus was implicitly, if not explicitly, claiming equality with God. This moment is a critical theological flashpoint, revealing that Jesus' ministry was not merely about healing physical ailments but about addressing humanity's deepest spiritual need: reconciliation with God through the forgiveness of sin. The scribes, clinging to a rigid understanding of God's transcendence, could not conceive of God acting in such an immanent, human form, leading them to misinterpret divine authority as blasphemy.

* [Mark 2:7](/mark/2-7 "Mark 2:7 - Who Can Forgive Sins But God Only?")
* [Luke 5:21](/luke/5-21 "Luke 5:21 - Scribes and Pharisees Question Jesus' Authority")
* [Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "Isaiah 43:25 - God Alone Blots Out Transgressions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 9:3 serves as a profound mirror, inviting us to examine our own preconceptions about God and His work. The scribes, despite their deep immersion in the Scriptures, were so constrained by their theological framework and expectations that they failed to recognize the divine authority standing before them. Their internal judgment of "blasphemy" stemmed from a limited understanding of who God is and how He chooses to operate in the world. For us today, this passage challenges us to remain open to God's unexpected ways, to critically assess our own theological biases, and to avoid the spiritual blindness that can arise from rigid adherence to tradition without discerning the living presence of God. It compels us to ask if we truly acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, possessing full divine authority, including the power to forgive sins and offer complete redemption. Our response to Jesus' claims of authority, particularly over sin, reveals the depth of our faith and understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are some of my own preconceived notions about how God should act or who Jesus should be, and how might these limit my understanding of Him?**
* **How readily do I acknowledge Jesus' full divine authority, particularly His power over sin in my own life?**
* **In what ways might I, like the scribes, be tempted to judge or dismiss divine truth when it challenges my established beliefs or comforts?**
* **What does Jesus' ability to know the scribes' thoughts teach me about His character and His relationship with me?**

### FAQ

**Why was Jesus' statement considered blasphemy by the scribes?**

Answer: Jesus' statement, "thy sins be forgiven thee," was considered blasphemy because, in Jewish theology, the power to forgive sins was an exclusive prerogative of God alone. The scribes believed that only God could truly absolve a person of their sins. For a man, even one who performed miracles, to claim this divine authority was seen as a direct usurpation of God's unique power and an insult to His holiness, thus constituting blasphemy, a capital offense under Jewish law (see [Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - Punishment for Blasphemy")). They did not recognize Jesus' divine nature, viewing Him only as a man.

**What is the significance of the scribes saying "within themselves" rather than speaking aloud?**

Answer: The detail that the scribes "said within themselves" is highly significant because it immediately sets up the demonstration of Jesus' divine omniscience. In [Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knows Their Thoughts"), Jesus responds to their unspoken thoughts, asking, "Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?" This reveals His supernatural ability to perceive the innermost intentions and judgments of others, a characteristic attributed to God alone. It serves as a powerful, undeniable proof of His divine nature, contrasting sharply with the scribes' hidden, human limitations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:3, with the scribes' accusation of blasphemy, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of Jesus' mission. Jesus' claim to forgive sins, which the scribes deemed blasphemous, is precisely what He came to accomplish through His atoning work on the cross. The very authority He asserted in [Matthew 9:2](/matthew/9-2 "Matthew 9:2 - Jesus Forgives Sins") was validated by His death and resurrection, demonstrating that He is indeed the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His divine power to forgive, challenged by the scribes, is the cornerstone of the New Covenant, where forgiveness is freely offered to all who believe in Him (cf. [Acts 10:43](/acts/10-43 "Acts 10:43 - Forgiveness Through Jesus")). The "blasphemy" they perceived was, in reality, the revelation of God's redemptive plan unfolding in the person of Jesus Christ, who, as [our great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), entered the heavenly sanctuary to secure eternal redemption, making true forgiveness possible for all humanity (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, the scribes' accusation inadvertently highlighted the very truth that would bring salvation to the world.

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

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?