Matthew 9:5

KJV

For whether is easier, to say, [Thy] sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} whether {G5101} is {G2076} easier {G2123}, to say {G2036}, Thy sins {G266} be forgiven {G863} thee {G4671}; or {G2228} to say {G2036}, Arise {G1453}, and {G2532} walk {G4043}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Tell me, which is easier to say -- `Your sins are forgiven' or `Get up and walk'?

Berean Standard Bible

Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’

American Standard Version

For which is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and walk?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 9:5 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He challenges the religious leaders by posing a rhetorical question that underscores His divine authority. Following His declaration of forgiveness to a paralytic, which provoked silent accusations of blasphemy from the scribes, Jesus compels them to consider the true nature of power: Is it easier to claim the invisible act of forgiving sins, or to command a visible, immediate physical healing? This question serves to validate His spiritual authority through a demonstrable physical miracle, revealing His unique identity as the Son of Man with power on earth to forgive sins.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 9:5 is nestled within a broader narrative demonstrating Jesus' authority and compassion. The passage begins in [Matthew 9:1](/matthew/9-1 "Matthew 9:1 - Jesus Returns to Capernaum") with Jesus' return to Capernaum, where a paralytic is brought to Him. Instead of immediately addressing the man's physical ailment, Jesus first declares, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee" ([Matthew 9:2](/matthew/9-2 "Matthew 9:2 - Jesus Forgives the Paralytic")). This profound statement immediately draws the silent condemnation of the scribes present, who perceive it as blasphemy, reasoning that only God can forgive sins ([Matthew 9:3](/matthew/9-3 "Matthew 9:3 - Scribes Accuse Jesus of Blasphemy")). Aware of their thoughts ([Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knows Their Thoughts")), Jesus then poses the rhetorical question of verse 5, setting the stage for the subsequent miraculous healing that proves His divine claims. The healing of the paralytic ([Matthew 9:6-8](/matthew/9-6-8 "Matthew 9:6-8 - Jesus Heals the Paralytic")) serves as the tangible evidence of His spiritual authority, culminating in the crowd's awe and glorification of God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly its religious leaders like the scribes, held a deeply ingrained understanding of God's exclusive prerogative to forgive sins. They believed that sin was an offense against God alone, and therefore, only God could grant remission. Any human claiming such authority was considered to be usurping divine power, an act of blasphemy punishable by death according to Mosaic Law. Furthermore, there was a common, though not universal, belief that physical ailments could be a direct consequence of sin (e.g., [John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Disciples Ask About Sin and Blindness")). Thus, when Jesus forgave the paralytic's sins, it challenged their theological framework on multiple levels: His claim to divine authority and His apparent deviation from addressing the physical infirmity first. Capernaum, a bustling fishing town on the Sea of Galilee, served as Jesus' adopted home and a hub for much of His early ministry, making it a significant setting for these public displays of power and authority.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 9:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Foremost is the **Authority of Jesus**, demonstrating His sovereignty not only over physical creation and disease but, more significantly, over sin itself. This passage highlights Jesus as the **Son of Man with Authority to Forgive Sins**, a crucial Christological title that underscores His unique divine-human nature and mission ([Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Matthew 9:6 - Jesus' Authority to Forgive Sins")). It also emphasizes the **Interconnectedness of Spiritual and Physical Healing**, suggesting that while not all sickness is directly caused by personal sin, true healing often begins with spiritual reconciliation. By addressing the man's spiritual need first and then validating it with a physical miracle, Jesus reveals that His ultimate purpose is to deal with the root problem of humanity: sin. This passage also serves as a direct challenge to the **Unbelief and Legalism of the Religious Leaders**, exposing their limited understanding of God's power and the true nature of the Messiah's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **easier (Greek, _eukopṓteros'_):** Derived from a compound meaning "better for toil" or "more facile," this word directly asks about the comparative ease or difficulty of two actions. Jesus' use of "easier" is rhetorical, implying that while forgiving sins is an invisible act and thus "easier" to *claim* without immediate proof, performing a visible, instant physical healing is "harder" to *fake* and provides undeniable evidence. The true ease, however, lies in Jesus' divine power to accomplish both.
* **forgiven (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb means "to send forth," "to send away," "to release," or "to let go." In the context of sins, it signifies a complete remission, a dismissal, or a release from the guilt and penalty of sin. The passive voice ("be forgiven") implies that God is the agent of this forgiveness, highlighting Jesus' claim to divine prerogative. It is not merely an overlooking of sin, but a radical, liberating act of removal.
* **Arise (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This word means "to waken," "to rouse," or "to lift up," often from sleep, a lying position, disease, or even death. Here, it is a direct, imperative command for the paralytic to stand up from his mat. It signifies a complete restoration of physical ability, a visible and immediate transformation that serves as undeniable proof of the speaker's power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee;":** Jesus initiates a rhetorical question, directly addressing the scribes' unspoken accusation of blasphemy. He contrasts two actions: the verbal declaration of sin forgiveness, an invisible spiritual act, with the verbal command for physical healing, a visible physical act. From a human perspective, it is "easier" to *say* sins are forgiven because there is no immediate, tangible proof required. This part of the question highlights the spiritual authority Jesus claims.
* **"or to say, Arise, and walk?":** This second part of the question presents the alternative: to command a paralytic to stand up and walk. This action, unlike forgiveness, produces immediate, undeniable physical evidence. Jesus implies that if He can perform the "harder" (visibly verifiable) miracle, it validates His power to perform the "easier" (invisibly verifiable, yet divinely profound) act of forgiving sins. The conjunction "or" presents these two actions as mutually exclusive demonstrations of power, with the latter serving as proof for the former.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 9:5 is rich in **Rhetorical Question**. Jesus poses a question not to elicit information, but to make a point, challenge assumptions, and lead His audience to a specific conclusion. The question forces the scribes to confront the implications of His authority. The verse also employs **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast**, placing the invisible act of forgiving sins against the visible act of physical healing. This contrast highlights the different realms of Jesus' power and sets up the subsequent demonstration. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony**: what is "easier" for a human to *say* (forgiveness, as it requires no immediate proof) is actually the greater, divine power, while what is "harder" for a human to *do* (physical healing) is the tangible proof of that greater power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 9:5 profoundly connects to the core of Christian theology, asserting Jesus' unique divine nature and His ultimate mission. It establishes that Jesus possesses the very authority of God to forgive sins, a power that no mere human could wield. This passage underscores that while physical healing is a powerful demonstration of God's compassion and power, it is secondary to the spiritual healing of forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Jesus' ability to command both spiritual and physical restoration reveals Him as the comprehensive Savior, addressing humanity's deepest needs. His question forces a recognition that the one who can command the visible, physical realm must certainly have authority over the invisible, spiritual realm.

* [Mark 2:10](/mark/2-10 "Mark 2:10 - The Son of Man Has Authority to Forgive Sins")
* [Luke 5:24](/luke/5-24 "Luke 5:24 - Jesus' Authority Over Sins")
* [Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "Isaiah 43:25 - God Forgives Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 9:5 invites us to ponder the depths of Jesus' authority and the true nature of our greatest need. In a world often preoccupied with physical ailments and visible problems, this verse redirects our focus to the profound spiritual reality of sin and its remedy. Jesus' actions demonstrate that His primary concern is not merely our comfort or health, but our reconciliation with God. This passage encourages us to bring our whole selves to Jesus—our physical infirmities, yes, but more importantly, our spiritual brokenness and the burden of our sins. It assures us that Jesus has the full authority and power to forgive, to cleanse, and to restore us completely, offering a liberation far greater than any physical healing. We are called to trust in His divine power, recognizing that the one who can command the paralyzed to walk can certainly release us from the chains of sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' question challenge my own understanding of His authority and power?**
* **In what ways do I tend to prioritize physical or visible needs over spiritual needs in my own life or in the lives of others?**
* **What does it mean for me personally that Jesus has the authority to forgive sins?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to seek Jesus for both my physical and spiritual well-being?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus ask this question instead of just healing the man?**

Answer: Jesus asked this rhetorical question to expose the scribes' silent accusations of blasphemy and to demonstrate His divine authority. The scribes believed only God could forgive sins ([Mark 2:7](/mark/2-7 "Mark 2:7 - Scribes Question Jesus' Authority")). By first declaring forgiveness, Jesus provoked their theological objection. Then, by asking which was "easier," He set up a test: while forgiving sins is an invisible act that requires faith to accept, commanding a paralytic to walk is a visible, undeniable miracle. Jesus knew that if He could perform the visible miracle, it would serve as irrefutable proof of His authority to perform the invisible, yet infinitely more significant, act of forgiving sins. He healed the man to validate His claim to divine authority over sin, thereby revealing His true identity as the Son of Man with power on earth to forgive sins ([Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Matthew 9:6 - Jesus' Authority Demonstrated")).

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

Answer: No, this passage does not imply that all sickness is a direct result of personal sin. While there was a common belief in that era that linked sin and suffering (as seen in [John 9:2-3](/john/9-2-3 "John 9:2-3 - Jesus Corrects the Belief About Sin and Blindness")), Jesus explicitly refutes this direct correlation in other instances. In the case of the paralytic, Jesus chose to address the man's spiritual need first, not necessarily because his paralysis was a direct consequence of a specific sin, but to highlight His ultimate mission: to deal with the root problem of humanity, which is sin itself. The physical healing served as a tangible sign of His authority to accomplish the greater, spiritual healing of forgiveness. The passage emphasizes Jesus' comprehensive power over both physical and spiritual ailments, with the spiritual being primary.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:5 powerfully foreshadows the comprehensive work of Christ on the cross. The question of whether it is "easier" to forgive sins or command healing points directly to Jesus' unique identity as the God-man, the only one capable of accomplishing both. His ultimate act of forgiveness was not merely a declaration but a costly sacrifice, where He, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), took upon Himself the sins of the world. The physical healing of the paralytic, a visible demonstration of power, serves as a microcosm of the spiritual resurrection and new life offered through Christ's atoning work. Just as He commanded the paralytic to "Arise, and walk," so too does He call all who are spiritually dead in sin to [rise to new life](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ") through faith in Him. His authority to forgive sins, demonstrated in this passage, finds its ultimate fulfillment in His death and resurrection, through which [redemption and the forgiveness of sins](/colossians/1-14 "Colossians 1:14 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood") are made available to all who believe. This verse, therefore, is a profound testament to Jesus' divine power to address humanity's deepest need, making Him not just a healer of bodies, but the Savior of souls.

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

John 5:8

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

John 5:14

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

Mark 2:9

Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, [Thy] sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

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.

Acts 3:16

And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Luke 5:23

Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?

Luke 5:25

And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.