Matthew 9:5

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

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}?

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Matthew 9:5

Matthew 9:5 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus healing a paralytic in Capernaum. The scene begins with a paralyzed man being brought to Jesus (see Matthew 9:2). Instead of immediately healing his physical ailment, Jesus first declares, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." This statement immediately provoked the scribes present, who silently accused Jesus of blasphemy, reasoning that only God could forgive sins (as seen in Matthew 9:3). Knowing their thoughts (Matthew 9:4), Jesus poses this rhetorical question in verse 5, challenging their understanding of His authority.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Authority of Jesus: This verse underscores Jesus' divine authority, not just over physical ailments, but supremely over sin. By asking "whether is easier," Jesus highlights that forgiving sins—an invisible, spiritual act—requires an even greater, divine power than performing a visible, physical healing.
  • Connection Between Spiritual and Physical Healing: While not all sickness is a direct result of personal sin, in this instance, Jesus addresses the man's spiritual need first. He then uses the physical healing as undeniable proof of His power to perform the spiritual healing. It is "easier" to *say* sins are forgiven because it cannot be immediately verified by human senses. It is "harder" (for a human) to *say* "Arise, and walk" and have it instantly occur, as this provides immediate, tangible proof. Jesus demonstrates He can do the verifiable "harder" thing, thereby validating His power to do the "easier" (yet divinely profound) spiritual act.
  • Proof of Divine Identity: The question serves as a direct challenge to the scribes' unbelief. Jesus uses the lesser-known, yet greater, power (forgiving sins) and validates it with a widely recognized, visible power (physical healing). This demonstrates that He is indeed the Son of Man with authority on earth to forgive sins, a claim explicitly stated in parallel accounts like Mark 2:10.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "Thy sins be forgiven thee" is aphiéntai soi hai hamartíai sou (ἀφίενταί σοι αἱ ἁμαρτίαι σου). The verb aphiémi (ἀφίημι) means "to send away," "to release," or "to let go." This emphasizes a complete remission and dismissal of sins, not merely overlooking them. The passive voice ("be forgiven") points to God as the agent of forgiveness. The phrase "Arise, and walk" (égeire kai peripátei - ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει) is a direct, imperative command, demanding immediate and visible action, contrasting with the invisible nature of forgiveness.

Practical Application

Matthew 9:5 reminds us that Jesus' authority extends to every aspect of our lives, encompassing both our spiritual and physical well-being. His primary mission was not just to heal bodies but to address the deeper human need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. This passage encourages us to seek Jesus for both our physical needs and, more importantly, for the forgiveness of our sins, acknowledging His unique and divine power to grant true spiritual liberation.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 5:8 (41 votes)

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

  • John 5:14 (41 votes)

    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 (38 votes)

    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 (38 votes)

    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 (28 votes)

    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 (25 votes)

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

  • Luke 5:25 (25 votes)

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