Matthew 9:7

KJV

And he arose, and departed to his house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he arose {G1453}, and departed {G565} to {G1519} his {G846} house {G3624}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And the man got up and went home.

Berean Standard Bible

And the man got up and went home.

American Standard Version

And he arose, and departed to his house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 9:7 provides the climactic and undeniable evidence of Jesus' authority to forgive sins and heal, immediately following His declaration to the paralytic man. This concise verse records the man's instantaneous and complete obedience to Jesus' command to "Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house," demonstrating a profound physical restoration that publicly validated Jesus' divine power over both spiritual and physical ailments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful conclusion to the narrative of the healing of the paralytic man, which begins in [Matthew 9:1](/matthew/9-1 "Matthew 9:1 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic"). Jesus' initial declaration, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee," immediately draws the ire of the scribes present, who perceive it as blasphemy, believing only God can forgive sins. In response, Jesus, knowing their thoughts, challenges their unspoken accusations by posing a rhetorical question: "For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?" ([Matthew 9:5](/matthew/9-5 "Matthew 9:5 - Jesus' Challenge to the Scribes")). He then explicitly states His purpose: "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house" ([Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Matthew 9:6 - Jesus Commands the Paralytic")). Matthew 9:7 records the immediate, tangible, and public fulfillment of this command, leaving no doubt about Jesus' authority. The subsequent verse, [Matthew 9:8](/matthew/9-8 "Matthew 9:8 - The Crowd's Reaction"), describes the crowd's astonished and worshipful reaction, underscoring the impact of this miracle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold in Capernaum, a bustling fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, which served as Jesus' primary base of operations in Galilee. In first-century Jewish society, physical ailments, especially debilitating ones like paralysis, were often linked to sin (either the individual's or their parents'), leading to social ostracization and a sense of divine disfavor. A paralytic's inability to walk meant complete dependence on others, often reducing them to begging. For Jesus to command the man to "take up thy bed" was not merely a demonstration of healing, but a symbolic act of reclaiming dignity and independence. The "bed" (often a simple mat) was a visible sign of his infirmity; carrying it publicly declared his complete restoration and ability to function normally within society. The scribes, as religious authorities, were deeply concerned with upholding the Law and perceived Jesus' claim to forgive sins as an affront to God's unique prerogative, highlighting the theological tension of the moment.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of this passage is the **Divine Authority of Jesus**. The miracle serves as irrefutable proof that Jesus, as the [Son of Man](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus as the Son of Man"), possesses the unique power to forgive sins—a power traditionally reserved for God alone. His physical healing of the paralytic validates His spiritual authority, demonstrating that His claims are not empty words but are backed by divine power. Another significant theme is **Immediate Obedience and Restoration**. The paralytic's instant response to Jesus' command—he "arose, and departed"—underscores the absolute efficacy of Christ's word. There was no gradual recovery or hesitation; the healing was complete and instantaneous, signifying a holistic restoration of the man's physical, social, and spiritual well-being. Finally, the event highlights **Public Witness and Glorification of God**. By departing "to his house," the man became a living, walking testimony to Jesus' power. His journey home was a public spectacle, confirming to all who saw him that a profound miracle had occurred. This public display led the crowds to marvel and glorify God, as recorded in [Matthew 9:8](/matthew/9-8 "Matthew 9:8 - The Crowd's Awe and Praise"), fulfilling the purpose of Jesus' demonstration of authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **arose (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb, often translated as "to waken" or "to raise up," signifies a dramatic and complete change of state. Here, it indicates the paralytic's immediate and full ability to stand up from his paralyzed condition, implying not just a partial recovery but a total restoration of strength and mobility. It emphasizes the instantaneous nature of Jesus' healing power.
* **departed (Greek, _apérchomai'_):** Meaning "to go off" or "to go away," this verb highlights the man's active movement away from the scene. It underscores his newfound freedom and independence, no longer confined by his illness but able to move freely and purposefully. This word conveys the finality and completeness of his physical restoration.
* **house (Greek, _oîkos'_):** This term refers to a dwelling or home, but by implication, it also signifies family and household. The instruction for the man to return "to his house" represents a return to normalcy, dignity, and community. It implies not just a physical destination but a restoration of his place within his family and society, from being an outcast to being a fully integrated member.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he arose":** This phrase describes the immediate and miraculous physical action of the paralytic. In direct response to Jesus' command in the preceding verse, the man, who was previously unable to move, instantly gained full strength and stood up. This is the tangible proof of Jesus' power to heal.
* **"and departed to his house":** This part of the verse describes the man's subsequent action, demonstrating the completeness of his healing and his return to normal life. His departure "to his house" signifies his ability to walk independently and resume his place within his family and community, no longer confined by his illness or dependent on others.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Simplicity** and **Directness** in its language, mirroring the immediate and uncomplicated nature of the miracle itself. There is no elaborate description of the healing process, no struggle or gradual recovery; the man simply "arose, and departed." This directness emphasizes the absolute power of Jesus' word. Furthermore, the act of the man returning "to his house" carries significant **Symbolism**. It symbolizes not only physical healing but also a restoration of dignity, social standing, and a return to the normalcy of life that paralysis had denied him. His journey home, presumably carrying his mat, served as a public **Testimony**, a living, walking sign to all who saw him that a profound and divine intervention had occurred.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 9:7 profoundly connects the physical healing of the paralytic to the spiritual authority of Jesus to forgive sins. This miracle serves as a visible sign, validating Jesus' claim to divine prerogative. The immediate and complete restoration of the man's body demonstrates that the one who can command the physical realm with such authority is indeed the one who can also address the deepest spiritual need—the forgiveness of sins. This holistic approach to human suffering, addressing both physical ailment and spiritual brokenness, underscores Jesus' comprehensive redemptive work. It reveals that His mission is not merely to alleviate symptoms but to bring about total restoration, reconciling humanity to God and empowering them for a new life.

* [Mark 2:10-12](/mark/2-10-12 "Mark 2:10-12 - The Son of Man Forgives Sins")
* [Luke 5:24-25](/luke/5-24-25 "Luke 5:24-25 - Jesus' Authority to Forgive and Heal")
* [Isaiah 35:6](/isaiah/35-6 "Isaiah 35:6 - The Lame Leaping Like a Deer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 9:7, though brief, offers a profound lesson on the transformative power of Christ's word and the comprehensive nature of His salvation. Just as the paralytic was instantly and completely restored by Jesus' command, we are reminded that God's word holds the power to bring about radical change in our lives, addressing not only our physical needs but, more importantly, our spiritual condition. This passage encourages us to trust in Jesus' authority over all aspects of our existence, knowing that He desires to bring us into wholeness—spirit, soul, and body. Our own lives, when transformed by His grace, become a living testimony, much like the paralytic's journey home. We are called to live out our restored lives in a way that points others to the One who has the power to forgive sins and bring true healing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to fully trust in Jesus' authority for complete healing or restoration?**
* **How does the paralytic's immediate obedience challenge my own willingness to respond to Christ's commands?**
* **In what ways can my restored life serve as a public testimony to Jesus' power and grace, just as the paralytic's journey home did?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus forgive the paralytic's sins before healing him?**

Answer: Jesus forgave the paralytic's sins first to address the deeper spiritual need and to demonstrate His divine authority. In Jewish thought, sickness was often linked to sin, and only God could forgive sins. By declaring the man's sins forgiven, Jesus directly challenged the scribes' understanding of His identity and power. The subsequent physical healing, which was undeniable and visible, served as irrefutable proof that Jesus indeed possessed the authority to forgive sins on earth, as He stated in [Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Matthew 9:6 - Jesus' Purpose in Healing"). It underscored that His authority was not merely human but divine, encompassing both spiritual and physical realms.

**What is the significance of the paralytic taking up his bed and going home?**

Answer: The act of taking up his bed and going home was highly significant on multiple levels. Physically, it demonstrated the completeness and immediacy of his healing; he was not just able to walk, but strong enough to carry his mat. Socially, it symbolized his restoration to dignity and independence. A paralytic was often an outcast, dependent on others; now he could return to his own "house" ([Matthew 9:7](/matthew/9-7 "Matthew 9:7 - The Paralytic's Return Home")), reclaiming his place in his family and community. Theologically, it was a public and undeniable witness to Jesus' miraculous power, fulfilling Jesus' purpose "that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins" ([Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Matthew 9:6 - Jesus' Declaration of Authority")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:7, though a simple description of a physical act, profoundly points to Christ's ultimate redemptive work. The paralytic's immediate and complete restoration, enabling him to "arise, and departed to his house," foreshadows the spiritual resurrection and new life offered to all who believe in Jesus. Just as the paralytic was freed from the bondage of his physical infirmity, so too are believers freed from the bondage of sin and death through Christ's atoning work on the cross. His authority to forgive sins, demonstrated by this miracle, culminates in His ultimate sacrifice, where He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The paralytic's ability to "arise" echoes the resurrection power of Christ Himself, who "was declared to be the Son of God with power... by the resurrection from the dead" ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). His return "to his house" symbolizes the believer's spiritual journey from alienation to adoption into God's family, becoming [fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Citizens of God's Household"). Ultimately, this verse beautifully illustrates that Jesus came to bring not just physical healing, but a comprehensive, life-transforming salvation that restores humanity to God and empowers them to live a new life, marked by freedom and purpose, until we are welcomed into our eternal home with Him ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us")).

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.