### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **paralytikós**, represented by `{{G3885}}`, describes a person who is **"paralytic"** or sick of the palsy. It appears **10 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from a word meaning to dissolve, it illustrates a state of physical powerlessness and is used exclusively in the Gospels to describe individuals healed by Jesus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3885}}` appears in several key healing accounts. One prominent story involves a **paralytikós** brought to Jesus by friends who lower him through a roof on his bed [[Mark 2:4]]. In this instance, Jesus explicitly connects the physical healing to spiritual forgiveness, first telling the man, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee" [[Mark 2:5]] before commanding him to rise and walk [[Matthew 9:6]]. The term is also used to describe a centurion's servant, who was at home "sick of the palsy, grievously tormented" [[Matthew 8:6]]. Furthermore, individuals with palsy are included in broader summaries of Jesus's healing ministry, where they are brought to him among many others suffering from diverse diseases and torments [[Matthew 4:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the condition and healing of the paralytic:
* `{{G2323}}` **therapeúō** (to wait upon menially, i.e. (figuratively) to adore (God), or (specially) to relieve (of disease):--cure, heal, worship): This word describes the act of healing that Jesus performs on those with palsy, often in a list of many other afflictions he cured [[Matthew 4:24]].
* `{{G4374}}` **prosphérō** (to bear towards, i.e. lead to, tender (especially to God), treat): This term is used for the action of bringing the sick to Jesus. For instance, people **brought** a man **sick of the palsy** to him on a bed [[Matthew 9:2]].
* `{{G928}}` **basanízō** (to torture): This word conveys the intense suffering associated with the condition. The centurion's servant was described as not only having palsy but being "grievously **tormented**" [[Matthew 8:6]].
* `{{G2621}}` **katákeimai** (to lie down, i.e. (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal): This verb specifies the helpless state of the paralytic, who is described as having **lay** on a bed that was let down through a roof [[Mark 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3885}}` is demonstrated in its narrative use.
* **Authority to Forgive Sins:** The healing of a **paralytikós** serves as a visible sign of Jesus's invisible authority to forgive sins, a power the scribes believed belonged to God alone ([[Matthew 9:6]], [[Mark 2:10]]).
* **The Power of Intercessory Faith:** The narratives repeatedly highlight that Jesus acts in response to the faith of those bringing the paralytic to him, demonstrating the importance of community and intercession in receiving divine help ([[Matthew 9:2]], [[Mark 2:5]]).
* **Overcoming Helplessness:** The condition of the **paralytikós**, often described as lying down and tormented, represents a state of complete helplessness. The healing illustrates Christ's power to restore not just physical function but also to command the restored person to "Arise, take up thy bed, and go" [[Matthew 9:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3885}}` is not merely a clinical descriptor but a term rich with theological weight. It consistently appears in contexts where Jesus's divine authority is demonstrated, linking physical healing to the forgiveness of sins. The stories of the **paralytikós** serve as powerful illustrations of Christ's power over both physical affliction and spiritual brokenness, often initiated by the faith of a loving community.
TRV