Luke 5:23

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

Whether {G5101} is {G2076} easier {G2123}, to say {G2036}, Thy {G4675} sins {G266} be forgiven {G863} thee {G4671}; or {G2228} to say {G2036}, Rise up {G1453} and {G2532} walk {G4043}?

Which is easier to say? `Your sins are forgiven you'? or `Get up and walk'?

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

Which is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say, Arise and walk?

Commentary

Luke 5:23 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He directly challenges the religious authorities who questioned His power to forgive sins. This verse is a rhetorical question posed by Jesus, designed to expose the spiritual blindness of the scribes and Pharisees and to demonstrate His divine authority.

Context

This verse is part of the account of Jesus healing a paralytic man in Capernaum. After the man's friends famously lowered him through the roof to reach Jesus, Jesus first declared, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee" (Luke 5:20). The scribes and Pharisees, witnessing this, immediately began to question in their hearts, thinking, "Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?" (Luke 5:21). Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, then asked the question in Luke 5:23, setting the stage for a powerful demonstration of His authority.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority of Jesus: The central theme is Jesus' claim to divine authority. Forgiving sins was understood to be a prerogative of God alone. By asking whether it was "easier" to say sins were forgiven or to command physical healing, Jesus implies that both require divine power.
  • Proof by Demonstration: Jesus' question is rhetorical. While forgiving sins is an invisible, spiritual act, physical healing is a visible, tangible miracle. Jesus uses the latter as undeniable proof of His power to accomplish the former. The subsequent healing of the paralytic served as irrefutable evidence of His authority.
  • Connection Between Sin and Sickness: In the ancient Jewish worldview, there was often a perceived link between sin and physical affliction. Jesus addresses both the spiritual root (sin) and the physical manifestation (paralysis), showcasing His holistic power over all aspects of human suffering.

Linguistic Insights

The core of Jesus' question revolves around the concept of authority (Greek: exousia), though the word itself is not in verse 23 but appears in the following verse (Luke 5:24). Jesus' challenge to the critics is rooted in the understanding that only God possesses the authority to forgive sins. By demonstrating His power to heal, Jesus provides irrefutable evidence that He, as the Son of man, has power on earth to forgive sins.

Practical Application

Luke 5:23 reminds us of Jesus' profound power and authority. It highlights that He is not merely a moral teacher or a healer, but God incarnate, capable of addressing humanity's deepest spiritual needs—the forgiveness of sins—as well as our physical ailments. This passage offers great comfort, assuring us that Jesus has power over both our spiritual and physical brokenness. It challenges us to look beyond the visible and recognize the divine power of Christ to bring complete restoration.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 9:5 (3 votes)

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

  • Mark 2:9 (3 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?