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?

Whether {G5101} is it {G2076} easier {G2123} to say {G2036} to the sick of the palsy {G3885}, Thy sins {G266} be forgiven {G863} thee {G4671}; or {G2228} to say {G2036}, Arise {G1453}, and {G2532} take up {G142} thy {G4675} bed {G2895}, and {G2532} walk {G4043}?

Which is easier to say to the paralyzed man? `Your sins are forgiven'? or `Get up, pick up your stretcher and walk'?

“Which is easier: to say to a paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and walk’?

Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

Commentary

Mark 2:9 is a pivotal rhetorical question posed by Jesus during the dramatic healing of a paralyzed man in Capernaum. This verse comes immediately after Jesus declared the paralytic's sins forgiven (a shocking claim to the religious leaders present) and before He commands the man to walk.

Context

The scene unfolds in a crowded house in Capernaum, where Jesus was teaching. Four men, desperate to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus, lowered him through the roof because of the dense crowd. Upon seeing their faith, Jesus' first words to the paralytic were, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee" (Mark 2:5). This immediately provoked the scribes, who silently accused Him of blasphemy, reasoning that only God could forgive sins. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, responds with this profound question, challenging their underlying assumptions about His authority.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Divine Authority: The central theme is Jesus' claim to and demonstration of authority that belongs to God alone. By asking whether it's easier to forgive sins or to heal, Jesus highlights that both require divine power. He then proceeds to perform the visible miracle (healing) to prove His invisible authority to forgive sins.
  • Forgiveness of Sins: This passage underscores the primary mission of Jesus – to deal with humanity's sin problem. While physical healing is remarkable, spiritual healing through forgiveness is presented as the more significant, though less outwardly demonstrable, act.
  • Proof by Demonstration: Jesus uses a logical, unassailable argument. It is "easier" to *say* sins are forgiven because there's no immediate, tangible proof. However, commanding a paralyzed man to "Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk" and having it happen provides undeniable evidence of supernatural power. The physical miracle validates the spiritual claim.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Whether is it easier" (Greek: Ti estin eukopoteron) is a direct, confrontational rhetorical question. Jesus isn't asking which act is physically less strenuous for Him, but which is more easily verifiable or less likely to be challenged by human observers. The term "palsy" (Greek: paralytikon) refers to paralysis, a condition that rendered the man utterly helpless. The phrase "Thy sins be forgiven thee" uses a passive voice, implying that the forgiveness is enacted by God.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that Jesus possesses comprehensive power, extending over both our spiritual condition and our physical ailments. It challenges us to consider which healing is truly more vital: the restoration of the body or the forgiveness of the soul. Jesus' actions here teach that true healing begins with spiritual reconciliation with God. His ability to command the paralytic to walk served as a powerful sign that His declaration of forgiveness of sins was genuine and backed by divine authority. We are called to seek His forgiveness first, trusting that He has the power to address our deepest needs.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 5:22 (7 votes)

    But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

  • Luke 5:25 (7 votes)

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

  • Matthew 9:5 (5 votes)

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