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Matthew 9:6

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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.

But {G1161} that {G2443} ye may know {G1492} that {G3754} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} hath {G2192} power {G1849} on {G1909} earth {G1093} to forgive {G863} sins {G266},(then {G5119} saith he {G3004} to the sick of the palsy {G3885},) Arise {G1453}, take up {G142} thy {G4675} bed {G2825}, and {G2532} go {G5217} unto {G1519} thine {G4675} house {G3624}.

But look! I will prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." He then said to the paralyzed man, "Get up, pick up your mattress, and go home!"

But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (then saith he to the sick of the palsy), Arise, and take up thy bed, and go unto thy house.

Commentary

Context

This verse is the climax of Jesus' interaction with a paralytic man brought to Him by his friends, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. In the preceding verses (Matthew 9:2-5), Jesus first declared the man's sins forgiven, which immediately drew criticism from the scribes present, who considered this blasphemy, believing only God could forgive sins. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, challenged them by asking which was easier: to say 'Thy sins be forgiven thee,' or to say 'Arise, and walk' (Matthew 9:5). Verse 6 serves as Jesus' direct answer and powerful demonstration of His divine authority.

Key Themes

  • The Authority of Jesus Christ: The core message is Jesus' unparalleled authority (Greek: exousia) not only to heal physical ailments but, more profoundly, to forgive sins. This power is explicitly stated as being "on earth," emphasizing its present and tangible reality.
  • Proof of Divine Identity: The physical healing of the paralytic served as irrefutable evidence of Jesus' spiritual authority. By performing a visible miracle that no mere man could accomplish, Jesus validated His claim to forgive sins, a prerogative of God alone.
  • Holistic Salvation: Jesus addresses both the man's spiritual need (forgiveness of sins) and his physical need (healing from paralysis). This highlights a holistic approach to salvation, encompassing both spiritual restoration and physical well-being, though the spiritual is prioritized.

Linguistic Insights

The title "Son of man" is significant. Jesus frequently used this term to refer to Himself. While it emphasizes His humanity and identification with mankind, it also carries profound messianic implications, drawing from prophecies like Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is given everlasting dominion and glory. Here, it underscores His unique authority as the divine-human mediator.

The word "power" translates the Greek word exousia, which means "authority," "right," or "jurisdiction," rather than mere strength (dynamis). This choice of word emphasizes Jesus' legitimate right and inherent prerogative to act, particularly in matters of divine judgment and forgiveness.

Practical Application

Matthew 9:6 profoundly impacts our understanding of Jesus today:

  • It assures us that Jesus has the full authority to forgive sins. No sin is too great for His mercy and power. This offers immense hope and freedom to those burdened by guilt.
  • It encourages us to trust in Jesus for both our spiritual and physical needs. While not every illness is a direct result of sin, this passage demonstrates Jesus' compassion for our whole being.
  • The passage challenges us to recognize and believe in Jesus' true identity as the Son of God, possessing divine authority. Just as the crowd marveled at His power (Matthew 9:8), we are called to acknowledge His sovereignty in our lives.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Matthew 9:5 (5 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 43:25 (5 votes)

    I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:10 (3 votes)

    To whom ye forgive any thing, I [forgive] also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave [it], for your sakes [forgave I it] in the person of Christ;

  • John 5:21 (3 votes)

    For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth [them]; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

  • John 5:23 (3 votes)

    That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

  • John 20:21 (3 votes)

    Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

  • John 20:23 (3 votes)

    Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; [and] whose soever [sins] ye retain, they are retained.