Mark 2 10

Mark 2:10 kjv

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

Mark 2:10 nkjv

But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"?He said to the paralytic,

Mark 2:10 niv

But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the man,

Mark 2:10 esv

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" ? he said to the paralytic ?

Mark 2:10 nlt

So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said,

Mark 2 verses

Mark 2 10 Meaning

This verse articulates Jesus' explicit purpose in performing the miraculous healing of the paralytic: to demonstrate unequivocally that He, as the "Son of Man," possesses divine authority on earth to forgive sins. This claim was radical, as traditionally only God could forgive sins, and it directly challenged the religious leaders of His day by asserting His unique divine prerogative.

Mark 2 10 Context

Mark 2:10 is central to the account of Jesus healing the paralytic (Mk 2:1-12). This event immediately follows Jesus' early miracles and draws a large crowd in Capernaum, leading to the roof being opened for the paralytic to be lowered before Jesus. Before performing the physical healing, Jesus tells the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." This statement sparks a direct controversy with the scribes present, who immediately accuse Him of blasphemy, correctly asserting that "who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Mk 2:7). Verse 10 is Jesus' direct response to their internal reasoning and an open declaration of His identity and power, providing the miracle of physical healing (verse 11) as tangible proof of His spiritual authority to forgive. Historically, this claim was profoundly controversial, challenging core Jewish beliefs about God's unique sovereignty over sin and introducing Jesus as the divine mediator of forgiveness.

Mark 2 10 Word analysis

• But that (ἵνα δέ, hina de): A Greek conjunction indicating purpose or result. It signals that what follows is the reason or outcome of Jesus' subsequent action. Here, it introduces Jesus' explicit motive for performing the miracle.
• you may know (εἰδῆτε, eidēte): From eido, meaning "to see," but also "to know" with understanding or perception. It implies a definitive, undeniable grasp of the truth, often implying insight gained through experience or evidence. Jesus wants the scribes, and by extension all present, to truly comprehend His unique authority.
• that the Son of Man (ὅτι ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, hoti ho huios tou anthrōpou):
  • Son of Man (Ho Huios tou Anthrōpou): Jesus' preferred self-designation, used extensively throughout the Gospels. It has roots in Daniel 7:13-14, depicting a figure coming with clouds of heaven, endowed with everlasting dominion, glory, and kingship. This title is paradoxically humble, indicating His humanity, yet supremely divine, pointing to His Messianic and eschatological role as judge and sovereign. Its use here, rather than "Messiah" or "Son of God," allowed Jesus to convey His unique identity without invoking common, often political, misconceptions associated with those other titles.
• has authority (ἔχει ἐξουσίαν, echei exousian):
  • has (echei): Present tense, active voice, emphasizing that Jesus presently possesses this authority; it is inherent to His being.
  • authority (exousian): From exousia, which refers to inherent right, power, jurisdiction, or liberty to act. It's not just "might" or "power" (dynamis), but legitimate, divine authorization and dominion. Jesus is not borrowing authority; He owns it.
• on earth (ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, epi tēs gēs): This phrase is critical. It underscores that this divine authority is active and wielded in the present, tangible world. It directly contrasts with the scribes' expectation that only God in heaven could forgive sins. Jesus brings heaven's authority to earth.
• to forgive (ἀφιέναι, afienai): To "send away," "let go," "remit," "dismiss," or "forgive." It implies a complete cancellation of the debt or sin.
• sins (ἁμαρτίας, hamartias): Plural of hamartia, referring to acts of "missing the mark" or transgressions against God's law and standard. In Jewish theology, sins required atonement, typically through sacrifice, and ultimate forgiveness rested solely with God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But that you may know that...": Establishes the pedagogical intent of Jesus' upcoming action. It's a didactic preamble, designed to reveal a profound spiritual truth, not just perform a random miracle.
• "...the Son of Man has authority...": Connects the authoritative power directly to Jesus' chosen title, affirming that this Messianic figure possesses supreme right and jurisdiction. This declaration alone would have been controversial for its self-assertion of divine prerogative.
• "...authority on earth to forgive sins.": This entire phrase forms the core of Jesus' revolutionary claim. It states three groundbreaking things: His authority (exousia), the sphere of its operation (on earth, here and now), and its specific application (to forgive sins). This directly challenges the Jewish understanding that only God, from heaven, could forgive sins after proper atonement. The subsequent physical healing is presented as undeniable, visible proof of this invisible, spiritual authority.

Mark 2 10 Bonus section

The direct link between physical healing and spiritual forgiveness is a recurring theme in Jesus' ministry. For Jesus, illness was often seen as a consequence of sin (either personal or systemic), and so physical healing became a powerful, visible metaphor and proof of His authority to address the deeper spiritual malady of sin. The Capernaum incident is an early example where Jesus forces the connection into the open, compelling His audience to confront His divine claims directly. The controversy Jesus faced wasn't merely about performing a miracle; it was about asserting a unique identity that equated Him with God.

Mark 2 10 Commentary

Mark 2:10 represents a pivotal declaration of Jesus' divine identity and mission. When Jesus initially tells the paralytic his sins are forgiven, it draws an immediate accusation of blasphemy from the scribes, who correctly understand that only God can forgive sins. Instead of retreating, Jesus directly addresses their thoughts, validating their premise ("Who can forgive sins but God alone?") but then applying the conclusion to Himself. He demonstrates He is the Son of Man who does have that exclusive authority "on earth." The ensuing command for the paralytic to pick up his mat and walk serves as the tangible, irrefutable sign that Jesus’ claim to forgive sins is true. This isn't just about healing a body; it's about revealing a divine nature. Jesus essentially asks, "Which is easier?" knowing that both require divine power, but one (physical healing) is visibly verifiable, proving the unseen (spiritual forgiveness). It establishes that Jesus' authority extends beyond physical ailments to the deepest spiritual need of humanity—forgiveness of sins—and therefore affirms His deity.