Mark 2:4 kjv

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

Mark 2:4 nkjv

And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.

Mark 2:4 niv

Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.

Mark 2:4 esv

And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.

Mark 2:4 nlt

They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.

Mark 2 verses

Mark 2 4 Meaning

Mark 2:4 describes an extraordinary act of persistent faith by four friends, who, unable to access Jesus through a crowded doorway, meticulously dismantled part of a house roof to lower their paralyzed friend directly into Jesus' presence. This desperate and disruptive effort highlights their unyielding belief in Jesus' power to heal and their determination to overcome all obstacles to bring the sick man to Him.

Mark 2 4 Context

Mark chapter 2 opens with Jesus returning to Capernaum, where He quickly gained widespread notoriety. His reputation for teaching and healing drew immense crowds to the house He was staying in, likely Peter's home (Mark 1:29). So many people gathered that the house, including its entrance, became impassable. This scene immediately precedes the scribes' questioning of Jesus' authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-12), making the extreme act of the four friends a pivotal catalyst for Jesus to demonstrate both His power over disease and His divine prerogative to forgive sins, a claim considered blasphemous by the religious elite. The verse sets up a dramatic backdrop for the display of Jesus' power and His challenge to contemporary religious understanding.

Mark 2 4 Word analysis

• And when they could not get near him: The Greek phrase is mē dynamenoi prosengisai (μὴ δυνάμενοι προσεγγίσαι), meaning "not being able to approach" or "to draw near." This emphasizes the physical impossibility due to the obstruction. It signifies human limitation and desperation, showing that ordinary means of access were exhausted. Their failure to get through the door forces their unconventional action.
• because of the crowd: Greek apo tou ochlou (ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄχλου). The "crowd" was not just large; it was an impenetrable barrier. Jesus' popularity, though a blessing, inadvertently became an immediate obstacle for those most in need. This highlights the literal challenges many faced in physically reaching Jesus during His ministry due to His immense popularity.
• they removed the roof: Greek apestegasan tēn stegēn (ἀπεστέγασαν τὴν στέγην), "unroofed the roof." This action implies significant effort and disruption. Ancient Palestinian houses often had flat roofs made of wooden beams covered with branches, reeds, and packed earth or clay, accessible by an external staircase. Removing this structure would have been messy and labor-intensive, demonstrating extreme determination. It suggests a direct and deliberate dismantling of physical barriers.
• above where he was: Greek hopou ēn (ὅπου ἦν). This indicates precise targeting. They knew Jesus' exact location within the crowded house, which allowed for their audacious plan. Their knowledge allowed them to be strategic in their disruption.
• and when they had made an opening: Greek exoryxantes (ἐξορύξαντες), "having dug out" or "broken through." This word reinforces the strenuous nature of the act. It wasn't merely removing some loose material; it suggests actively excavating or carving out a substantial hole, perhaps through hardened earth or packed clay. This highlights their persistence and the scale of their effort.
• they let down the bed: Greek chalasai ton krabatton (χαλάσαι τὸν κράβαττον). Chalasai means "to lower" or "let down." The krabatton was a simple, portable mat or pallet, distinct from a larger bed, making it feasible to lower with ropes. This specific type of "bed" highlights the man's impoverished condition and the practicality of the friends' plan.
• on which the paralytic lay: This identifies the helpless object of their determined faith. The paralytic is entirely dependent on his friends, underscoring the communal act of compassion and the dire need for Jesus' healing touch.

Mark 2 4 Bonus section

The actions in Mark 2:4 reveal significant aspects beyond mere healing. This dramatic scene showcases the transformative power of disruptive faith that challenges comfort zones and conventional wisdom. It suggests that accessing divine grace sometimes requires breaking down human-made barriers—whether they be physical crowds, social expectations, or self-imposed limitations. The "damage" to the roof was likely temporary and fixable, yet it represents a willingness to endure cost and inconvenience for the sake of God's Kingdom. This account serves as a strong call to radical initiative in evangelism and service, implying that we, like these friends, might need to find "unconventional" ways to bring those in desperate need into the presence of Jesus when traditional paths are blocked. The absence of any complaint from the homeowner emphasizes the collective understanding of Jesus' unique authority and the paramount importance of His work.

Mark 2 4 Commentary

Mark 2:4 profoundly illustrates the dynamic interplay of desperate need and radical faith, leading to Jesus' compassionate intervention. The narrative highlights the intense, persistent faith not only of the paralytic but, significantly, of his four friends ("their faith" as mentioned in Mark 2:5). Unable to follow conventional means of approach due to overwhelming crowds, they engaged in a highly unconventional, disruptive, and costly act. Their "unroofing" and "digging out" a passage for the paralytic was an act of audacious hope, symbolizing a refusal to accept societal or physical limitations when seeking Jesus. This deliberate breakage of social norms and physical structures underscores their absolute conviction in Jesus' power as their only resort. This entire action, prompted by their active belief, directly leads to Jesus not only healing the paralytic's physical ailment but also astonishingly proclaiming the forgiveness of his sins, thus revealing a deeper dimension of His divine authority and fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of healing. It serves as a powerful testament to the lengths one might go to bring another person to Christ and a foundational story of the transformative power of persistent, corporate faith in overcoming immense obstacles.