Mark 2:7 kjv

Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

Mark 2:7 nkjv

"Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

Mark 2:7 niv

"Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

Mark 2:7 esv

"Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

Mark 2:7 nlt

"What is he saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!"

Mark 2 verses

Mark 2 7 Meaning

Mark 2:7 captures the scribes' immediate, indignant reaction to Jesus declaring the paralytic's sins forgiven. Their statement reflects a fundamental theological truth held by the Israelites: the exclusive prerogative of God alone to pardon sin. They perceived Jesus' action as an appropriation of divine authority, thus deeming it blasphemy, a grave offense against God, because they did not recognize His true identity as God Incarnate.

Mark 2 7 Context

Mark chapter 2 opens with Jesus in Capernaum, drawing large crowds such that there was no longer room, even at the door. Four men arrive, carrying a paralytic, and due to the crowd, they cleverly unroof the house to lower their friend directly before Jesus. Instead of first addressing the physical ailment, Jesus' initial declaration is, "Son, your sins are forgiven." This statement immediately triggers the verse under analysis (Mk 2:7) from the scribes present. These scribes, legal experts and interpreters of the Mosaic Law, would have been highly respected religious authorities. Their presence implies an observational, if not an investigatory, role. For them, Jesus' claim directly infringed upon the unique power of God, as articulated throughout the Old Testament scriptures which were their area of expertise. The broader chapter then shows Jesus directly confronting their accusation, demonstrating His authority through the immediate healing, followed by controversies over fellowship with sinners, fasting, and Sabbath observance, further highlighting His challenged authority.

Mark 2 7 Word analysis

• Why does this fellow speak like that?
  • Why: Implies surprise and outrage, demanding justification for an unprecedented and seemingly presumptuous action.
  • does this fellow: A slighting, dismissive term (Greek: houtos) indicating contempt and lack of respect for Jesus. They do not view Him as an authoritative teacher or prophet, much less divine.
  • speak like that: Refers specifically to Jesus' audacious declaration in Mk 2:5, "Son, your sins are forgiven." It points to the nature of His utterance – an assertion of divine prerogative.
• He is blaspheming!
  • He: Emphasizes Jesus as the specific individual accused.
  • is blaspheming: From the Greek blasphēmei (βλασφημεῖ), meaning to speak impiously or abusively against God, or to claim attributes belonging only to God. In a Jewish context, claiming divine power or attributes while being human was considered the highest form of blasphemy, punishable by stoning (Lv 24:16). This accusation is serious and carries capital implications.
• Who can forgive sins but God alone?
  • Who: A rhetorical question asserting a self-evident truth in their theology. It underlines their conviction that no human could possess such power.
  • can forgive sins: Forgiveness of sin was understood as the remission of debt owed to God, the cleansing of guilt, and reconciliation with Him. This power directly relates to God's holiness and justice, as He is the one offended by sin (Ps 51:4).
  • but God alone?: Greek: ei mē monos ho Theos (εἰ μὴ μόνος ὁ Θεός). This phrase is central.
    • alone (monos): Underscores the exclusive nature of this divine attribute. It implies uniqueness and sole authority. This was a core tenet of monotheistic Judaism, separating God from all created beings. The scribes were fundamentally correct in their theological premise that only God can forgive sins. Their error was not in this premise, but in their failure to recognize who was standing before them, claiming that very power.

Mark 2 7 Bonus section

The scribes' accusation in Mark 2:7 sets a crucial precedent for later confrontations Jesus would have with religious authorities, often culminating in accusations of blasphemy leading to His crucifixion (Mk 14:61-64). This moment effectively marks the beginning of explicit theological conflict between Jesus and the established religious leaders in Mark's Gospel. The scene directly forces a question: Is Jesus a blasphemer deserving of death, or is He God, who possesses the sole authority to forgive sins? There is no middle ground for His claim.

Mark 2 7 Commentary

The scribes' outburst in Mark 2:7 perfectly captures the theological tension that runs throughout the Gospels concerning Jesus' identity. Their objection, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?", is entirely consistent with Old Testament revelation and fundamental Jewish theology, which correctly teaches that only the Creator and Judge of all can truly remit sin. Sin is ultimately against God, and only He has the authority to pardon offenses committed against His perfect standard and holiness.

Their critical flaw, however, was not in their theological understanding of God's unique authority, but in their failure to discern the true identity of Jesus Christ. They perceived Him as merely a man, thus His claim to forgive sins appeared as outrageous blasphemy. Had they recognized Him as God incarnate, Immanuel ("God with us"), His actions would not have been blasphemous but perfectly consistent with His divine nature and authority. Jesus implicitly confirms their theological premise even as He challenges their application of it to Him. By forgiving sins, Jesus directly yet implicitly reveals His divine identity and authority—authority later made explicit in Mark 2:10 by healing the paralytic as proof. This entire episode serves as a powerful declaration of Christ's divinity, not just as a healer or prophet, but as the one who has authority on earth to forgive sins.

• Practical usage: This verse reminds believers that ultimate forgiveness comes only from God through Christ, and only Christ has such authority. It encourages looking to Him for true pardon, rather than human rituals or self-justification. It also highlights that understanding Jesus' true identity as God is essential for correctly interpreting His claims and actions.