Matthew 9:2 kjv

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Matthew 9:2 nkjv

Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you."

Matthew 9:2 niv

Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."

Matthew 9:2 esv

And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven."

Matthew 9:2 nlt

Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven."

Matthew 9 verses

Matthew 9 2 Meaning

Matthew 9:2 describes Jesus encountering a paralytic brought to Him by friends. Upon seeing the collective faith of these individuals, Jesus addresses the paralytic directly, declaring his sins forgiven and instructing him to "take heart." This declaration is foundational, revealing Jesus' divine authority not only to heal physical ailments but, more profoundly, to forgive sins – a prerogative traditionally understood to belong to God alone. It emphasizes the spiritual nature of human need, positioning forgiveness as a primary and deeply compassionate act of Christ.

Matthew 9 2 Context

Matthew chapter 9 opens a series of miracle narratives demonstrating Jesus' authority over sickness, demons, nature, and ultimately, sin. This particular account immediately follows the healing of a centurion's servant (Matt 8:5-13) and preceding several other notable miracles, establishing Jesus' wide-ranging power. Historically and culturally, in ancient Judaism, there was often a perceived direct correlation between sin and suffering or illness (Jn 9:2; although Jesus corrected this general assumption, specific cases could apply). The power to forgive sins was solely attributed to God. Therefore, Jesus' declaration in Matt 9:2 was not merely a kind word but a profound theological claim challenging established religious beliefs and setting the stage for direct confrontation with the scribes, who immediately recognized the implied blasphemy. This context highlights Jesus' identity and His mission to address humanity's deepest spiritual needs.

Matthew 9 2 Word analysis

• And: (kai - G2532) Connects this event to the preceding accounts of Jesus' ministry, indicating a continuing narrative of His authoritative works.
• behold: (idou - G2400) An interjection that demands attention, drawing the reader's focus to something significant or surprising about to unfold.
• they brought: (prosepheron - G4374) Implies a collective effort, emphasizing the compassion and determination of the friends of the paralytic. This corporate action highlights a key aspect of faith demonstrated through loving action.
• to Him: (autō - G846) Specifies Jesus as the central figure and the source of hope.
• a paralytic: (paralytikos - G3886) From paralytos, meaning "paralyzed, disabled in the limbs." This signifies severe physical incapacitation and helplessness.
• lying on a bed: (keimenon epi klines - G2749, G1223, G2825) "Klines" refers to a stretcher or a mat. This detail emphasizes the man's complete inability to move himself, necessitating outside help, and further illustrates the depth of his physical suffering and vulnerability.
• And when Jesus saw: (kai idōn o Iēsous - G2532, G1492, G2424) Indicates Jesus' keen spiritual insight; He perceives more than just the physical condition. His gaze goes beyond the surface.
• their faith: (tēn pistin autōn - G4102, G846) Crucially, it's not explicitly the paralytic's faith, but the faith of those who brought him. This highlights intercessory faith and the power of corporate belief. "Pistin" (faith) here implies trust, conviction, and courageous expectation that Jesus can provide a solution beyond ordinary means. This stands in contrast to common Jewish understanding that one must repent and pray for themselves.
• He said: (eipen - G2036) An authoritative declaration from Jesus.
• to the paralytic: (tō paralytikō - G3886) Directly addresses the suffering individual.
• 'Take heart,': (Tharsei - G2293) An encouraging imperative, meaning "be of good cheer," "courage." It conveys compassion and reassures the man, preparing him for the radical statement to follow. It’s a term Jesus often uses to calm fear or provide comfort.
• 'my son;': (teknon - G5043) A term of endearment, deep affection, and paternal care, signifying spiritual adoption and intimate relationship. This addresses the man’s spiritual state, implying a personal bond between Jesus and the sufferer.
• 'your sins are forgiven.': (apheōntai sou hai hamartiai - G863, G4771, G264, G266) This is the core declaration.
  • apheōntai: Passive voice of aphiemi (G863), meaning "to send away," "to dismiss," "to let go," "to remit." In a religious context, it signifies the act of God removing guilt and punishment of sins. The perfect passive tense implies a completed action with ongoing effect, indicating absolute and irrevocable forgiveness.
  • hai hamartiai: (G264, G266) Refers to "sins," transgressions, failures to hit the mark, specifically actions that separate humanity from God.
  • This pronouncement is audacious, as Jewish theology reserved the power to forgive sins exclusively for God (Isa 43:25). By making this statement, Jesus explicitly claims divine prerogative, challenging the scribes present and highlighting His unique identity as Messiah and God Incarnate.

Word-group analysis:

• "And behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed.": This phrase quickly sets the scene, focusing on the dire condition of the man and the desperate effort of his caregivers, underscoring the severity of the challenge presented to Jesus. The collective "they brought" emphasizes shared effort and communal care.
• "And when Jesus saw their faith,": This is a pivotal moment. Jesus' immediate recognition and response are triggered not by the physical suffering alone, but by the faith demonstrated. This indicates that faith, particularly faith expressed through active effort on behalf of others, is what moves Jesus to act. It shifts the focus from the disease to the spiritual dynamic at play.
• "He said to the paralytic, 'Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.'": This tripartite statement reveals Jesus' divine authority and profound compassion.
  • "Take heart, my son" establishes an immediate, personal, and loving relationship, dispelling fear and offering comfort. It speaks to the man's emotional and spiritual state.
  • "your sins are forgiven" is the most astounding part of the declaration. It tackles the spiritual root before the physical manifestation, asserting Jesus' power over sin, a claim only God could legitimately make. This reveals Jesus' identity as not merely a healer but the very embodiment of divine mercy and authority.

Matthew 9 2 Bonus section

The choice to forgive sins before healing might also imply a common Jewish belief in the connection between sin and illness. While Jesus elsewhere refuted a general causation (Jn 9:3), here He might be addressing a specific instance where personal sin indeed played a role, or, more broadly, emphasizing that all physical suffering is ultimately a symptom of the brokenness of the world due to sin. Forgiving the paralytic's sins was not just a preliminary step; it was a demonstration of Jesus' core mission: to deal with humanity's ultimate problem—separation from God through sin. His willingness to provoke theological controversy with the scribes immediately highlights that His claim to forgive sins was deliberate and central to His Messianic identity and divine authority.

Matthew 9 2 Commentary

Matthew 9:2 stands as a profound revelation of Jesus' authority and purpose. Rather than immediately addressing the paralytic's obvious physical ailment, Jesus first pronounces forgiveness for his sins. This was an astonishing and controversial act, as only God was believed to have the power to forgive sins. This radical claim provoked immediate theological scrutiny from the scribes, as depicted in the following verses (Matt 9:3-4). Jesus' prioritization of spiritual healing over physical demonstrates His holistic understanding of human brokenness—that sin is the ultimate root of humanity's deepest problems, more significant than any physical malady. He also highlights the transformative power of corporate faith; the diligent efforts and belief of the paralytic's friends were instrumental in bringing him into Christ's presence, leading to both spiritual and physical restoration. This verse underscores Jesus’ identity as divine, the true High Priest who offers ultimate remission of sin. It teaches that access to divine grace is granted through faith, sometimes even the faith of others on one's behalf.Example: The scene exemplifies that true spiritual relief (forgiveness) often precedes and facilitates complete healing. This can apply when prayer is offered for one who cannot pray for themselves (e.g., those in deep distress or unresponsive states), or when community members intercede for someone's spiritual reconciliation with God.