King James Version

What Does Luke 5:19 Mean?

Luke 5:19 in the King James Version says “And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

Luke 5:19 · KJV


Context

17

And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

18

And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.

19

And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

20

And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

21

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When could not find by what way they might bring him because multitude went upon housetop let him down through tiling with couch into midst before Jesus. Could not find ouch heurontes no way. By what way poias impossible. Might bring eisenegkōsin get him inside. Because dia with accusative due to. Multitude ochlon crowd. Went anabantes ascended climbed. Upon housetop epi to dōma roof. Let down kathēkan lowered. Through dia with genitive by means of. Tiling keramōn roof tiles. With couch syn tō klinidiō on stretcher. Into midst eis to meson center. Before enōpion in front of. Jesus tou Iēsou. Extraordinary faith finds extraordinary means. Roof access via external stairs. Dug through mud plaster (Mark) or removed tiles (Luke). Lowered friend interrupting teaching. Bold faith does not wait for permission. Urgent need demands immediate action. Reformed theology recognizes God blesses bold faith. Abraham interceded for Sodom. Jacob wrestled with God. Canaanite woman persisted. Persistent faith honors God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This interruption must have been dramatic. Teaching ongoing suddenly roof opening paralytic lowered. Jesus did not rebuke interruption but commended faith. Modern church sometimes values order over urgency. Proper reverence good but should not prevent desperate souls from reaching Jesus. This account demonstrates creative faith obstacles do not deter true believers. Later church history many examples of creative evangelism. Francis of Assisi preached to birds when denied access to churches. Reformers used printing press music art to spread gospel. Modern missions uses technology media innovation. Methods may be unconventional as long as message is biblical. Form flexible content fixed.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does creative problem-solving of friends teach about letting nothing prevent bringing people to Jesus?
  2. How should church balance order and reverence with accessibility for desperate seekers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μὴ2 of 28

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εὑρόντες3 of 28

find

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

διὰ4 of 28

because

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ποίας5 of 28

what

G4169

individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one

εἰσενέγκωσιν6 of 28

in

G1533

to carry inward (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸν7 of 28

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

διὰ8 of 28

because

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸν9 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄχλον10 of 28

of the multitude

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ἀναβάντες11 of 28

they went

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ12 of 28

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸ13 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δῶμα14 of 28

the housetop

G1430

properly, an edifice, i.e., (specially) a roof

διὰ15 of 28

because

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῶν16 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κεράμων17 of 28

the tiling

G2766

earthenware, i.e., a tile (by analogy, a thin roof or awning)

καθῆκαν18 of 28

and let

G2524

and ???? (to send); to lower

αὐτὸν19 of 28

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

σὺν20 of 28

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τῷ21 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κλινιδίῳ22 of 28

his couch

G2826

a pallet or little couch

εἰς23 of 28

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ24 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μέσον25 of 28

the midst

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

ἔμπροσθεν26 of 28

before

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

τοῦ27 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦ28 of 28

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 5:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 5:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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