King James Version

What Does Luke 5:20 Mean?

Luke 5:20 in the King James Version says “And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 5:20 · KJV

FaithForgiveness

Context

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?

22

But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

Read Luke 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When friends brought a paralytic to Jesus, 'when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.' Jesus responds not to the paralytic's faith but to the faith of those carrying him—faith demonstrated through determined effort (removing roof tiles to lower him). Significantly, Jesus addresses sin before disease, identifying spiritual need as primary. The declaration 'thy sins are forgiven' (Greek 'aphēōntai,' ἀφέωνται, perfect passive) claims divine prerogative—only God forgives sin. This bold claim triggers the scribes' accusation of blasphemy (v. 21), which Jesus then validates through healing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish theology connected some sickness to sin (John 9:2, though Jesus rejected automatic causation). Many believed Messiah would heal Israel spiritually and physically. Jesus' forgiveness pronouncement without requiring sacrifice shocked hearers—only God could forgive sin apart from temple atonement. His subsequent healing proved His authority to forgive—physical healing validated spiritual healing. The paralytic's friends' faith demonstrated in action (overcoming obstacles, taking radical measures) illustrates true faith's perseverance. Jesus honored their faith by healing their friend, teaching that intercessory faith matters.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' addressing sin before sickness teach about humanity's primary need and the gospel's priorities?
  2. How does Jesus' honoring the faith of the paralytic's friends illustrate the power and importance of intercessory faith and persistence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἰδὼν2 of 13

“when he saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὴν3 of 13
G3588

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

πίστιν4 of 13

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

αὐτῷ,5 of 13

“their”

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

εἶπεν6 of 13

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ,7 of 13

“their”

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

Ἄνθρωπε8 of 13

“Man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἀφέωνταί9 of 13

“are forgiven”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

σοι10 of 13

“thee”

G4671

to thee

αἱ11 of 13
G3588

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

ἁμαρτίαι12 of 13

“sins”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

σου13 of 13

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

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 5:20 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 5:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 14:9Matthew 9:2Colossians 3:13James 2:18John 2:25Luke 7:48

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 5 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes