King James Version

What Does Mark 2:10 Mean?

Mark 2:10 in the King James Version says “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)” — study this verse from Mark chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)”

Mark 2:10 · KJV

Forgiveness

Context

8

And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

9

Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

10

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

11

I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

12

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But that ye may know Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins he saith to sick of palsy. But adversative conjunction introduces Jesus response to skeptics. That ye may know hina eidete purpose clause. Jesus performs miracle to prove authority. Son of man Jesus self-designation from Daniel 7:13 messianic title. Has power exousia authority right and ability. On earth not just in heaven presently available. To forgive sins aphienai release remit cancel debt. Core of gospel message. He saith present tense demonstrating ongoing authority. To sick of palsy directly addresses paralytic. Healing demonstrates spiritual reality. Physical restoration validates spiritual authority. Reformed theology sees miracles as signs pointing to greater reality. Christ authority to forgive grounded in His deity and atoning work. Physical healings temporary ultimate healing at resurrection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Son of man was Jesus preferred self-designation appears 14 times in Mark. From Daniel 7:13-14 describing messianic figure coming on clouds receiving eternal dominion. Jesus combines suffering servant (Isaiah 53) with conquering Son of man. He must suffer before reigning. Religious leaders understood blasphemy claim. Only God forgives sins. Jesus does not deny charge but proves authority through miracle. Physical healing easier to verify than spiritual forgiveness. Jesus chooses harder proof to validate greater claim. Early church proclaimed Jesus authority to forgive as central gospel message. Peter at Pentecost Paul throughout missions emphasize forgiveness through Christ name alone. Medieval church shifted emphasis to church hierarchy sacramental system diminishing direct access to Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus choose to prove authority to forgive through physical healing miracle?
  2. How does Son of man title combining suffering and glory shape our understanding of Jesus mission?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἵνα1 of 18

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

δὲ2 of 18

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰδῆτε3 of 18

“ye may know”

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

ὅτι4 of 18

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐξουσίαν5 of 18

“power”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ἔχει6 of 18

“hath”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ὁ7 of 18
G3588

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

υἱὸς8 of 18

“the Son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ9 of 18
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου10 of 18

“of man”

G444

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

ἀφιέναι11 of 18

“to forgive”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

ἐπὶ12 of 18

“on”

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

τῆς13 of 18
G3588

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

γῆς14 of 18

“earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ἁμαρτίας15 of 18

“sins”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

λέγει16 of 18

“(he saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τῷ17 of 18
G3588

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

παραλυτικῷ18 of 18

“to the sick of the palsy”

G3885

as if dissolved, i.e., "paralytic"

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 2:10 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 Mark 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 7:13-14Matthew 9:6-8Acts 5:31John 5:20-27Matthew 16:131 Timothy 1:13-16

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