King James Version

What Does Mark 2:4 Mean?

Mark 2:4 in the King James Version says “And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.”

Mark 2:4 · King James Version


Context

2

And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

3

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

4

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

5

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

6

But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
This verse demonstrates extraordinary faith expressed through determined, creative action. The paralyzed man's friends, unable to access Jesus through the crowded doorway, climbed onto the flat roof and broke through the mud-and-thatch construction to lower their friend before Christ. The Greek word ἀπεστέγασαν (apestegasan, 'uncovered') and ἐξορύξαντες (exoryxantes, 'dug through') indicate vigorous, disruptive action. Their faith overcame social barriers (interrupting Jesus' teaching), practical obstacles (a crowded house), and physical limitations (rooftop access, removal of roofing materials). Reformed theology emphasizes that saving faith is active, persevering, and focused on bringing people to Christ. This narrative illustrates corporate faith—the paralytic's healing resulted from his friends' faith (v. 5), demonstrating the communal nature of faith and the privilege of interceding for those spiritually paralyzed by sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestinian homes typically featured flat roofs accessible by outside stairs, constructed with wooden beams covered by branches, mud, and thatch. Roofs served as living spaces for rest and prayer. Breaking through would have created significant disruption—debris falling on those below, damage to property, and social impropriety. The homeowner was likely a wealthy Capernaum resident hosting Jesus. This account is unique to Mark's Gospel (Matthew and Luke omit the roof-breaking details), reflecting Mark's characteristic vivid storytelling, likely derived from Peter's eyewitness account.

Reflection Questions

  1. What obstacles—social, practical, or personal—prevent you from bringing people to Jesus, and how might creative faith overcome them?
  2. How does the friends' persistent faith challenge passive or individualistic approaches to evangelism and discipleship?
  3. In what ways can you demonstrate active, persevering faith on behalf of those spiritually paralyzed in your life?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

μὴ2 of 23

“not”

G3361

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

δυνάμενοι3 of 23

“when they could”

G1410

to be able or possible

προσεγγίσαι4 of 23

“come nigh”

G4331

to approach near

αὐτῷ5 of 23

“unto 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

διὰ6 of 23

“for”

G1223

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

τὸν7 of 23
G3588

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

ὄχλον8 of 23

“the press”

G3793

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

ἀπεστέγασαν9 of 23

“they uncovered”

G648

to unroof

τὴν10 of 23
G3588

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

στέγην11 of 23

“the roof”

G4721

a roof

ὅπου12 of 23

“where”

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἦν13 of 23

“he was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

καὶ14 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξορύξαντες15 of 23

“when they had broken it up”

G1846

to dig out, i.e., (by extension) to extract (an eye), remove (roofing)

χαλῶσιν16 of 23

“they let down”

G5465

to lower (as into a void)

τὸν17 of 23
G3588

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

κράββατον18 of 23

“the bed”

G2895

a mattress

ἐφ'19 of 23

“wherein”

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

ὧ20 of 23
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὁ21 of 23
G3588

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

παραλυτικὸς22 of 23

“the sick of the palsy”

G3885

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

κατέκειτο23 of 23

“lay”

G2621

to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal


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 2:4 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 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study