King James Version

What Does Mark 2:5 Mean?

Mark 2:5 in the King James Version says “When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 2:5 · KJV

FaithForgiveness

Context

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,

7

Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When Jesus saw their faith he said unto sick of palsy Son thy sins be forgiven thee. Jesus saw their faith active demonstrated faith. Their refers to friends who brought paralytic corporate faith intercession. Faith visible in actions not mere mental assent. He said direct address to paralytic. Son teknon term of affection endearment. Thy sins be forgiven present passive sins being forgiven. Jesus addresses spiritual need before physical. Sin is deeper problem than paralysis. Physical healing authenticates spiritual healing demonstrates Jesus authority to forgive. Reformed theology emphasizes priority of spiritual healing salvation over physical comfort. Christ came primarily to save from sin secondarily to heal bodies. Faith expressed through bringing others to Jesus intercessory ministry. Corporate faith supports individual need.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism often connected physical suffering to sin. Job friends falsely assumed this. Jesus rejected simplistic cause-effect (John 9:3) but here addresses actual connection between mans sin and condition. Forgiveness of sins was God prerogative alone. Jesus pronouncing forgiveness was implicit claim to deity. Religious leaders correctly understood implication blasphemy unless Jesus actually was God. Paralytic came for physical healing received spiritual healing first. Greater gift though he may not have initially realized. Early church prioritized gospel preaching over social ministry though caring for bodies was important. Medieval church sometimes reversed this emphasizing last rites over evangelism. Reformation recovered biblical priority salvation primary physical care secondary.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus addressing sin before paralysis challenge contemporary emphasis on physical wellness over spiritual health?
  2. What does corporate faith bringing friend to Jesus teach about intercessory ministry responsibility for others salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἰδὼν1 of 16

“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

δὲ2 of 16

“When”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 16
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 16

“Jesus”

G2424

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

τὴν5 of 16
G3588

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

πίστιν6 of 16

“faith”

G4102

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

αὐτῶν7 of 16

“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

λέγει8 of 16

“he said”

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

τῷ9 of 16
G3588

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

παραλυτικῷ10 of 16

“unto the sick of the palsy”

G3885

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

Τέκνον11 of 16

“Son”

G5043

a child (as produced)

ἀφέωνται12 of 16

“be forgiven”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

σοι13 of 16

“thee”

G4671

to thee

αἱ14 of 16
G3588

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

ἁμαρτίαι15 of 16

“sins”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

σου16 of 16

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

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 2:5 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 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 9:2James 5:15Mark 2:9-10Luke 7:47-50Ephesians 2:8Luke 5:20

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