King James Version

What Does Mark 2:7 Mean?

Mark 2:7 in the King James Version says “Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?” — study this verse from Mark chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 2:7 · KJV

Forgiveness

Context

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

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

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

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?

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?

Read Mark 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary

The scribes' reasoning is theologically correct: 'Who can forgive sins but God only?' (Greek ei mē heis ho theos). Forgiveness of sins belongs exclusively to God because sin offends His holiness primarily. Human forgiveness addresses interpersonal wrongs, but ultimate guilt before God requires divine pardon. The scribes accurately identify Jesus' implicit deity claim when He pronounces forgiveness (2:5). Their logic was sound: either Jesus blasphemes by usurping divine prerogative, or He is God incarnate. Jesus' subsequent healing (2:10-12) proves His authority, vindicating the deity claim. This confronts modern readers with the same choice: Jesus is either blasphemer or Lord. CS Lewis's famous trilemma applies—Jesus cannot be merely a good teacher while claiming divine authority. Reformed theology affirms Christ's full deity as essential for atonement: only God can forgive, and only man can die; thus God-man redeems.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Scribes were professional Torah scholars, experts in Jewish law and tradition. Their charge of blasphemy was capital—punishable by stoning (Leviticus 24:16). In Jewish theology, God alone forgives because sin violates His law and offends His holiness. Even priests offering sacrifices didn't forgive but mediated God's forgiveness. The scribes' internal reasoning ('in their hearts,' 2:6) suggests they didn't voice the accusation publicly yet, but Jesus' knowledge of their thoughts demonstrated supernatural insight. This scene occurred in Capernaum, Jesus' ministry base, before a crowd so large people couldn't enter the house (2:2). The public setting meant Jesus' claim couldn't be ignored—He forced a decision about His identity.

Reflection Questions

Do you truly grasp that your sin primarily offends God, making His forgiveness essential?
How does Jesus' authority to forgive sins give you confidence in complete reconciliation with God?