King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:2 Mean?

Matthew 9:2 in the King James Version says “And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sic... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Matthew 9:2 · KJV


Context

1

And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

2

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

3

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

4

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed' shows faith in action—friends brought the paralyzed man to Jesus. Jesus' response 'Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee' addresses the spiritual need before the physical, showing sin is humanity's primary problem. The term 'Son' expresses compassion. 'Be of good cheer' (Greek: tharseō) means 'take courage'—the forgiveness announcement should give confidence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Mark and Luke record that the friends lowered the man through the roof—extraordinary faith and effort. Jesus saw 'their faith' (Mark 2:5), showing corporate faith on another's behalf. The paralysis may have resulted from sin, or Jesus addressed spiritual need first as the greater concern.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus prioritizing spiritual healing over physical challenge your priorities?
  2. Whose faith can you emulate by bringing others to Jesus?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

And

G2532

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

ἰδού,2 of 25

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

προσέφερον3 of 25

they brought

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

αὐτῶν4 of 25

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

παραλυτικῷ5 of 25

a man sick of the palsy

G3885

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

ἐπὶ6 of 25

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

κλίνης7 of 25

a bed

G2825

a couch (for sleep, sickness, sitting or eating)

βεβλημένον8 of 25

lying

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

καὶ9 of 25

And

G2532

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

ἰδὼν10 of 25

seeing

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

11 of 25
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς12 of 25

Jesus

G2424

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

τὴν13 of 25
G3588

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

πίστιν14 of 25

faith

G4102

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

αὐτῶν15 of 25

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

εἶπεν16 of 25

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τῷ17 of 25
G3588

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

παραλυτικῷ18 of 25

a man sick of the palsy

G3885

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

Θάρσει19 of 25

be of good cheer

G2293

to have courage

τέκνον20 of 25

Son

G5043

a child (as produced)

ἀφέωνταί21 of 25

be forgiven

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

σοί22 of 25

thee

G4671

to thee

αἱ23 of 25
G3588

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

ἁμαρτίαι24 of 25

sins

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

σου25 of 25

thy

G4675

of thee, thy


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 9:2 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 Matthew 9:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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