King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:6 Mean?

Matthew 9:6 in the King James Version says “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 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, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

Matthew 9:6 · KJV


Context

4

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

5

For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

6

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

7

And he arose, and departed to his house.

8

But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' statement 'But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins' makes the healing evidential—proving His divine authority. The title 'Son of man' (from Daniel 7:13-14) claims messianic identity. Only God can forgive sins, so Jesus demonstrates deity by healing the paralytic—the visible miracle authenticates the invisible spiritual reality. The command 'Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house' is immediate and complete healing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The scribes accused Jesus of blasphemy (v. 3) because claiming to forgive sins usurped God's prerogative. Jesus' response—performing a miracle only God could do—vindicated His claim. The healing served as physical proof of spiritual authority.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' authority to forgive sins give you confidence in your salvation?
  2. What 'paralysis' in your spiritual life needs Jesus' healing word?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
ἵνα1 of 30

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

δὲ2 of 30

But

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰδῆτε3 of 30

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 30

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐξουσίαν5 of 30

power

G1849

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

ἔχει6 of 30

hath

G2192

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

7 of 30
G3588

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

υἱὸς8 of 30

the Son

G5207

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

τοῦ9 of 30
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου10 of 30

of man

G444

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

ἐπὶ11 of 30

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

τῆς12 of 30
G3588

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

γῆς13 of 30

earth

G1093

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

ἀφιέναι14 of 30

to forgive

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

ἁμαρτίας15 of 30

sins

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

τότε16 of 30

(then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

λέγει17 of 30

saith he

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

τῷ18 of 30
G3588

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

παραλυτικῷ19 of 30

to the sick of the palsy

G3885

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

Ἐγερθεὶς20 of 30

Arise

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

ἆρόν21 of 30

take up

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

σου22 of 30

thine

G4675

of thee, thy

τὴν23 of 30
G3588

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

κλίνην24 of 30

bed

G2825

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

καὶ25 of 30

and

G2532

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

ὕπαγε26 of 30

go

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

εἰς27 of 30

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν28 of 30
G3588

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

οἶκόν29 of 30

house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

σου30 of 30

thine

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 9:6 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 9:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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