FocusAuthority to forgive
Connection to the wholeThe visible healing answers the challenge to Jesus' declaration of forgiveness and brings His authority into public dispute.
interpretation Mark 2:5
KJVWhen Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
Read it in context
The paralytic forgiven and healed
Start reading at Mark 2:1 (Mark 2:1 to Mark 2:12).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The visible healing answers the challenge to Jesus' declaration of forgiveness and brings His authority into public dispute.
- 2:1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
- 2:2 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.
- 2:3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
- 2:4 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.
- 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
- 2:6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
- 2:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
- 2:8 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?
- 2:9 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?
- 2:10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
- 2:11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
- 2:12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? Jesus teaches in a crowded house. Four men bring a paralytic, scribes question Jesus' words about forgiveness, and those present witness the healing. Passage: Mark 2:1–12. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The paralytic forgiven and healed. Read Mark 2:1 through Mark 2:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The visible healing answers the challenge to Jesus' declaration of forgiveness and brings His authority into public dispute. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The paralytic forgiven and healed (Mark 2:1 to Mark 2:12). Start reading at Mark 2:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 2:1, Mark 2:12, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
The paralytic is forgiven and healed
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- saw Gen 22:12 John 2:25 Acts 11:23 Acts 14:9 Eph 2:8 1 Thess 1:3-4 Jas 2:18-22
- he said Mark 2:9-10 Isa 53:11 Luke 7:47-50 Acts 5:31 2 Cor 2:10 Col 3:13
- Son Mark 5:34 Matt 9:22 Luke 8:48
- sins Job 33:17-26 Ps 32:1-5 Ps 90:7-9 Ps 103:3 Isa 38:17 John 5:14 1 Cor 11:30 Jas 5:15
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 2
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
Meals and fasting
Mark 2:13–22FocusSinners and the bridegroom
Connection to the wholeLevi's calling and questions about fasting reveal why Jesus' ministry cannot be understood merely through His critics' expectations.
interpretation Grain on the Sabbath
Mark 2:23–28FocusNeed and lordship
Connection to the wholeThe Sabbath dispute continues the controversies and prepares the further confrontation at the beginning of chapter 3.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.