Keraia
Matthew 9

Matthew 9:5

Jesus Heals a Paralytic · Matthew 9:1–8
Read Matthew 9

Translations

Modern
Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?
Traditional
For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
Literal
For which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’?
Latin
Quid est facilius dicere: Dimittuntur tibi peccata tua: an dicere: Surge, et ambula?

Original

Greek
English
Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?

Notes

Matthew 9:5

It may seem easier for Jesus to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” since no one can see immediate proof. But it is much harder to heal a paralyzed man so that he can walk. The visible miracle proved that Jesus had the authority to forgive sins. It forced those who saw it to decide what they believed about him.

Matthew 9:1–17

There was debate and conflict among Jesus opponents. This included the teachers of the law and the Pharisees (Matthew 9:1–13), and also the disciples of John the Baptist (9:14–17).

Matthew 8:1–9:34

Here, the kingdom of God appears with supernatural power (see Matthew 4:23–25; 11:2–6). It reaches people who were previously excluded from God's blessings. This included:

  • non-Jewish people,

  • lepers,

  • blind people,

  • sick women,

  • people possessed by demons,

  • tax collectors,

  • those with long-term bleeding, and

  • the dead.

Jesus showed compassion to people in need. But the religious leaders reacted with anger and opposition. Jesus called his followers to respond with faith and to walk in discipleship (living as his learners and followers).

Theme notes and profiles

The Stone the Builders Rejected

Events

Parallels

Mark 2:1–12 Luke 5:17–26

Glossary

Furniture Gospel of Matthew Heal, Healing Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Teachings of John the Baptist Miracle Paralysis, Paralytic, Paralyzed Sin

Topics

Capernaum: Miracles of Jesus Performed At Falsehood: Falsely Accusing Jesus of Blasphemy, when he Forgave Sin Jesus, the Christ: Heals a Paralyzed Man (At Capernaum) Jesus, the Christ: Miracles of Heals the Paralyzed Man Miracles of Jesus, in Chronological Order: Heals the Paralyzed Man The Miracles of Christ: Centurion's Servant Healed