And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just say the man's sins are forgiven; he uses a present tense that implies the forgiveness is an ongoing reality, not just a one-time declaration. This shows the forgiveness is a present, active grace from God, not merely a future hope.
And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
A crowd has gathered around Jesus in a house in Capernaum, and as he's teaching, a group arrives carrying a paralyzed man. They can't get through the throng, so they break open the roof and lower the man down right in front of Jesus. Seeing the faith of the man and those who brought him, Jesus immediately addresses the paralytic, offering him forgiveness for his sins.
Imagine the scene: a desperate attempt to reach Jesus, a crowd blocking the way. What fueled their determination?
The text highlights "their faith" – encompassing not just the paralytic but also the friends who carried him. This wasn't passive belief, but an active, determined faith demonstrated by overcoming significant obstacles. Their collective effort, breaking through the roof, shows faith that acts, that perseveres, and that brings others to Jesus, even when difficult. This isn't about a perfect individual faith, but a faith that, when shared and acted upon, moves mountains (or roofs!).
Jesus' immediate words to the paralytic were not about his physical condition, but something deeper. Why the focus on sin?
When Jesus says, “Son, your sins are forgiven,” He intentionally links the man's physical ailment to spiritual reality. This wasn't necessarily a direct cause-and-effect statement that sin always causes physical suffering, but rather Jesus addressing the deeper issue that often underlies human brokenness – sin. He shows that true healing, the ultimate restoration, begins with addressing our relationship with God. The paralytic’s condition was an opportunity for Jesus to demonstrate His authority over both sin and its consequences, physical or spiritual.
Ask a follow-up
The scribes were incensed, calling Jesus a blasphemer. What gave them – and Jesus – such strong opinions?
The scribes' objection, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Mark 2:7), correctly identifies forgiveness as God’s prerogative. However, their conclusion that Jesus was blaspheming stems from their failure to recognize who Jesus is. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, uses this moment to reveal His divine authority as the "Son of Man." He demonstrates that He possesses the unique authority to forgive sins on earth, not as a delegated power, but by His own inherent divine right. The subsequent physical healing serves as undeniable proof of His spiritual authority.
Understand the original words
teknon · Greek Noun
A term of endearment and spiritual identification used by Jesus to establish a relationship of care and authority. It signifies that the recipient is an object of God's grace and part of the family of God.
hamartia · Greek Noun
The missing of the mark; a violation of God's law and a rebellion against His will. It separates humanity from God and requires a divine remedy, which is only available through the sacrifice of Christ.
aphiēmi · Greek Verb
The act of releasing a debtor from a debt or removing a penalty. Biblically, it refers to God's gracious removal of the guilt and consequences of sin based on the work of Jesus Christ.
pistis · Greek Noun
Biblical faith is not merely intellectual assent but an active, trusting reliance on God. It is characterized by confidence in His power and promises, often expressed through obedience and perseverance despite obstacles.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Jesus' Early Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, healing, and calling disciples. This period sees growing crowds following him and increasing opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 27-29— this verse
Ministry in Capernaum
Jesus establishes Capernaum as a base for his ministry, performing many miracles and teaching in the local synagogue. His fame spreads throughout the region.
c. AD 28
Growing Opposition
Religious leaders, particularly scribes and Pharisees, become increasingly concerned and critical of Jesus' teachings and actions, viewing some as blasphemous.
This passage in Matthew parallels Mark's account, directly quoting Jesus saying to the paralytic, 'Take heart, my son, your sins are forgiven,' highlighting the immediate spiritual focus of Jesus' healing ministry.
Luke 5:20Luke's version also records Jesus saying, 'Man, your sins are forgiven you,' emphasizing that Jesus saw beyond the physical ailment to the deeper spiritual need of the paralytic.
John 5:14After Jesus heals a man at the pool of Bethesda, he later finds him and says, 'See, you are well again! Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.' This shows Jesus' consistent concern that physical suffering can be linked to sin, and forgiveness is paramount.
1 Corinthians 1:27Paul speaks about how God chooses the weak and lowly to shame the wise and strong, which resonates with Jesus focusing on the paralytic's spiritual condition (sins forgiven) rather than just the physical healing, thereby highlighting God's unconventional ways.
Isaiah 43:25This Old Testament passage states, 'I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake and will not remember your sins.' It establishes the divine prerogative to forgive sins, which Jesus demonstrates He possesses.
pooleMark 2:5: "When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."
See Poole on "Mark 2:1"
gillMark 2:5: "When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."
When Jesus saw their faith,.... The faith of the sick man, and his friends, who seemed confident, that could they get at Christ, a cure would be wrought: the faith of the one appears in suffering himself to be brought in such a manner, under so much weakness; and with so much trouble; and of the other in bringing him, and breaking through so many difficulties to get him to Christ. He said…
Jesus doesn't just say the man's sins are forgiven; he uses a present tense that implies the forgiveness is an ongoing reality, not just a one-time declaration. This shows the forgiveness is a present, active grace from God, not merely a future hope.
A crowd has gathered around Jesus in a house in Capernaum, and as he's teaching, a group arrives carrying a paralyzed man. They can't get through the throng, so they break open the roof and lower the man down right in front of Jesus. Seeing the faith of the man and those who brought him, Jesus immediately addresses the paralytic, offering him forgiveness for his sins.
A crowd has gathered around Jesus in a house in Capernaum, and as he's teaching, a group arrives carrying a paralyzed man. They can't get through the throng, so they break open the roof and lower the man down right in front of Jesus. Seeing the faith of the man and those who brought him, Jesus immediately addresses the paralytic, offering him forgiveness for his sins.
"And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”" — Jesus doesn't just say the man's sins are forgiven; he uses a present tense that implies the forgiveness is an ongoing reality, not just a one-time declaration. This shows the forgiveness is a pres…
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Last reviewed October 2026