And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just see the faith of the friends who brought the paralytic; he sees the paralytic's own faith as well, even though the man is silent and helpless. This highlights that faith isn't always loud or demonstrative, but can be a quiet trust in God's power, even in the midst of suffering.
And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just returned to his hometown, Capernaum, and word quickly spreads that he's inside a house, drawing a large crowd. As Jesus is teaching, a group arrives carrying a man paralyzed and unable to walk, determined to get him to Jesus for healing. The crowd is so thick they can't get through the door, leading to the dramatic action described in the following verses where they access Jesus by breaking through the roof.
Four friends go to extraordinary lengths to bring their paralyzed buddy to Jesus. What does their faith, and Jesus' response to it, reveal about the power of believing together?
This isn't just about one person's faith; it's about the faith of the whole group.
Jesus' first words to the paralytic are shocking: 'Your sins are forgiven.' Why start with forgiveness instead of the obvious need for physical healing?
This encounter reveals that Jesus addresses the deepest needs first.
Ask a follow-up
The scribes are furious, calling Jesus a blasphemer for forgiving sins. How does Jesus use this confrontation to prove He has God's own authority?
Jesus doesn't back down; He uses the scribes' skepticism as an opportunity to demonstrate His divine power.
Understand the original words
idou · Greek Interjection
A term often used in the Gospels to introduce an event of great importance or surprise, serving to draw the reader's attention to the significance of what is about to be narrated.
paralytikos · Greek Adjective/Noun
A person afflicted with paralysis or palsy; in the ancient world, often a state of utter helplessness, frequently associated in the popular mind of the time with judgment or divine curse, though Jesus challenges these assumptions.
pistis · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, it is the responsive trust of the human heart in the person and power of God; it is not a work of merit but a reliance upon God's gracious provision.
hamartia · Greek Noun
A violation of God's law or a failure to conform to His moral standard, resulting in separation from God and requiring atonement. It represents a state of guilt that only God can remove.
aphiēmi · Greek Verb
The act of releasing a debt or transgression; in a theological sense, it refers to the removal of the legal and moral barrier between God and humanity, accomplished by divine grace.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus begins teaching and performing miracles throughout Galilee, gathering a growing following and attracting the attention of religious authorities.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus teaches in Capernaum
Capernaum becomes a central location for Jesus' ministry. He teaches in local synagogues and houses, drawing large crowds.
Early 1st century AD
Pharisees and scribes observe Jesus
Religious leaders from various regions, including Jerusalem, come to observe Jesus and question his authority and teachings, particularly his claims to forgive sins.
This passage, also detailing the healing of a paralytic, highlights the effort and faith of the friends who brought the man to Jesus, emphasizing the collective faith that often brings people to Christ.
Mark 2:5This parallel account directly links Jesus seeing the faith of those who brought the paralytic to His declaration that the man's sins were forgiven, underscoring the immediate connection Jesus made between faith and forgiveness.
John 5:14Jesus later tells a man He healed, 'See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.' This echoes the theme in Matthew 9:2 where forgiveness of sins is linked to healing, suggesting that sin can be a root cause of suffering.
Psalm 103:3This psalm beautifully states, 'He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.' This ancient declaration aligns with Jesus' action, showing that the forgiveness of sins and the healing of diseases are deeply intertwined in God's redemptive work.
1 Peter 4:8Peter writes, 'Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.' This speaks to the power of love and forgiveness to bring about healing and restoration, mirroring the compassion Jesus showed.
calvinMatthew 9:1-8: "And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city."
- And entering into a ship, he passed over, and came into his own city. 2. And, lo, they brought to him a paralytic lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, Take courage, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee. 3. And, lo, some of the scribes said among themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4. And when Jesus saw their thoughts, he said, Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5. For…
pooleMatthew 9:2: "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."
The history of this miracle is reported by Mark 2:3-12 ; by Luke, Luke 5:18-26 ; by both with more circumstances than Matthew doth report it. Mark saith, He entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch tha…
Jesus doesn't just see the faith of the friends who brought the paralytic; he sees the paralytic's own faith as well, even though the man is silent and helpless. This highlights that faith isn't always loud or demonstrative, but can be a quiet trust in God's power, even in the midst of suffering.
Jesus has just returned to his hometown, Capernaum, and word quickly spreads that he's inside a house, drawing a large crowd. As Jesus is teaching, a group arrives carrying a man paralyzed and unable to walk, determined to get him to Jesus for healing. The crowd is so thick they can't get through the door, leading to the dramatic action described in the following verses where they access Jesus by breaking through the roof.
Jesus has just returned to his hometown, Capernaum, and word quickly spreads that he's inside a house, drawing a large crowd. As Jesus is teaching, a group arrives carrying a man paralyzed and unable to walk, determined to get him to Jesus for healing. The crowd is so thick they can't get through the door, leading to the dramatic action described in the following verses where they access Jesus by breaking through the roof.
"And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”" — Jesus doesn't just see the faith of the friends who brought the paralytic; he sees the paralytic's own faith as well, even though the man is silent and helpless. This highlights that faith isn't alwa…
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Last reviewed October 2026