But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just offer a casual statement about forgiveness; he directly connects it to physical healing as an irrefutable sign. The instruction to "Arise, take up your bed and go home" isn't just about a miracle; it’s a tangible, visible proof designed to silence doubt and establish his divine authority on earth.
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is in Capernaum, teaching in a crowded house. A paralytic man is brought to him, but the crowd is too dense to get him inside, so his friends lower him through the roof. After Jesus tells the man his sins are forgiven, some scribes privately accuse him of blasphemy, believing only God can forgive sins. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, directly challenges them by performing a physical healing as undeniable proof of his authority to forgive.
Jesus uses a specific title for Himself, 'the Son of Man.' What does this ancient title, pointing to Daniel's prophecy, reveal about His authority on earth?
When Jesus declares "the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," He's deliberately using a title rich with meaning. This phrase echoes the vision in Daniel 7, where a figure like a son of man is given "dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him."
By calling Himself the Son of Man, Jesus is claiming a divine authority, not just a human one. He's linking Himself to this prophesied figure who receives eternal authority from God. The emphasis on "on earth" is crucial: Jesus isn't just speaking of future heavenly authority; He's demonstrating that this divine power to forgive sins is being exercised right here, right now, in His earthly ministry.
Why did Jesus heal the man's body after declaring his sins forgiven? Discover how the physical miracle served as undeniable evidence for the spiritual one.
The scribes were skeptical, thinking Jesus was blaspheming by claiming the divine right to forgive sins. They believed only God could do that. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, masterfully uses their objection as a setup.
He presents a logical challenge: 'Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'?' While forgiving sins is an invisible, spiritual act, healing a paralyzed man is a visible, physical one. By commanding the paralytic to 'Rise, take up your bed and go home,' Jesus performs a dramatic, undeniable miracle. This tangible act serves as irrefutable proof that He truly possesses the divine authority He claimed—the authority to forgive sins.
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Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A title frequently used by Jesus for himself, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, emphasizing his humanity while also pointing to his messianic authority and divine nature.
exousia · Greek Noun
The power, right, or jurisdiction to act. In a biblical context, it refers to the legitimate authority granted by God to exercise power or control.
aphiēmi · Greek Verb
To release, remit, or pardon a debt or offense. Biblically, it refers to God removing the moral guilt and separation caused by wrongdoing.
hamartia · Greek Noun
Missing the mark of God's standard. It represents rebellion against God, moral failure, and the state of being estranged from Him, requiring atonement.
This event happened during Jesus' Galilean ministry, where his authority was being established and challenged. The scribes' presence highlights the theological debate Jesus was engaging in, using a physical miracle to validate his spiritual authority.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. His fame spreads rapidly throughout the region.
c. 28 AD
Jesus Teaches in Capernaum
Jesus frequently visits Capernaum, making it a base for his ministry. During this time, he performs numerous miracles, including healing and casting out demons.
c. 28 AD— this verse
Healing of the Paralytic
Jesus encounters a paralytic man in Capernaum and, after declaring his sins forgiven, heals him instantly with a command. This event causes awe and controversy among onlookers, especially the scribes.
c. 28 AD
Jesus Calls Matthew
Shortly after healing the paralytic, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to be one of his disciples. This act further stirs controversy among religious leaders who question Jesus associating with 'sinners'.
c. 28-30 AD
Growing Opposition
As Jesus' ministry continues, opposition from religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees and scribes, intensifies due to his claims, teachings, and perceived disregard for their traditions.
This passage directly states God's ability and willingness to blot out transgressions, highlighting the divine prerogative that Jesus is claiming for Himself as the Son of Man.
Daniel 7:13-14This prophecy speaks of 'one like a son of man' receiving dominion and glory, which Jesus alludes to by calling Himself the Son of Man and asserting His authority to forgive sins, connecting His earthly action to this future fulfillment.
Luke 5:20This verse from Luke's parallel account shows Jesus directly responding to the scribes' inner thoughts about blasphemy by asking a rhetorical question, mirroring the confrontation and validation of His authority seen in Matthew 9:6.
John 5:22-23Jesus states that the Father has given Him authority to execute judgment and that all should honor the Son as they honor the Father, underscoring the divine authority Jesus wields, which includes the forgiveness of sins.
1 Peter 2:24This verse explicitly states that Jesus Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, directly linking the physical healing He performed to the spiritual work of bearing and forgiving sins.
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…
barnesMatthew 9:6: "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."
But that ye may know ... - That you may have full proof on that point; that you may see that I have power to forgive sin, I will perform an act which all must perceive and admit to require the power of God. Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine own house - The fact that the paralytic man could do this would pr…
Jesus doesn't just offer a casual statement about forgiveness; he directly connects it to physical healing as an irrefutable sign. The instruction to "Arise, take up your bed and go home" isn't just about a miracle; it’s a tangible, visible proof designed to silence doubt and establish his divine authority on earth.
Jesus is in Capernaum, teaching in a crowded house. A paralytic man is brought to him, but the crowd is too dense to get him inside, so his friends lower him through the roof. After Jesus tells the man his sins are forgiven, some scribes privately accuse him of blasphemy, believing only God can forgive sins. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, directly challenges them by performing a physical healing as undeniable proof of his authority to forgive.
Jesus is in Capernaum, teaching in a crowded house. A paralytic man is brought to him, but the crowd is too dense to get him inside, so his friends lower him through the roof. After Jesus tells the man his sins are forgiven, some scribes privately accuse him of blasphemy, believing only God can forgive sins. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, directly challenges them by performing a physical healing as undeniable proof of his authority to forgive.
"But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.”" — Jesus doesn't just offer a casual statement about forgiveness; he directly connects it to physical healing as an irrefutable sign. The instruction to "Arise, take up your bed and go home" isn't just…
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Last reviewed October 2026