Mark 2:3
And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔρχονται
they come
G2064
ἔρχονται
they come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 9
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 9
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 9
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
φέροντες
bringing
G5342
φέροντες
bringing
Strong's:
G5342
Word #:
6 of 9
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
αἰρόμενον
which was borne
G142
αἰρόμενον
which was borne
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
7 of 9
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
Historical Context
Palsy (paralysis) had multiple causes in ancient times—stroke, birth defects, disease, or injury. The portable bed (Greek: krabatos) was a simple mat or stretcher. Four bearers were necessary for stability and to navigate the crowded streets of Capernaum.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the faith of the paralytic's friends challenge us to persistent evangelism on behalf of others?
- What 'barriers' prevent us from bringing people to Jesus, and what can we learn from these men's determination?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The paralytic's friends demonstrate saving faith through persistent action—they 'come' and 'bring' despite obstacles. The fourfold bearing (likely one at each corner of the mat) pictures the community nature of faith and evangelism. Their determination to get the paralytic to Jesus, despite the crowd barrier, models the earnestness and creativity required in bringing souls to Christ.