Mark 2:9

Authorized King James Version

Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

Word-by-Word Analysis

τί

G5101

Whether

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐστιν

G2076

is it

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

εὐκοπώτερον

G2123

easier

better for toil, i.e., more facile

εἰπεῖν

G2036

to say

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παραλυτικῷ

G3885

to the sick of the palsy

as if dissolved, i.e., "paralytic"

Ἀφέωνταί

G863

be forgiven

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

σοί

G4671

thee

to thee

αἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

ἁμαρτίαι

G266

Thy sins

a sin (properly abstract)

#11

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#12

εἰπεῖν

G2036

to say

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#13

Ἔγειραι

G1453

Arise

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

ἆρον

G142

take up

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

#16

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#17

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

κράββατον

G2895

bed

a mattress

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

περιπάτει

G4043

walk

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Mark.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus