Matthew Chapter 9 · Verse 3
And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτοῖς
themselves
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς
themselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
8 of 10
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
Cross References
Matthew 26:65Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.Luke 5:21And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?Leviticus 24:16And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.Mark 14:64Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
Historical Context
Blasphemy carried the death penalty under Mosaic Law (Leviticus 24:16). The scribes (γραμματεις/grammateis) were professional Torah scholars who copied, interpreted, and taught Scripture. They held significant religious authority and would have been deeply troubled by any violation of monotheism or divine honor. In Second Temple Judaism, forgiveness came through temple sacrifices and priestly mediation. For someone outside the priesthood to pronounce forgiveness, bypassing the sacrificial system, challenged fundamental religious structures. The scribes' concern about blasphemy reflects genuine theological vigilance, though tragically misdirected.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' forgiveness of sins demonstrate His deity?
- Why is forgiveness ultimately a divine rather than human prerogative?
- What does this passage teach about the relationship between physical healing and spiritual forgiveness?
Analysis & Commentary
The scribes' internal objection—'This man blasphemeth' (ουτος βλασφημει/houtos blasphēmei)—is theologically astute. Blasphemy (βλασφημια) means speaking against God's character or usurping divine prerogatives. Only God can forgive sins, as sins are ultimately offenses against God (Psalm 51:4). The scribes correctly identify Jesus' claim to forgive as a divine prerogative. Their error lies not in theology but in failing to recognize that Jesus IS God incarnate. They 'said within themselves' (ειπαν εν εαυτοις), thinking privately rather than speaking openly, yet Jesus perceives their thoughts (9:4). This episode demonstrates both Jesus' deity (forgiving sins) and omniscience (knowing hearts). The charge of blasphemy will resurface at Jesus' trial (26:65), when religious leaders condemn Him for the very truth they should have embraced.