Matthew 9:5
For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
Original Language Analysis
τί
whether
G5101
τί
whether
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 14
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Ἀφέωνταί
be forgiven
G863
Ἀφέωνταί
be forgiven
Strong's:
G863
Word #:
6 of 14
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἔγειραι
Arise
G1453
Ἔγειραι
Arise
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
12 of 14
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
Cross References
Acts 3:16And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.Acts 9:34And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
Historical Context
Jewish theology firmly connected sickness and sin (John 9:2, though Jesus corrects the simplistic formula). Temple sacrifices addressed both ritual impurity and spiritual guilt. Jesus bypasses this entire system, pronouncing forgiveness directly and healing immediately. This challenged not only scribal authority but the temple's mediatorial role. Early Christians understood Jesus as the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) whose sacrifice and intercession superseded the Levitical system.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus emphasize His authority to forgive sins rather than simply healing the paralytic?
- What does this passage teach about the relationship between physical and spiritual realities?
- How does this miracle demonstrate that Jesus' primary mission is spiritual salvation, not physical healing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus poses a brilliant diagnostic question: 'Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?' Both statements are humanly impossible—no one can genuinely forgive sins or heal paralysis by mere words. The question exposes the scribes' logic: they doubted Jesus' authority to forgive because forgiveness is invisible and unverifiable. Healing, however, provides observable proof. Jesus essentially says, 'You question My invisible authority to forgive? Watch Me demonstrate visible authority to heal—proving My invisible authority is equally real.' The physical healing serves as authentication of spiritual authority. This establishes a key kingdom principle: spiritual realities are more fundamental than physical ones, yet God graciously provides physical signs to confirm spiritual truth.