Matthew 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.
Original Language Analysis
εἰδῆτε
ye may know
G1492
εἰδῆτε
ye may know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
3 of 30
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 30
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐξουσίαν
power
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
5 of 30
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ἔχει
hath
G2192
ἔχει
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
6 of 30
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
8 of 30
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 30
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
earth
G1093
γῆς
earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
13 of 30
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ἀφιέναι
to forgive
G863
ἀφιέναι
to forgive
Strong's:
G863
Word #:
14 of 30
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
τότε
(then
G5119
τότε
(then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
16 of 30
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
λέγει
saith he
G3004
λέγει
saith he
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
17 of 30
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραλυτικῷ
to the sick of the palsy
G3885
παραλυτικῷ
to the sick of the palsy
Strong's:
G3885
Word #:
19 of 30
as if dissolved, i.e., "paralytic"
Ἐγερθεὶς
Arise
G1453
Ἐγερθεὶς
Arise
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
20 of 30
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
ἆρόν
take up
G142
ἆρόν
take up
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
21 of 30
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
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
25 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὕπαγε
go
G5217
ὕπαγε
go
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
26 of 30
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
27 of 30
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 43:25I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.Matthew 9:5For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?2 Corinthians 2:10To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
Historical Context
The scribes accused Jesus of blasphemy (v. 3) because claiming to forgive sins usurped God's prerogative. Jesus' response—performing a miracle only God could do—vindicated His claim. The healing served as physical proof of spiritual authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' authority to forgive sins give you confidence in your salvation?
- What 'paralysis' in your spiritual life needs Jesus' healing word?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' statement 'But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins' makes the healing evidential—proving His divine authority. The title 'Son of man' (from Daniel 7:13-14) claims messianic identity. Only God can forgive sins, so Jesus demonstrates deity by healing the paralytic—the visible miracle authenticates the invisible spiritual reality. The command 'Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house' is immediate and complete healing.