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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 9:5 Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk?'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/9-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/40_Mat_09_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 9:5 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk?'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/9-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/9-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/9-4.htm" title="Matthew 9:4">◄</a> Matthew 9:5 <a href="/matthew/9-6.htm" title="Matthew 9:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/9.htm">New International Version</a> Which is easier: to say, &#8216Your sins are forgiven,&#8217 or to say, &#8216Get up and walk&#8217? <a href="/nlt/matthew/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? <a href="/esv/matthew/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? <a href="/bsb/matthew/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? <a href="/blb/matthew/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Arise and walk?' <a href="/kjv/matthew/9.htm">King James Bible</a> For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? <a href="/nkjv/matthew/9.htm">New King James Version</a> For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? <a href="/nasb_/matthew/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? <a href="/nasb/matthew/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Which is easier, to say, &#8216Your sins are forgiven,&#8217 or to say, &#8216Get up, and walk &#8216? <a href="/nasb77/matthew/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, and walk’? <a href="/lsb/matthew/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? <a href="/amp/matthew/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven and the penalty paid,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? [Both are possible for God; both are impossible for man.] <a href="/csb/matthew/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? <a href="/hcsb/matthew/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For which is easier: to say, Your sins are forgiven,&#8217 or to say, Get up and walk? <a href="/asv/matthew/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> For which is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and walk? <a href="/cev/matthew/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Is it easier for me to tell this man his sins are forgiven or to tell him to get up and walk? <a href="/erv/matthew/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and walk? <a href="/gwt/matthew/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Is it easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? <a href="/gnt/matthew/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Is it easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? <a href="/isv/matthew/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? <a href="/msb/matthew/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Which is easier: to say, ?Your sins are forgiven,? or to say, ?Get up and walk?? <a href="/net/matthew/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven' or to say, 'Stand up and walk'? <a href="/nheb/matthew/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Get up, and walk?' <a href="/wbt/matthew/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For which is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? <a href="/wey/matthew/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Why, which is easier? --to say, 'Your sins are pardoned,' or to say 'Rise up and walk'? <a href="/web/matthew/9.htm">World English Bible</a> For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk?’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For which is easier? To say, Your sins are forgiven; or to say, Rise and walk? <a href="/blb/matthew/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Arise and walk?' <a href="/ylt/matthew/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for which is easier? to say, The sins have been forgiven to thee; or to say, Rise, and walk? <a href="/slt/matthew/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For why is it easier to say, Sins are let go to thee; or say, Arise and walk?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee: or to say, Arise, and walk? <a href="/cpdv/matthew/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk?’ <a href="/nabre/matthew/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For which is easier to say, Your sins have been forgiven, or to say, Arise and walk? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “For which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you”, or to say, “Arise and walk?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For, which is easier, to say, Your sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and walk? <a href="/godbey/matthew/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>For whether is it easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee; or, Arise, and walk about?<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For which is the easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? <a href="/mace/matthew/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for is it not as easy to say, thy sins are forgiven? as to say, arise, and walk? <a href="/wey/matthew/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Why, which is easier? --to say, 'Your sins are pardoned,' or to say 'Rise up and walk'? <a href="/worrell/matthew/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Arise, and walk.'<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>For which is easier? To say, thy sins be forgiven thee? or to say, rise up and walk?<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/9-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=2087" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/9.htm">Jesus Heals a Paralytic</a> …4But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? 5<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">Which</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/2123.htm" title="2123: eukopōteron (Adj-NNS-C) -- Easier. Comparative of a compound of eu and kopos; better for toil, i.e. More facile.">easier:</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipein (V-ANA) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">to say,</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">‘Your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hai (Art-NFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/266.htm" title="266: hamartiai (N-NFP) -- From hamartano; a sin.">sins</a> <a href="/greek/863.htm" title="863: Aphientai (V-PIM/P-3P) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">are forgiven,’</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipein (V-ANA) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">to say,</a> <a href="/greek/1453.htm" title="1453: Egeire (V-PMA-2S) -- (a) I wake, arouse, (b) I raise up. Probably akin to the base of agora; to waken, i.e. Rouse.">‘Get up</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4043.htm" title="4043: peripatei (V-PMA-2S) -- From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.">walk?’</a> 6But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/2-9.htm">Mark 2:9</a> “Which is easier: to say to a paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and walk’? <a href="/luke/5-23.htm">Luke 5:23</a> Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’ <a href="/john/5-8.htm">John 5:8-9</a> Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” / Immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and began to walk. Now this happened on the Sabbath day, <a href="/matthew/12-13.htm">Matthew 12:13</a> Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored to full use, just like the other. <a href="/john/9-6.htm">John 9:6-7</a> When Jesus had said this, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes. / Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing. <a href="/acts/3-6.htm">Acts 3:6-8</a> But Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” / Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong. / He sprang to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God. <a href="/isaiah/35-5.htm">Isaiah 35:5-6</a> Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. <a href="/isaiah/43-25.htm">Isaiah 43:25</a> I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more. <a href="/psalms/103-3.htm">Psalm 103:3</a> He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases, <a href="/isaiah/53-4.htm">Isaiah 53:4-5</a> Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. <a href="/jeremiah/31-34.htm">Jeremiah 31:34</a> No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.” <a href="/hebrews/10-17.htm">Hebrews 10:17</a> Then He adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a> If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. <a href="/james/5-15.htm">James 5:15</a> And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. <a href="/exodus/15-26.htm">Exodus 15:26</a> saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For whether is easier, to say, Your sins be forgiven you; or to say, Arise, and walk?whether.<a href="/mark/2-9.htm">Mark 2:9-12</a> 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? … <a href="/luke/5-23.htm">Luke 5:23-25</a> Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? … Arise.<a href="/isaiah/35-5.htm">Isaiah 35:5,6</a> Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped… <a href="/john/5-8.htm">John 5:8-14,17,18</a> Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk… <a href="/acts/3-6.htm">Acts 3:6-11,16</a> Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/2-20.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/exodus/18-22.htm">Easier</a> <a href="/matthew/9-2.htm">Forgiven</a> <a href="/matthew/9-2.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/matthew/9-2.htm">Pardoned</a> <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/luke/18-25.htm">Simpler</a> <a href="/matthew/9-2.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/jonah/3-9.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Your</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/9-6.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/matthew/19-24.htm">Easier</a> <a href="/matthew/12-31.htm">Forgiven</a> <a href="/matthew/9-6.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/mark/2-5.htm">Pardoned</a> <a href="/matthew/9-6.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/matthew/19-24.htm">Simpler</a> <a href="/matthew/9-6.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/matthew/11-5.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/mark/2-9.htm">Your</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 9</div>1. <a href="/matthew/9-1.htm">Jesus heals a paralytic</a> 9. <a href="/matthew/9-9.htm">calls Matthew from the receipt of custom;</a> 10. <a href="/matthew/9-10.htm">eats with tax collectors and sinners;</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">defends his disciples for not fasting;</a> 20. <a href="/matthew/9-20.htm">cures the sick woman;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/9-23.htm">raises Jairus' daughter from death;</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/9-27.htm">gives sight to two blind men;</a> 32. <a href="/matthew/9-32.htm">heals a mute man possessed of a demon;</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">and has compassion on the multitude.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Which is easier: This phrase introduces a rhetorical question posed by Jesus, highlighting the perceived difficulty of spiritual versus physical healing. In the context of first-century Judaism, the authority to forgive sins was believed to belong solely to God. By asking this question, Jesus challenges the religious leaders' understanding of His divine authority. The question also sets the stage for demonstrating His power over both sin and physical ailments.to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ Forgiveness of sins is a central theme in the New Testament, emphasizing Jesus' role as the Messiah who brings spiritual redemption. In Jewish tradition, sin was often associated with physical suffering, and forgiveness was sought through sacrifices and rituals. Jesus' declaration of forgiveness here bypasses traditional means, asserting His divine authority. This act foreshadows the ultimate forgiveness offered through His death and resurrection, fulfilling prophecies such as <a href="/isaiah/53-5.htm">Isaiah 53:5</a>, which speaks of the suffering servant bearing the iniquities of many.or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’ The command to "Get up and walk" demonstrates Jesus' authority over physical ailments, affirming His power to heal. This phrase connects to the broader biblical narrative of God as a healer, seen in passages like <a href="/exodus/15-26.htm">Exodus 15:26</a>, where God declares Himself as the healer of Israel. The physical healing serves as a tangible sign of Jesus' divine authority, validating His claim to forgive sins. It also prefigures the resurrection, where Jesus' power over life and death is fully revealed. The healing acts as a type of the spiritual restoration available through Christ, illustrating the holistic salvation He offers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is demonstrating His divine authority and power to forgive sins and heal. 2. <a href="/topical/p/paralytic_man.htm">Paralytic Man</a> The individual brought to Jesus for healing, representing those in need of both physical and spiritual restoration. 3. <a href="/topical/s/scribes/pharisees.htm">Scribes/Pharisees</a> Religious leaders present during this event, often skeptical of Jesus' authority and teachings. 4. <a href="/topical/c/capernaum.htm">Capernaum</a> The town where this event takes place, serving as a significant location for Jesus' ministry. 5. <a href="/topical/c/crowd.htm">Crowd</a> The people witnessing the miracle, representing the broader audience of Jesus' teachings and works.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/authority_of_jesus.htm">Authority of Jesus</a> Jesus demonstrates His divine authority by forgiving sins and healing the paralytic, affirming His identity as the Son of God. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_forgiveness.htm">Faith and Forgiveness</a> The faith of the paralytic and his friends is instrumental in his healing, illustrating the importance of faith in receiving God's grace. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_vs._physical_healing.htm">Spiritual vs. Physical Healing</a> Jesus prioritizes spiritual healing (forgiveness of sins) over physical healing, teaching us to seek spiritual restoration first. <a href="/topical/c/challenge_to_religious_authority.htm">Challenge to Religious Authority</a> Jesus challenges the religious leaders' understanding of God's power, encouraging us to recognize and accept His divine authority. <a href="/topical/w/witness_to_god's_power.htm">Witness to God's Power</a> The miracle serves as a testimony to the crowd, reminding us to be witnesses of God's work in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 9</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'face_like_flint'_mean.htm">What does the Bible say about seeking forgiveness?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_jesus_christ.htm">Who is Jesus Christ?</a> <a href="/q/are_all_sins_forgivable_by_god.htm">Does God forgive all sins? (1 John 1:9 vs. Matthew 12:31-32)</a> <a href="/q/how_can_i_overcome_sin.htm">How can I overcome sin?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) Whether is easier, . . .?--The form of the question implies what we call an argument a fortiori. It was easier to say, "Thy sins are forgiven thee," for those words could not be put to any outward test, and only the consciousness of the sinner could attest their power. It was a bolder and a harder thing to risk the utterance of words which challenged an immediate and visible fulfilment; and yet He was content to utter such words, without fear of the result. Measured in their true relation to each other, the spiritual wonder was, of course, the greater; but here, as so often elsewhere, He puts Himself, as it were, on the level of those who hear Him, and vouchsafes to speak to them according to their thoughts.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - For. The expansion of his rebuke of their accusation, by his question and the command connected with it. Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee (Revised Version, are forgiven, omitting "thee"); or to say, Arise, and walk? The former, because the truth or otherwise of the latter is at once visible. Observe that the two alternatives cover the two realms of influence, the spiritual and the physical. Men will not believe profession in the former realm if it be unaccompanied by visible results in the latter. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/9-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Which τί (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. easier: εὐκοπώτερον (eukopōteron) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_2123.htm">Strong's 2123: </a> Easier. Comparative of a compound of eu and kopos; better for toil, i.e. More facile. to say, εἰπεῖν (eipein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. ‘Your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. sins ἁμαρτίαι (hamartiai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> From hamartano; a sin. are forgiven,’ Ἀφίενταί (Aphientai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. to say, εἰπεῖν (eipein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. ‘Get up Ἔγειρε (Egeire) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1453.htm">Strong's 1453: </a> (a) I wake, arouse, (b) I raise up. Probably akin to the base of agora; to waken, i.e. Rouse. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. walk?’ περιπάτει (peripatei) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4043.htm">Strong's 4043: </a> From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/9-5.htm">Matthew 9:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/9-5.htm">Matthew 9:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/9-5.htm">Matthew 9:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/9-5.htm">Matthew 9:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/9-5.htm">Matthew 9:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/9-5.htm">Matthew 9:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/9-5.htm">Matthew 9:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/9-5.htm">Matthew 9:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/9-5.htm">Matthew 9:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/9-5.htm">Matthew 9:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/9-5.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 9:5 For which is easier to say 'Your (Matt. 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