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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 9:4 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, "Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/9-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/40_Mat_09_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?" /><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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/9-4.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/9-4.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 4</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="/ad4.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/9-3.htm" title="Matthew 9:3">◄</a> Matthew 9:4 <a href="/matthew/9-5.htm" title="Matthew 9:5">►</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> Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, &#8220Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? <a href="/nlt/matthew/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? <a href="/esv/matthew/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? <a href="/bsb/matthew/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? <a href="/blb/matthew/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And Jesus, having known their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? <a href="/kjv/matthew/9.htm">King James Bible</a> And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? <a href="/nkjv/matthew/9.htm">New King James Version</a> But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? <a href="/nasb_/matthew/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? <a href="/nasb/matthew/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, &#8220Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? <a href="/nasb77/matthew/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? <a href="/lsb/matthew/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? <a href="/amp/matthew/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? <a href="/csb/matthew/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Perceiving their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts? <a href="/hcsb/matthew/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus said, &#8220Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts? <a href="/asv/matthew/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? <a href="/cev/matthew/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But Jesus knew what was in their minds, and he said, "Why are you thinking such evil things? <a href="/erv/matthew/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? <a href="/gwt/matthew/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Jesus knew what they were thinking. He asked them, "Why are you thinking evil things? <a href="/gnt/matthew/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Jesus perceived what they were thinking, and so he said, "Why are you thinking such evil things? <a href="/isv/matthew/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking, replied, "Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? <a href="/net/matthew/9.htm">NET Bible</a> When Jesus saw their reaction he said, "Why do you respond with evil in your hearts? <a href="/nheb/matthew/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? <a href="/wbt/matthew/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, Why think ye evil in your hearts? <a href="/wey/matthew/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Knowing their thoughts Jesus said, "Why are you cherishing evil thoughts in your hearts?<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/matthew/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? <a href="/web/matthew/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Jesus, having known their thoughts, said, “Why think evil in your hearts? <a href="/blb/matthew/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And Jesus, having known their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? <a href="/ylt/matthew/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Jesus, having known their thoughts, said, 'Why think ye evil in your hearts? <a href="/slt/matthew/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jesus seeing their reflections, said, Why reflect ye within your hearts?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Jesus seeing their thoughts, said: Why do you think evil in your hearts? <a href="/cpdv/matthew/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when Jesus had perceived their thoughts, he said: “Why do you think such evil in your hearts? <a href="/nabre/matthew/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But Jesus knew their thoughts; so he said to them, Why do you think evil in your hearts? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But Yeshua knew their thinking, and he said to them, “Why do you think evil things in your heart?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said: "Why do evil thoughts arise in your hearts? <a href="/godbey/matthew/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And Jesus seeing their thoughts said, <FR>Why do you think evil in your hearts?<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And Jesus, seeing their thoughts, said, wherefore do ye imagine evil things in your hearts? <a href="/mace/matthew/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and Jesus perceiving their reflections, said, why do you entertain so bad an opinion? <a href="/wey/matthew/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Knowing their thoughts Jesus said, "Why are you cherishing evil thoughts in your hearts? <a href="/worrell/matthew/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, <FR>"Why think ye evil in your hearts?<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> said to them, <FR>Why think ye evil in your hearts?<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/9-4.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=2081" 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> …3On seeing this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” 4<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">But</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsous (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: eidōs (V-RPA-NMS) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">knew</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">they</a> <a href="/greek/1761.htm" title="1761: enthymēseis (N-AFP) -- Inward thought, reflection, plur: thoughts. From enthumeomai; deliberation.">were thinking</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">and said,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: Hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">“Why</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what."></a> <a href="/greek/1760.htm" title="1760: enthymeisthe (V-PIM/P-2P) -- To meditate upon, reflect upon, ponder. From a compound of en and thumos; to be inspirited, i.e. Ponder.">do you harbor</a> <a href="/greek/4190.htm" title="4190: ponēra (Adj-ANP) -- Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. ">evil</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardiais (N-DFP) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts?</a> 5Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’…<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/2-8.htm">Mark 2:8</a> At once Jesus knew in His spirit that they were thinking this way within themselves. “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” He asked. <a href="/luke/5-22.htm">Luke 5:22</a> Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus replied, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? <a href="/john/2-24.htm">John 2:24-25</a> But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man. <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12-13</a> For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. / Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a> But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” <a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Jeremiah 17:10</a> I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. <a href="/1_chronicles/28-9.htm">1 Chronicles 28:9</a> As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. <a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">Psalm 139:1-4</a> For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me. / You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. / You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. ... <a href="/proverbs/15-11.htm">Proverbs 15:11</a> Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men! <a href="/john/6-64.htm">John 6:64</a> However, there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him.) <a href="/john/16-30.htm">John 16:30</a> Now we understand that You know all things and that You have no need for anyone to question You. Because of this, we believe that You came from God.” <a href="/acts/1-24.htm">Acts 1:24</a> And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen <a href="/revelation/2-23.htm">Revelation 2:23</a> Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Matthew 12:25</a> Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. <a href="/luke/6-8.htm">Luke 6:8</a> But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and stand among us.” So he got up and stood there.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Why think you evil in your hearts?knowing.<a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Matthew 12:25</a> And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:<a href="/matthew/16-7.htm">Matthew 16:7,8</a> And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread… <a href="/psalms/44-21.htm">Psalm 44:21</a> Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.Wherefore.<a href="/ezekiel/38-10.htm">Ezekiel 38:10</a> Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:<a href="/acts/5-3.htm">Acts 5:3,4,9</a> But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? … <a href="/acts/8-20.htm">Acts 8:20-22</a> But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/3-12.htm">Cherishing</a> <a href="/judges/16-25.htm">Entertain</a> <a href="/matthew/9-3.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/matthew/9-2.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/micah/4-12.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Think</a> <a href="/malachi/1-7.htm">Thinking</a> <a href="/matthew/5-28.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/matthew/7-20.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/3-12.htm">Cherishing</a> <a href="/luke/14-13.htm">Entertain</a> <a href="/matthew/9-32.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/matthew/9-9.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/12-7.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/matthew/10-34.htm">Think</a> <a href="/mark/2-6.htm">Thinking</a> <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/matthew/9-11.htm">Wherefore</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>But Jesus knew what they were thinking This phrase highlights Jesus' divine omniscience, a characteristic that sets Him apart as the Son of God. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates His ability to perceive the thoughts and intentions of others, as seen in passages like <a href="/john/2-24.htm">John 2:24-25</a>, where He knows what is in man. This ability fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, such as <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2-3</a>, which speaks of the Spirit of the Lord resting upon Him, granting wisdom and understanding. Jesus' knowledge of their thoughts also underscores His authority and the truth of His teachings, as He can discern the hidden motives of the heart.and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? In this part of the verse, Jesus directly addresses the scribes and Pharisees, who were often critical of His ministry. The term "harbor evil" suggests a deliberate and persistent holding onto sinful thoughts, reflecting the hardened hearts of the religious leaders. This confrontation is consistent with Jesus' frequent rebukes of the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and legalism, as seen in <a href="/matthew/23.htm">Matthew 23</a>. The heart, in biblical terms, is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. <a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a> describes the heart as deceitful and desperately wicked, emphasizing the need for divine intervention and transformation. Jesus' question challenges the leaders to examine their inner motives and recognize their need for repentance and faith in Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is demonstrating His divine knowledge and authority by perceiving the thoughts of those around Him. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees_and_scribes.htm">Pharisees and Scribes</a> Religious leaders who often opposed Jesus. In this context, they are questioning Jesus' authority and harboring skepticism and disbelief in their hearts. 3. <a href="/topical/c/capernaum.htm">Capernaum</a> The town where this event takes place. It serves as a significant location for Jesus' ministry and many of His miracles. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_paralytic.htm">The Paralytic</a> The man whose healing prompts the questioning thoughts of the Pharisees and scribes. His healing is both physical and spiritual, as Jesus forgives his sins. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a> Witnesses to the miracle and the exchange between Jesus and the religious leaders. Their reaction is one of awe and glorification of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_insight.htm">Divine Insight</a> Jesus' ability to know the thoughts of the Pharisees demonstrates His divine nature. As believers, we should be aware that God knows our innermost thoughts and intentions. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_heart.htm">Guarding the Heart</a> The Greek word for "harbor" implies deep consideration or deliberation. We must be vigilant about what we allow to dwell in our hearts, ensuring our thoughts align with God's truth. <a href="/topical/c/confronting_skepticism.htm">Confronting Skepticism</a> Jesus addresses the skepticism of the Pharisees directly. As Christians, we should be prepared to confront doubt and disbelief with truth and grace. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_forgiveness.htm">Faith and Forgiveness</a> The healing of the paralytic illustrates the connection between faith and forgiveness. We are called to trust in Jesus' power to heal and forgive. <a href="/topical/w/witnessing_miracles.htm">Witnessing Miracles</a> The crowd's reaction reminds us to glorify God when we witness His work in our lives and the lives of others.<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/core_teachings_of_the_sermon_on_the_mount.htm">What are the core teachings of the Sermon on the Mount?</a> <a href="/q/can_god_perceive_our_thoughts.htm">Can God perceive our thoughts?</a> <a href="/q/how_was_the_bible_compiled_and_shared.htm">What is The Great Deception about?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_gospel_of_the_kingdom.htm">What is the Gospel of the Kingdom about?</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>(4) Knowing their thoughts.--The better MSS. give "seeing," as with an immediate act of intuition. St. Mark adds his usual "immediately," and both he and St. Luke use the word which implies fulness of knowledge.Wherefore think ye evil?--Literally, evil things. The thoughts were evil because, in face of the mighty works and the divine wisdom of the Teacher, they were assuming that He had wantonly spoken words that involved the most extreme of all forms of sin against the God in whose name He taught.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - And Jesus knowing; εἰδώς (but Textus Receptus, with margin of Westcott and Hort, and of Revised Version, ἰδών, "seeing" ); parallel passages, ἐπιγνούς. The difference of form with agreement in sense points to varying translations of ידע (so Peshito, in each place). Perhaps the same cause may also account for the difference in the next words, ἐνθυμήσεις ἐνθυμεῖσθε, but in the parallel passages, διαλογίζονται, διαλογισμούς διαλογίζεσθε (cf. also ver. 8). (For similar instances of our Lord's knowledge, cf. <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Matthew 12:25</a>; <a href="/luke/6-8.htm">Luke 6:8</a>; <a href="/luke/9-47.htm">Luke 9:47John 2:25</a>; cf. further, supra, <a href="/matthew/8-10.htm">Matthew 8:10</a>, note.) Their thoughts, said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? Evil (πονηρά). Does the plural point to stages in their reasoning? or is it merely used because he was addressing more than one person? <a href="/commentaries/matthew/9-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. knew εἰδὼς (eidōs) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. what τὰς (tas) Article - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. they αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. were thinking ἐνθυμήσεις (enthymēseis) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1761.htm">Strong's 1761: </a> Inward thought, reflection, plur: thoughts. From enthumeomai; deliberation. [and] said, εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “Why Ἵνα‿ (Hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. do you harbor ἐνθυμεῖσθε (enthymeisthe) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1760.htm">Strong's 1760: </a> To meditate upon, reflect upon, ponder. From a compound of en and thumos; to be inspirited, i.e. Ponder. evil πονηρὰ (ponēra) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4190.htm">Strong's 4190: </a> Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. hearts? καρδίαις (kardiais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/9-4.htm">Matthew 9:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/9-4.htm">Matthew 9:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/9-4.htm">Matthew 9:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/9-4.htm">Matthew 9:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/9-4.htm">Matthew 9:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/9-4.htm">Matthew 9:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/9-4.htm">Matthew 9:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/9-4.htm">Matthew 9:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/9-4.htm">Matthew 9:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/9-4.htm">Matthew 9:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/9-4.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 9:4 Jesus knowing their thoughts said Why do (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/9-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 9:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 9:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/9-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 9:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 9:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>