Luke 5

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.

And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.

No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

What does Luke 5:20 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 5:20 from the King James Version of the Bible emphasises both the physical and spiritual aspects of healing.

Literally, this passage describes Jesus acknowledging the faith of a paralyzed man and his friends, who had gone to great lengths to bring him to Jesus in hopes of healing.

Upon witnessing their faith, Jesus declares the man's sins forgiven.

The deeper meaning here extends beyond the physical healing of the paralytic.

By addressing the man's sins before his physical ailment, Jesus is touching upon the concept of spiritual wholeness and the importance of being reconciled with God.

The forgiveness of sins is depicted as the ultimate healing, surpassing even the miraculous healing of the body.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

This event occurs early in Jesus' ministry, as recounted by the Gospel of Luke.

At this time, Jesus is gaining popularity due to his teachings and miraculous acts.

The incident takes place in a house in Capernaum, where Jesus was preaching to a crowded room of listeners, including Pharisees and teachers of the law.

During this period, physical ailments were often associated with sin, and the concept of divine punishment for sins was prevalent.

The act of forgiving sins was also considered something only God could do, and thus Jesus' statement was revolutionary and provocative to the religious leaders of the time.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological viewpoint, this verse is significant in establishing Jesus' authority to forgive sins, a role traditionally reserved for God alone.

This has implications for Christology, supporting the doctrine of the divinity of Jesus Christ within Christian faith.

Some theologians see this verse as a statement about the relationship between sin and sickness, suggesting that Jesus is more concerned with spiritual salvation than physical healing.

However, others interpret it as a demonstration that spiritual and physical healing are not separate in Christ's ministry, but are interconnected.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life as a reminder of the importance of faith and its power to elicit change. It encourages believers to trust in God's ability to forgive and to heal, promoting the idea that inner transformation is often a precursor to external change.

It also serves as a call for intercessory prayer and actions. The friends' determination to help their paralyzed companion is an example of how believers can actively support others in their faith journey and in times of need.

Cross-References

Mark 2:5 - "When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."
Matthew 9:2 - "And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee."
Psalm 103:3 - "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;"
Isaiah 53:5 - "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words used in this verse include "faith" (πίστις, pistis), which holds connotations of trust and belief in Jesus' authority and power, and "forgiven" (ἀφίημι, aphiēmi), which means to send away or release, indicating the man's sins are being removed or absolved.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures and religions, there were rituals and practices aimed at appeasing gods or supernatural forces for health and forgiveness.

Greek and Roman myths, for instance, often featured gods who could inflict or heal diseases based on moral actions.

In comparison, the Jewish context in which Jesus operates puts a strong emphasis on the role of Yahweh as the healer and forgiver. Jesus' actions in this passage reflect and fulfill these expectations but also redefine them in a radical way that ascribes divine authority to Jesus himself.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of disease do not make a direct link between sin and physical illness as was commonly believed in ancient times.

However, many scientific studies acknowledge the psychological and physiological benefits of forgiveness and faith, understanding that mental and emotional states can have a significant impact on physical health and well-being.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer varied interpretations of Luke 5:20.

Some emphasize Jesus' challenge to religious authorities and the assertion of his divine nature. Others focus on the communal aspect of faith and the role it plays in spiritual and physical healing.

Many commentaries also note the scandal this statement would have caused, as it implied that Jesus had the authority to forgive sins, which could only be claimed by God according to Jewish tradition.

This pivotal moment therefore not only provides insight into Jesus' ministry of healing but also marks a significant point in the unfolding revelation of his identity as the Son of God.

Luke 5

Luke 5

What does Luke 5:20 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 5:20 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?