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 5:23 mean?

Explanation

Luke 5:23 challenges the reader to consider both the authority and the power of Jesus over spiritual and physical realms.

The question "[Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?]" was posed by Jesus to the Pharisees and teachers of the law who were questioning His authority to forgive sins.

At its surface, the verse presents a comparison between forgiving sins and healing physical ailments.

However, the deeper meaning reflects a demonstration of Christ's divine authority -- He can not only heal physical impairments but can also offer spiritual restoration by forgiving sins.

Jesus uses this rhetorical question to establish that the tangible healing of the paralytic is visible evidence of the invisible act of forgiving sins, something only God can do.

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Historical Context

The passage comes from the account in the Gospel of Luke when Jesus heals a paralyzed man.

The event occurs in a house in Capernaum where Jesus was teaching.

The house was so crowded that some men carrying the paralyzed man had to lower him through the roof to get him to Jesus.

The skepticism of the religious leaders about Jesus' claim to forgive sins provides the backdrop for this question.

In Jewish tradition, only God could forgive sins, so when Jesus said to the paralytic, "Thy sins be forgiven thee," it was seen as blasphemous by the Pharisees and the scribes.

The cultural and religious expectation of the time did not allow for individuals other than God to forgive sins.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the verse opens up several key areas of insight.

From a Christian perspective, it affirms the dual nature of Jesus as both divine and human. Jesus' question connects physical healing with spiritual authority, reinforcing the concept that He possesses ultimate power over both realms.

It suggests that while anyone might utter the words "rise up and walk" or "your sins are forgiven," only through Jesus do these statements have the power to effect change.

Some theologians argue this demonstrates the comprehensive salvation Jesus brings -- not just physical wellbeing but also spiritual wholeness. This raises Christological discussions about Jesus' identity as the Son of God.

Some other religious perspectives may not recognize Jesus in this divine role and might interpret the verse symbolically or as an illustration of spiritual teaching rather than a literal event.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse encourages faith in Jesus' power to address both outward and inward needs.

It serves as a reminder that spiritual healing is as significant, if not more so, than physical healing.

For the modern believer, the verse could be taken as an encouragement to seek forgiveness and wholeness in Christ.

It also speaks to those in positions of religious authority, challenging leaders to recognize and endorse the comprehensive care of individuals -- tending to both their spiritual and physical ailments.

Furthermore, it invites reflection on the miracles and words of Jesus, pushing believers to see the evidence of His authority in their lives and in the world around them.

Cross-References

Mark 2:9: "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?"
Matthew 9:5: "For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?"
Isaiah 35:5-6: "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "Thy sins be forgiven thee" is "ἀφέωνταί σοι αἱ ἁμαρτίαι", where "ἀφέωνταί" (aphiēntai) is a form of "ἀφίημι" (aphiēmi), which means to send away or to forgive. It implies a release or dismissal.

The term "ἁμαρτίαι" (hamartiai) refers to sins or wrongdoings.

In contrast, "Rise up and walk" (Greek: "ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει") uses "ἔγειρε" (egeire), which means to awaken or to rise up, and "περιπάτει" (peripatei), meaning to walk or to live. Jesus' choice of words suggests authority to command both physical and spiritual changes.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural and religious context of the time, forgiveness of sins was a concept understood in relation to the sacrificial system under Mosaic Law.

In contrast, in some ancient myths, healing and forgiveness could be the domain of various gods or divine figures.

However, the unique aspect of this biblical account is the fusion of divine authority to forgive sins and the power to heal in one person, Jesus.

Other religious interpretations may see the divine as distant from such direct intervention in human affairs or may reserve such actions for a pantheon of deities rather than a singular being.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the events of the verse are considered miraculous and are not explained by natural laws as understood by science.

The healing of paralysis instantly would defy known medical understanding, indicating a supernatural element to the story.

The connection between forgiveness and physical health does, however, find some support in psychological studies that suggest forgiveness can lead to improved mental and sometimes physical health.

While science can study the effects of belief and forgiveness on health, the actual miracle, as described, remains a matter of faith rather than scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

Commentators on Luke 5:23 offer various insights.

For instance, William Barclay notes the authority of Jesus in the realm of forgiveness as a revolutionary concept, considering the religious context that demanded sacrifices for atonement.

Matthew Henry highlights the power of Christ to forgive sins, which he argues is God's prerogative alone, thus proving Jesus' divinity.

Commentators like Adam Clarke emphasize the logical argument Jesus presents: If He has the power to perform the visible miracle of healing, it substantiates His claim to perform the invisible act of forgiving sins.

Many agree that the purpose of the healing miracle was to prove Jesus' authority to forgive sins, positioning Him as more than a teacher or prophet, but as the Son of God.

Luke 5

Luke 5

What does Luke 5:23 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 5:23 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?