Mark 2

And again he entered into Capernaum, after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

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?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.

And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

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

No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.

And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?

And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?

How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

What does Mark 2:3 mean?

Explanation

Mark 2:3 narrates an event where a group of individuals brought a man afflicted with palsy, or paralysis, to Jesus Christ for healing. The details indicate that there were four individuals ('borne of four') carrying the paralytic man to where Jesus was.

The verse highlights a strong sense of faith and community and illustrates the efforts made by the individuals to seek healing from Jesus.

The physical act of carrying the paralyzed man symbolizes the spiritual action of intercessory help and support.

The deeper meanings here involve themes of faith, compassion, and the collective effort in seeking divine intervention.

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Historical Context

The verse is set in Capernaum during the early part of Jesus' ministry.

During this time, houses typically had flat roofs made of beams and branches covered with a layer of mud.

The mention of four people suggests an intimate network assisting the paralytic, in line with the closely-knit communities of the time.

The social and religious life of first-century Judea revolved around the Synagogue and was marked by a strong expectation for a messiah.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this event demonstrates Jesus' divine authority to heal and forgive sins, as seen later in Mark 2:5-12. Different Christian denominations may interpret this event in varied ways, though most agree on the fundamental demonstration of Christ's power.

Some may emphasize the collective faith of those bringing the paralytic to Jesus, while others may focus on the importance of the individual's faith.

Practical Applications

The passage teaches the value of helping those in need and acting in faith. In daily life, this could mean providing physical, emotional, or spiritual support to those who are struggling. It also illustrates the importance of community support and the impact it can have on an individual's life.

Moreover, it encourages individuals to take action in their faith, suggesting that belief is not passive but often requires proactive measures.

Cross-References

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."
Luke 5:18-19: "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."
Mark 2:5: "When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term used for palsy is "παραλυτικὸν" (paralytikon), which refers to someone who is paralyzed and unable to move.

The word "borne" translates from the Greek word "φέρω" (phero), which can mean to carry or to bring.

The number "four" does not simply refer to the number of individuals, but in a symbolic sense, it often represents universality or wholeness in biblical numerology, possibly illustrating a complete effort by the community.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The act of carrying the paralyzed man can be compared to various other ancient rituals of intercession and healing in different cultures.

For instance, in certain ancient near eastern cultures, it was common to bring the sick before a deity or a healer.

In the context of other religious interpretations, physical healing often represents spiritual restoration, a concept found in multiple spiritual traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understanding of paralysis recognizes it as a medical condition often requiring extensive physical therapy and medical intervention.

The miraculous healing described in the Bible, by contrast, points to an instantaneous and divine form of healing that transcends natural laws.

This contrasts with the scientific approach, which is based on empirical evidence and natural explanations.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Mark 2:3.

Some focus on the obstacles the friends faced, such as the crowd and their need to uncover the roof to lower the man down, emphasizing perseverance in faith.

Others consider the collaborative faith of the man's friends as instrumental for the healing, interpreting it as a testament to the power of communal faith and action.

Still, others look at the narrative as an introduction to the display of Jesus' divine authority, with the physical healing serving as a visible sign of the invisible forgiveness of sins.

Mark 2

Mark 2

What does Mark 2:3 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 2:3 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?