Luke 5:21

But the scribes and Pharisees began thinking to themselves, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The scribes and Pharisees privately question Jesus after He declares the paralyzed man’s sins forgiven. They wonder how a human can claim the prerogative reserved for God.

The words — The Greek term διαλογίζεσθαι (dialogizesthai) denotes the internal reasoning or debate occurring within the religious observers. The verb ἤρξαντο (ērxanto) marks the precise moment this silent questioning begins.

The thread — The same internal questioning appears in Mark 2:6 and Luke 7:49 where observers wonder who can forgive sins. Isaiah 43:25 records God personally blotting out transgressions for His own sake.

Why it lands — The text forces a direct evaluation of Jesus’ claimed authority to forgive sins. It requires the reader to decide whether this claim aligns with God’s alone or constitutes blasphemy.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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

Cross-references

Isaiah 43:25 I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more.
Mark 2:6 But some of the scribes were sitting there and thinking in their hearts,
Luke 7:49 But those at the table began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
John 10:33 “We are not stoning You for any good work,” said the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, make Yourself out to be God.”
Acts 6:11 Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.”
Psalms 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
Daniel 9:9 To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him
Matthew 26:65 At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
Romans 8:33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
Exodus 34:6 Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness,