Bible Strands
Luke 5:22
Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus replied, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to the scribes and Pharisees immediately after declaring a paralyzed man's sins forgiven, at the precise moment they privately question how he can claim God's exclusive authority.
The words — The text highlights διαλογισμοὺς (dialogismous), literally "reasonings" or inward calculations, which Jesus identifies as the hidden content of their hearts before he delivers his reply.
The thread — This narrative pattern of Jesus perceiving and verbally confronting unspoken thoughts runs through Matthew 9:4, Matthew 12:25, and Mark 8:17.
Why it lands — The text first establishes that Jesus perceives and names hidden internal calculations, then requires readers to examine whether their own unspoken assessments align with or oppose his authority.
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
But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?
Cross-references
- Matthew 9:4 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?
- Matthew 12:25 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.
- Mark 8:17 Aware of their conversation, Jesus asked them, “Why are you debating about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Do you have such hard hearts?
- Luke 24:38 “Why are you troubled,” Jesus asked, “and why do doubts arise in your hearts?
- Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land?
- Psalms 139:2 You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar.
- Isaiah 66:18 “And I, knowing their deeds and thoughts, am coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory.
- Revelation 2:23 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.
- Hebrews 4:12 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.
- 1 Chronicles 28:9 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.