Luke 5:24

But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on the earth to forgive sins…” He said to the paralytic, “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus speaks to a paralytic and the surrounding scribes and Pharisees immediately after Luke 5:23 questions whether forgiving sins or commanding healing is easier. He issues a physical command to the man to validate his prior claim about forgiving sins.

The words — The Greek ἵνα εἰδῆτε (hina eidēte) translates literally to "that you may know," functioning as a purpose clause that frames the miracle as demonstrative evidence. The title υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου (huios tou anthrōpou) literally reads "Son of Man," identifying the speaker's specific claim to earthly authority.

The thread — The pattern of spoken healing commands appears in Acts 9:40 and Acts 14:10, while the broader theme of vindication after suffering connects to Isaiah 53:11. The specific instruction to rise and carry a mat is fulfilled in Luke 5:25, distinct from the Acts accounts which record only the standing and walking commands.

Why it lands — The text states that Jesus performs a visible act to prove his invisible spiritual authority before drawing any inferences about his identity. It requires the reader to evaluate whether they accept his claim to forgive sins based on demonstrated power rather than verbal assertion alone.

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 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.

Cross-references

Isaiah 53:11 After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.
Acts 9:40 Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down and prayed, and turning toward her body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up.
Acts 14:10 In a loud voice Paul called out, “Stand up on your feet!” And the man jumped up and began to walk.
Revelation 1:13 and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.
Luke 8:54 But Jesus took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up!”
Acts 3:6 But Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!”
Acts 5:31 God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior, in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.
Acts 9:34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and put away your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up,
Daniel 7:13 In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence.
Matthew 9:6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”