Bible Strands
Mark 2:7
“Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The text records the scribes’ internal reaction as Jesus declares a paralytic’s sins forgiven. They do not speak aloud but hold the objection in their hearts while observing him.
The words — βλασφημεῖ (blasphēmei) literally means “he blasphemes,” capturing their charge that Jesus overstepped human bounds. The verb ἀφιέναι (aphienai) translates to “to forgive,” highlighting the specific act that triggered their objection.
The thread — This question of who holds the authority to pardon transgression echoes Isaiah 43:25, Daniel 9:9, and Micah 7:18. Those passages consistently attribute the power to blot out sins and pardon iniquity to God alone.
Why it lands — The verse forces a direct choice regarding Jesus’ identity by linking forgiveness to divine prerogative. A reader must decide whether the speaker is merely speaking like God or actually sharing God’s 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
Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
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.
- Daniel 9:9 To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him
- Micah 7:18 Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion?
- 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?”
- 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.”
- John 20:20 After He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
- Job 14:4 Who can bring out clean from unclean? No one!
- Psalms 130:4 But with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be feared.
- Matthew 9:3 On seeing this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!”