Bible Strands
Matthew 9:5
Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the scribes questioning his authority while standing before a paralyzed man. He poses a direct question to the crowd and his critics before demonstrating his power to heal.
The words — The Greek term εὐκοπώτερον (eukopōteron) translates literally as “easier” or “more plainly possible.” Jesus uses it to contrast the invisible claim of forgiveness with the visible command to walk.
The thread — This rhetorical comparison appears in Mark 2:9 alongside the same healing narrative. The pattern of linking forgiveness to physical restoration also echoes in John 5:8 and Acts 3:16.
Why it lands — The text presents a direct challenge to verify a claim of spiritual authority through tangible action. It asks the reader to evaluate whether Jesus’ words carry divine weight or mere human presumption.
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
For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
Cross-references
- John 5:8 Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.”
- Mark 2:9 “Which is easier: to say to a paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and walk’?
- Acts 3:16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know has been made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has given him this complete healing in your presence.
- Luke 5:23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?
- Acts 14:8 In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked.
- Isaiah 35:5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
- 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 9:34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and put away your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up,
- John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, “To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working.”
- Acts 4:9 If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed,