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.”

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Jesus speaks to a paralytic and the surrounding crowd immediately after asking whether it is easier to forgive sins or command physical healing. He delivers this statement to validate His subsequent command before the man rises.

The words — The phrase ἔξουσιαν ἔχει (exousian echei) literally translates to “has authority,” marking Jesus’ present possession of divine prerogative. The particle ἵνα (ina) introduces the purpose clause “so that you may know,” structuring the miracle as direct evidence.

The thread — The declaration that the Son of Man forgives sins on earth directly parallels Isaiah 43:25, where Yahweh claims sole authority to blot out transgressions. This shared divine function is later mirrored in John 5:21, where the Son’s sovereign power to give life reflects the Father’s identical operation.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to acknowledge that visible physical restoration serves as proof of invisible spiritual authority. It demands acceptance that forgiveness and healing originate from the same source, leaving no room to separate the two.

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 on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

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.
Matthew 9:5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?
John 5:21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes.
John 20:21 Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.”
2 Corinthians 2:10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it in the presence of Christ for your sake,
2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.
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?
Matthew 8:20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”
Mark 2:7 “Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Mark 2:10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” He said to the paralytic,