New Testament
Luke 5:19
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, a group of friends is determined to help a paralyzed man see Jesus.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
When they couldn't get through the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and lowered the man on his mat right into the middle of the room in front of Jesus.
And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, a group of friends is determined to help a paralyzed man see Jesus. When they arrive at the house where Jesus is teaching, they find it crowded and cannot get through the door. Instead of giving up, they climb onto the roof, remove some tiles, and lower their friend down on his mat directly in front of Jesus. This act shows their faith and determination to bring their friend to Jesus, believing that He can heal him. The scene highlights the lengths to which they are willing to go to help someone in need, demonstrating both their friendship and their belief in Jesus' power. It also illustrates the importance of community and support in overcoming obstacles. Their actions not only lead to a miraculous healing but also serve as a powerful example of faith in action, showing that sometimes we must be creative and persistent in our efforts to seek help for ourselves or others.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 5:19 to your life
This passage encourages us to be persistent in helping others, especially when faced with challenges. It reminds us to have faith in the power of Jesus to heal and transform lives. We should also seek creative solutions to support those in need, just as the friends did.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 5:19 teach about faith?
Luke 5:19 illustrates the power of faith through the actions of the paralyzed man's friends. Their determination to bring him to Jesus, despite the obstacles, shows that true faith often requires action and creativity. It emphasizes that faith is not just belief but also involves taking steps to seek help and support for ourselves and others.
How can we apply Luke 5:19 in our lives today?
We can apply Luke 5:19 by being persistent in helping those in need, especially when faced with challenges. This passage encourages us to think outside the box and find creative solutions to support our friends and loved ones. It also reminds us to have faith in Jesus' ability to heal and transform lives, inspiring us to take action when we see someone struggling.
What does the crowd represent in Luke 5:19?
In Luke 5:19, the crowd represents the obstacles and challenges we often face when trying to help others or seek help ourselves. The friends' determination to overcome this crowd highlights the importance of perseverance and the willingness to go to great lengths for those we care about. It serves as a reminder that obstacles can be overcome with faith and creativity.
Why did the friends go on the roof in Luke 5:19?
The friends went on the roof in Luke 5:19 because they could not get through the crowd to reach Jesus. This action demonstrates their determination and resourcefulness. Instead of giving up, they found an alternative way to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus, illustrating the lengths we should go to in order to support those in need.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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