New Testament
Luke 5:21
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The scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
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And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?
What Luke 5:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the scribes and Pharisees are questioning Jesus' authority to forgive sins. They consider His claim to be blasphemous because, in their understanding, only God has the power to forgive sins. This moment highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time, as they struggle to accept His divine authority. The scribes and Pharisees are focused on the law and their interpretations, failing to recognize that Jesus embodies God's grace and mercy. Their questioning reflects a deeper issue of faith and understanding of who Jesus truly is. This confrontation sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His divine power and authority, ultimately leading to His mission of salvation. The verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus not just as a teacher, but as the Son of God who has the authority to forgive sins, a central tenet of Christian belief.
How to apply Luke 5:21 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our understanding of Jesus' authority in our lives. Are we open to recognizing His power to forgive and transform us? It encourages us to trust in His grace rather than relying solely on our interpretations of faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Healing a Paralyzed Man (Luke 5:17–26)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 5:21
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 5:21 mean?
Luke 5:21 shows the scribes and Pharisees questioning Jesus' authority to forgive sins, viewing His claim as blasphemous since they believed only God could forgive. This highlights the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders, emphasizing their struggle to accept His divine nature.
What is the significance of forgiveness in Luke 5:21?
In Luke 5:21, forgiveness is central as it reveals Jesus' divine authority. The verse illustrates the tension between Jesus' ability to forgive sins and the religious leaders' belief that only God has that power, setting the stage for Jesus' mission of salvation.
Who are the scribes and Pharisees in Luke 5:21?
The scribes and Pharisees in Luke 5:21 were religious leaders and scholars of the law in Jewish society. They were known for their strict adherence to the law and often challenged Jesus' teachings, reflecting their skepticism about His authority.
What does blasphemy mean in Luke 5:21?
In Luke 5:21, blasphemy refers to the act of speaking disrespectfully about God or claiming divine authority without proper standing. The scribes and Pharisees viewed Jesus' claim to forgive sins as a serious offense against God.
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