New Testament
Matthew 9:2
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Some people brought him a paralyzed man lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, "Take heart, son! Your sins are forgiven."
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And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
What Matthew 9:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a group of people brings a paralyzed man to Jesus, showing their faith in His ability to heal. Instead of immediately healing the man's physical condition, Jesus first addresses his spiritual state by forgiving his sins. This act demonstrates the importance of faith and the connection between physical and spiritual healing. Jesus acknowledges the faith of those who brought the man, highlighting that faith can lead to significant outcomes. The phrase 'Take heart, son!' indicates compassion and encouragement, suggesting that forgiveness is a source of hope and strength. This moment illustrates that Jesus prioritizes spiritual well-being, showing that forgiveness is as crucial as physical healing. The act of forgiving sins also sets the stage for the authority of Jesus, which will be further explored in the following verses, where He proves His authority by healing the man physically as well. This passage emphasizes the holistic nature of Jesus' ministry, addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of individuals.
How to apply Matthew 9:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to bring our struggles to Jesus, trusting in His power to heal both physically and spiritually. It reminds us that faith can lead to forgiveness and restoration, urging us to support others in their journeys of faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Healing a Paralyzed Man (Matthew 9:1–8)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 9:2 mean?
Matthew 9:2 describes a moment when a paralyzed man is brought to Jesus by friends. Instead of healing him immediately, Jesus first forgives his sins, showing the importance of faith and the connection between spiritual and physical healing.
What is the significance of Jesus forgiving sins in Matthew 9:2?
In Matthew 9:2, Jesus forgiving the man's sins highlights His authority and the priority of spiritual well-being over physical healing. This act demonstrates that forgiveness is essential for true restoration.
What does 'Take heart, son!' mean in Matthew 9:2?
The phrase 'Take heart, son!' in Matthew 9:2 expresses Jesus' compassion and encouragement. It reassures the paralyzed man that he is valued and that forgiveness brings hope and strength.
How does faith play a role in Matthew 9:2?
In Matthew 9:2, the faith of the friends who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus is crucial. Their belief in Jesus' ability to heal leads to the man's forgiveness and sets the stage for his physical healing.
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