New Testament

Matthew 9:4

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus demonstrates His divine ability to perceive the thoughts of those around Him.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?"

KJVKing James Version

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus demonstrates His divine ability to perceive the thoughts of those around Him. He addresses the skepticism of the religious leaders who were questioning His authority to forgive sins. By asking them why they think evil in their hearts, He highlights the seriousness of their doubts and the moral implications of their thoughts. This moment reveals that Jesus is not only aware of their external actions but also their internal attitudes. The term 'evil' suggests that their disbelief and judgment stem from a deeper spiritual issue. Jesus challenges them to reflect on their own hearts and motives, emphasizing that true faith requires honesty and openness to God's work. This interaction sets the stage for His subsequent miracles, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God who has the power to heal both physically and spiritually.

Key themes

Related topics

doubt, fear, strength

How to apply Matthew 9:4 to your life

This verse encourages us to examine our own thoughts and motivations. It reminds us that God knows our hearts and that we should strive for honesty in our faith. Instead of harboring doubt or negativity, we can seek to align our thoughts with God's truth and love.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 9:4 mean?

Matthew 9:4 shows Jesus revealing His ability to know people's thoughts, specifically addressing the doubts of religious leaders. He questions their evil thoughts, highlighting their skepticism about His authority to forgive sins.

What is the significance of Jesus knowing their thoughts in Matthew 9:4?

Jesus knowing their thoughts signifies His divine insight and authority. It emphasizes that He understands not just actions but also the inner doubts and moral struggles of individuals.

What does thinking evil in your heart mean in Matthew 9:4?

Thinking evil in your heart refers to harboring doubts, skepticism, or negative attitudes towards God and His works. Jesus challenges the religious leaders to reflect on their inner motives and beliefs.

How does Matthew 9:4 relate to faith and doubt?

Matthew 9:4 illustrates the tension between faith and doubt, as Jesus confronts the skepticism of the religious leaders. It encourages believers to examine their own hearts and align their thoughts with faith.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

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