Matthew 9:3

3 Some religion scholars whispered, "Why, that's blasphemy!"

Matthew 9:3 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 9:3

And behold, certain of the Scribes said within themselves,
&c.] And of the Pharisees also, as Luke says; for there were at this time Pharisees and doctors of the law, who were come out of every town of Galilee and Judea, and out of Jerusalem, sitting and hearing him teach, and observing what he said, and did; who upon hearing him pronounce the sentence of pardon, upon this "paralytic" man, reasoned and concluded in their own minds, though they did not care to speak it out, that

this man blasphemeth:
the reason was, because they thought he ascribed that to himself, which was peculiar to God: and so he did, and yet did not blaspheme; because he himself was God, of which he quickly gave convincing proofs.

Matthew 9:3 In-Context

1 Back in the boat, Jesus and the disciples recrossed the sea to Jesus' hometown.
2 They were hardly out of the boat when some men carried a paraplegic on a stretcher and set him down in front of them. Jesus, impressed by their bold belief, said to the paraplegic, "Cheer up, son. I forgive your sins."
3 Some religion scholars whispered, "Why, that's blasphemy!"
4 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, "Why this gossipy whispering?
5 Which do you think is simpler: to say, 'I forgive your sins,' or, 'Get up and walk'?
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.