Matthew 9:3

3 And lo, certain of the scribes said within themselves, `This one doth speak evil.'

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 And having gone to the boat, he passed over, and came to his own city,

2 and lo, they were bringing to him a paralytic, laid upon a couch, and Jesus having seen their faith, said to the paralytic, `Be of good courage, child, thy sins have been forgiven thee.'

3 And lo, certain of the scribes said within themselves, `This one doth speak evil.'

4 And Jesus, having known their thoughts, said, `Why think ye evil in your hearts?

5 for which is easier? to say, The sins have been forgiven to thee; or to say, Rise, and walk?