Matthew 9:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Some of the scribes silently judge Jesus a blasphemer for claiming to forgive sins, a thing they held belonged to God alone.
What Does Matthew 9:3 Mean?
The scribes, trained experts in the law of Moses, react inwardly to Jesus' words. To pronounce a person's sins forgiven was, in their understanding, to do what God alone could do. So they conclude, quietly and within themselves, that this man has spoken against God himself. Their charge is grave, for blasphemy was among the most serious of offenses.
Their objection unintentionally points to the very truth they are missing: only God forgives sins, and here stands One who does exactly that. The accusation reveals more than the accusers intend. What they name as blasphemy is in fact a quiet unveiling of who Jesus is, glimpsed first by his critics rather than his friends. Even hostile hearts, reasoning rightly from a false premise, stumble upon the question the whole chapter is asking.
Matthew 9:3 in the Original Language
blasphemei (βλασφημεῖ), 'blasphemeth' -- to speak injuriously against, especially against the sacred.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 9:3
What does Matthew 9:3 mean?
Some of the scribes silently judge Jesus a blasphemer for claiming to forgive sins, a thing they held belonged to God alone.