1. AND JESUS having returned to Capernaum, after some days it was rumored about that He was in the house [probably Peter's].
2. And so many people gathered together there that there was no longer room [for them], not even around the door; and He was discussing the Word.
3. Then they came, bringing a paralytic to Him, who had been picked up and was being carried by four men.
4. And when they could not get him to a place in front of Jesus because of the throng, they dug through the roof above Him; and when they had scooped out an opening, they let down the [thickly padded] quilt or mat upon which the paralyzed man lay.
5. And when Jesus saw their faith [their confidence in God through Him], He said to the paralyzed man, Son, your sins are forgiven [you] and put away [that is, the penalty is remitted, the sense of guilt removed, and you are made upright and in right standing with God].
6. Now some of the scribes were sitting there, holding a dialogue with themselves as they questioned in their hearts,
7. Why does this Man talk like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins [remove guilt, remit the penalty, and bestow righteousness instead] except God alone?
8. And at once Jesus, becoming fully aware in His spirit that they thus debated within themselves, said to them, Why do you argue (debate, reason) about all this in your hearts?
9. Which is easier: to say to the paralyzed man, Your sins are forgiven and put away, or to say, Rise, take up your sleeping pad or mat, and start walking about [and keep on walking]?