Mark 2:9 web — Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?'

World English Bible

"Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?'"

— Mark 2:9, World English Bible

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Mark 2:9 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Mark 2 — Context

6

But there were some of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

7

"Why does this man speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

8

Immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you reason these things in your hearts?

9

Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?'

10

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--he said to the paralytic--

11

"I tell you, arise, take up your mat, and go to your house."

12

He arose, and immediately took up the mat, and went out in front of them all; so that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

Mark 2:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Mark 2:9 say?
Mark 2:9 in the World English Bible reads: “Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?'”
Where is Mark 2:9 in the Bible?
Mark 2:9 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Mark, chapter 2, verse 9.
Who wrote Mark?
Mark is traditionally attributed to John Mark, companion of Peter and Paul. Early tradition (Papias, c. AD 130) reports Mark wrote down Peter's preaching. It was written c. AD 55–65.
What is the book of Mark about?
Mark is the shortest, fastest-paced Gospel — "immediately" is its favorite word. It portrays Jesus as the powerful, suffering Servant who acts, heals, casts out demons, and finally gives his life as a ransom for many. The story moves with urgency from Galilee to a cross outside Jerusalem.
What are the major themes of Mark?
Mark explores themes including Servant, Action, Suffering, Discipleship, Cross. These themes shape the meaning and context of Mark 2:9.
What translation should I read Mark 2:9 in?
Mark 2:9 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Mark 2:9?
Mark 2:9 reads (WEB): “Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?'” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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