New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 9:4

The Doctor for the Sick

But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? Matthew 9:4 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 9:4, in plain English

But Jesus knew exactly what they were thinking and said, 'Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts?'

Why it's here

They thought their accusations were hidden, but Jesus read them like an open book.

Who's speaking

Jesus, exposing hidden thoughts.

Where it sits in the story

The fact that Jesus could read their minds should have been their first clue about who they were dealing with.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus perceives (eidon) their thoughts (enthymeseis), demonstrating supernatural knowledge, and confronts their internal evil reasoning directly.

Language and setting

Jesus' ability to read thoughts (cf. 1 Sam 16:7, Jer 17:10) is a divine attribute, further underscoring the very claim the scribes are challenging.

Voice

Jesus, confronting the scribes' hidden thoughts.

Significance

Jesus' knowledge of their thoughts is itself evidence of the divine authority they are denying, creating a layered irony.

In context

Matthew 9:2–6

2Just then some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.”

3On seeing this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!”

4But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?

5Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?

6But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”

Read all of Matthew 9 — Jesus eats with sinners, forgives the paralyzed, and raises the dead. The religious leaders are horrified; the broken are set free.

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