And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.

LUKE 5:18KJV
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Luke 5:18 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:18 mean?

Luke 5:18 describes a group of men bringing a paralyzed man on a bed, trying to find a way to place him before Jesus. The verse highlights their determination to get the man close to Jesus, hoping for help or healing.

In this scene, Luke is narrating to his readers about an event during Jesus’ ministry. Jesus is inside a house, teaching, and these men are carrying their friend who cannot walk. The verse sets up the story by showing the effort and faith of the friends as they search for a way to reach Jesus despite the obstacles.

The Greek behind Luke 5:18

  • ἀνὴρ (anēr): This word means "man," and it often refers specifically to an adult male. Here, it emphasizes that the person being carried is a grown man, not a child.
  • παραλελυμένος (paralelumenos): This is translated as "taken with a palsy," meaning the man is paralyzed. The Greek word carries the sense of someone whose body is weakened or disabled, making the need for help and healing clear.
  • ζητοῦντες (zētountes): This word means "they sought" or "they were seeking." It shows ongoing effort, not just a single attempt, highlighting the persistence of the friends in trying to bring the man to Jesus.

Why Luke 5:18 matters

  • Luke 5:18 sets up the dramatic moment that follows, where the friends go to great lengths—eventually lowering the man through the roof—to get him to Jesus.
  • The verse emphasizes the faith and determination of the paralyzed man's friends, which becomes a key point in the story as Jesus responds not just to the man's need but to their faith.
  • This verse helps readers see the practical challenges people faced when trying to reach Jesus, underlining how crowded and sought-after his presence was during his ministry.

Where else these words appear

“palsy” Greek G3886 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 5:24 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins,(he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.
  • Acts 8:7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
  • Acts 9:33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

“bring” Greek G1533 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
  • 1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

“bed” Greek G2825 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
  • Mark 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
  • Luke 17:34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

“brought” Greek G5342 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
  • John 2:8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
  • Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.