Luke 5:22 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:22 mean?

Luke 5:22 shows Jesus recognizing the unspoken objections of the religious teachers and asking them why they are thinking that way. His question brings their private doubts into the open during his encounter with a man who could not walk.

The teachers’ thoughts follow Jesus’ statement that the man’s sins are forgiven. Jesus addresses the teachers directly, asking what they are reasoning “in your hearts.” Here, the heart refers to the inner place of thought, not simply to feelings.

The Greek behind Luke 5:22

• “thoughts” — διαλογισμός (dialogismos): This word can mean thoughts or arguments considered within oneself. Here, it describes the teachers’ inward questioning about Jesus’ words.
• “reason” — διαλογίζομαι (dialogizomai): This word carries the sense of thinking something over or questioning it. Jesus asks the teachers about the thinking taking place within them.
• “perceived” — ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginōskō): This word can mean to recognize or understand. In Luke’s account, Jesus recognizes what the teachers are thinking before he questions them.

Why Luke 5:22 matters

• The objection concerns Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. In verse 21, the teachers ask who can forgive sins except God, so Jesus’ question addresses a challenge to what he has just said.
• Jesus’ question sets up the contrast that follows. In verse 23, he asks which is easier: to say that the man’s sins are forgiven or to tell him to rise and walk.
• The healing that follows is presented as evidence for his claim. In verse 24, Jesus says that the man’s rising will show his authority to forgive sins on earth.