And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

MARK 2:4KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 2:4 (KJV)

What does Mark 2:4 mean?

Mark 2:4 describes how a group of people, unable to reach Jesus because of the large crowd, removed part of the roof above him and lowered a paralyzed man on a bed so he could be brought before Jesus. This action shows their determination to seek help for their friend, even when faced with obstacles.

In this scene from the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is inside a crowded house, teaching. The friends of a man who is paralyzed cannot get through the crowd, so they go up to the flat roof, make an opening, and lower their friend down to where Jesus is. This verse highlights both the physical setting—houses with accessible roofs—and the extraordinary effort made to reach Jesus.

The Greek behind Mark 2:4

  • The word for "press" is ὄχλος (ochlos), which means a crowd or a throng. This emphasizes how packed the house was, making it impossible to get through in the usual way.
  • The word for "uncovered" is ἀπεστέγασαν (apestegasan), meaning to remove or take off the roof covering. This shows the friends were not just peeking in but actually making a significant opening.
  • The word for "bed" is κράβαττος (krabattos), which refers to a simple mat or stretcher, not a full bed. This detail makes it clear the paralyzed man was being carried in the most basic way, highlighting his helplessness.

Why Mark 2:4 matters

  • Mark 2:4 clears up any idea that the friends simply squeezed through the crowd; instead, they went to great lengths, even dismantling part of a roof, to get help for their friend.
  • This verse sets up the dramatic moment that follows, where Jesus responds not just to the paralyzed man but to the faith and determination of his friends.
  • Understanding the physical setting and the effort involved helps readers appreciate the urgency and hope that drove these actions, making the story more vivid and relatable.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G1846 · used in 2 verses

  • Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

“roof” Greek G4721 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
  • Luke 7:6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

“down” Greek G5465 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
  • Acts 9:25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
  • Acts 27:30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

“palsy” Greek G3885 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • 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 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.