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

MARK 2:6KJV
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Mark 2:6 (KJV)

What does Mark 2:6 mean?

Mark 2:6 describes how some scribes were sitting nearby, quietly thinking to themselves about what was happening. The verse points out that these religious teachers were not speaking out loud but were questioning things internally, in their own hearts.

In this scene, Jesus has just told a paralyzed man that his sins are forgiven, which was a bold statement. The scribes, who were experts in Jewish law, are present and silently considering the meaning and implications of Jesus’ words. The verse highlights their inner thoughts, setting up the tension that follows as Jesus responds to what they are thinking, not just what is spoken aloud.

The Greek behind Mark 2:6

  • "διαλογιζόμενοι" (dialogizomenoi, reasoning): This Greek word means to think through, ponder, or debate within oneself. It emphasizes that the scribes were not just passively observing but were actively wrestling with what Jesus had said.
  • "ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν" (en tais kardiais autōn, in their hearts): The phrase shows that their questioning was internal, not spoken. In the Bible, "heart" often refers to the center of thought and will, not just emotion.

Why Mark 2:6 matters

  • Mark 2:6 sets up the dramatic moment where Jesus responds to the scribes’ unspoken thoughts, showing his unique insight and authority.
  • The verse highlights the skepticism and resistance of the religious leaders, which becomes a recurring theme in the Gospel of Mark.
  • By noting that the scribes were "reasoning in their hearts," the verse draws attention to the difference between outward appearances and inward attitudes, a key concern in Jesus’ interactions with religious authorities.

Where else these words appear

“reasoning” Greek G1260 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 16:7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
  • Mark 8:16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.
  • Luke 5:21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

“scribes” Greek G1122 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 26:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
  • Mark 15:31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

“sitting” Greek G2521 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Luke 5:17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
  • Revelation 4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

“there” Greek G1563 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 6:10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
  • John 6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;