Mark 2:4
New International Version
Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.

New Living Translation
They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.

English Standard Version
And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.

Berean Standard Bible
Since they were unable to get to Jesus through the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening, and lowered the paralytic on his mat.

Berean Literal Bible
And not being able to come near to Him on account of the crowd, they removed the roof where He was, and having broken it up, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.

New American Standard Bible
And when they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and after digging an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralyzed man was lying.

NASB 1995
Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying.

NASB 1977
And being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying.

Legacy Standard Bible
And being unable to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof over where He was; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the mat where the paralytic was lying.

Amplified Bible
When they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Jesus; and when they had dug out an opening, they let down the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying.

Christian Standard Bible
Since they were not able to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and after digging through it, they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Since they were not able to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above where He was. And when they had broken through, they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying.

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

Contemporary English Version
But because of the crowd, they could not get him to Jesus. So they made a hole in the roof above him and let the man down in front of everyone.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Since they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof over the place where Jesus was. Then they lowered the cot on which the paralyzed man was lying.

Good News Translation
Because of the crowd, however, they could not get the man to him. So they made a hole in the roof right above the place where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they let the man down, lying on his mat.

International Standard Version
Since they couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof over the place where he was. They dug through it and let down the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying.

Majority Standard Bible
Since they were unable to get to Jesus through the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening, and lowered the paralytic on his mat.

NET Bible
When they were not able to bring him in because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Jesus. Then, after tearing it out, they lowered the stretcher the paralytic was lying on.

New Heart English Bible
And when they could not bring him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when they could not come nigh to him by reason of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed on which the sick with the palsy lay.

Weymouth New Testament
Finding themselves unable, however, to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they untiled the roof just over His head, and after clearing an opening they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying.

World English Bible
When they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and not being able to come near to Him because of the multitude, they uncovered the roof where He was, and having broken [it] up, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying,

Berean Literal Bible
And not being able to come near to Him on account of the crowd, they removed the roof where He was, and having broken it up, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying.

Young's Literal Translation
and not being able to come near to him because of the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was, and, having broken it up, they let down the couch on which the paralytic was lying,

Smith's Literal Translation
And not being able to draw near to him for the crowd, they uncovered the roof where he was and having excavated, they let down his couch upon which the paralytic was laid.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was; and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when they were not able to present him to him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where he was. And opening it, they lowered down the stretcher on which the paralytic was lying.

New American Bible
Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.

New Revised Standard Version
And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But as they were unable to come near him because of the crowd, they went up to the roof and uncovered it over the place where Jesus was; and they lowered the quilt-bed in which the paralyzed man lay.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Because they were not able to be brought near him due to the crowds, they went up to the roof and removed the roof tiles of the place where Yeshua was. They let down the litter in which the paralytic lay.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And not being able to come near him, on account of the multitude, they took off the roof where he was, and having broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.

Godbey New Testament
And not being able to come near Him on account of the crowd, they opened the roof where He was: and having lifted it up, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.

Haweis New Testament
and not being able to come nigh him because of the crowd, they stripped off the roofing of the house where he was; and having broken a way through, they let down with ropes the couch, on which the paralytic lay.

Mace New Testament
who finding it impossible to come nigh Him because of the press, uncovered the roof where He was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the cradle wherein the paralytic lay.

Weymouth New Testament
Finding themselves unable, however, to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they untiled the roof just over His head, and after clearing an opening they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying.

Worrell New Testament
And not being able to bring him to Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was; and, having broken it up, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.

Worsley New Testament
and not being able to come near to Him for the croud, they uncovered the roof where He was, and when they had made an openning, they let down the couch on which the paralytic was laid.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
3Then a paralytic was brought to Him, carried by four men. 4Since they were unable to get to Jesus through the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening, and lowered the paralytic on his mat. 5When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”…

Cross References
Luke 5:18-19
Just then some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They tried to bring him inside to set him before Jesus, / but they could not find a way through the crowd. So they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

Matthew 9:2-8
Just 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.” / On seeing this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” / But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? ...

John 5:8-9
Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” / Immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and began to walk. Now this happened on the Sabbath day,

Acts 3:2-10
And a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those entering the temple courts. / When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. / Peter looked directly at him, as did John. “Look at us!” said Peter. ...

Isaiah 35:5-6
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.

2 Kings 5:1-14
Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. / At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. / She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.” ...

John 9:1-7
Now as Jesus was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth, / and His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” / Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him. ...

Matthew 12:11-13
He replied, “If one of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? / How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” / Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored to full use, just like the other.

Luke 13:11-13
and a woman there had been disabled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was hunched over and could not stand up straight. / When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your disability.” / Then He placed His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and began to glorify God.

Acts 9:33-34
There he found a man named Aeneas who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. / “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and put away your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up,

Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Psalm 103:2-3
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds— / He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases,

Matthew 8:16-17
When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Jesus, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. / This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.”

Luke 7:22
So He replied, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

John 14:12
Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.


Treasury of Scripture

And when they could not come near to 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.

they uncovered.

Deuteronomy 22:8
When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.

Luke 5:19
And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

Jump to Previous
Able Account Bed Broken Clearing Crowd Digging Dug Finding Head However Jesus Lying Mat Nigh Opening Pallet Palsy Paralytic Paralyzed Press Reason Removed Roof Sick Themselves Unable Uncovered Wherein Whereon
Jump to Next
Able Account Bed Broken Clearing Crowd Digging Dug Finding Head However Jesus Lying Mat Nigh Opening Pallet Palsy Paralytic Paralyzed Press Reason Removed Roof Sick Themselves Unable Uncovered Wherein Whereon
Mark 2
1. Jesus followed by multitudes,
3. heals a paralytic;
13. calls Matthew;
15. eats with tax collectors and sinners;
18. excuses his disciples for not fasting;
23. and for picking the heads of grain on the Sabbath day.














Since they were unable to get to Jesus through the crowd
This phrase sets the scene of a bustling environment where Jesus' presence has drawn a multitude. The Greek word for "crowd" is "ὄχλος" (ochlos), often used in the New Testament to describe a large group of people, typically those who are curious or seeking something from Jesus. This reflects the growing popularity and the magnetic draw of Jesus' ministry. Historically, this crowd represents the barriers and challenges that often stand between individuals and their pursuit of divine intervention. The perseverance of the friends of the paralytic is a testament to faith that overcomes obstacles.

they uncovered the roof above Him
The act of uncovering the roof is both literal and symbolic. In the historical context, houses in Capernaum during Jesus' time were typically constructed with flat roofs made of wooden beams covered with branches and a layer of clay. The Greek word "ἀπεστέγασαν" (apestegasan) means to unroof or uncover, indicating a deliberate and determined action. This symbolizes the removal of barriers to reach Jesus, illustrating the lengths to which faith will go to seek healing and salvation. It also foreshadows the tearing of the veil in the temple at Jesus' crucifixion, symbolizing access to God.

made an opening
The phrase "made an opening" signifies the creative and bold initiative taken by the friends of the paralytic. The Greek word "ἐξορύξαντες" (exoruxantes) implies digging or breaking through, suggesting effort and determination. This action is a metaphor for the breaking through of spiritual barriers, emphasizing that faith often requires active participation and sometimes unconventional methods to reach Jesus. It challenges believers to consider what "openings" they need to make in their own lives to allow Christ to work.

lowered the paralytic on his mat
The act of lowering the paralytic is rich with symbolism. The Greek word "χαλάω" (chalao) means to let down or lower, indicating a gentle and careful action. The "mat" or "κράβαττος" (krabattos) was a simple pallet or bed, representing the man's condition and his dependence on others. This scene is a powerful image of intercessory faith, where the friends' belief and actions facilitate the paralytic's encounter with Jesus. It underscores the importance of community and support in the journey of faith, highlighting that sometimes it is the faith of others that brings us to Christ.

(4) They uncovered the roof . . . when they had broken it up.--The strong expressions of the injury done to the roof are peculiar to St. Mark. St. Luke gives, "through the tiles."

They let down the bed.--St. Mark uses a different word from St. Matthew, the Greek form of the Latin word grabatus, the pallet or camp-bed used by the poor. The same word appears in John 5:8-10, and in Acts 5:15; Acts 9:33, but not at all in St. Matthew or St. Luke.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Since
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they were unable
δυνάμενοι (dynamenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

to get to
προσενέγκαι (prosenenkai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4374: From pros and phero; to bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender, treat.

[Jesus]
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

through
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

crowd,
ὄχλον (ochlon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

they uncovered
ἀπεστέγασαν (apestegasan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 648: To unroof, take the roof off. From apo and a derivative of stege; to unroof.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

roof
στέγην (stegēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4721: A flat roof of a house. Strengthened from a primary tegos; a roof.

above Him,
ὅπου (hopou)
Adverb
Strong's 3699: Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.

made an opening,
ἐξορύξαντες (exoryxantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1846: (a) I dig out, hence: I open up, (b) I gouge. From ek and orusso; to dig out, i.e. to extract, remove.

[and] lowered
χαλῶσι (chalōsi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5465: To let down, lower, slacken, loosen. From the base of chasma; to lower.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

paralytic
παραλυτικὸς (paralytikos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3885: Afflicted with paralysis. From a derivative of paraluo; as if dissolved, i.e. 'paralytic'.

on
ὅπου (hopou)
Adverb
Strong's 3699: Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.

[his]
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mat.
κράβαττον (krabatton)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2895: A bed, mattress, mat of a poor man. Probably of foreign origin; a mattress.


Links
Mark 2:4 NIV
Mark 2:4 NLT
Mark 2:4 ESV
Mark 2:4 NASB
Mark 2:4 KJV

Mark 2:4 BibleApps.com
Mark 2:4 Biblia Paralela
Mark 2:4 Chinese Bible
Mark 2:4 French Bible
Mark 2:4 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Mark 2:4 When they could not come near (Mar Mk Mr)
Mark 2:3
Top of Page
Top of Page