Matthew 9:4
New International Version
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?

New Living Translation
Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts?

English Standard Version
But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?

Berean Standard Bible
But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus, having known their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?

King James Bible
And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

New King James Version
But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?

New American Standard Bible
And Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?

NASB 1995
And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?

NASB 1977
And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?

Legacy Standard Bible
And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?

Amplified Bible
But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?

Christian Standard Bible
Perceiving their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts?

American Standard Version
And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

Contemporary English Version
But Jesus knew what was in their minds, and he said, "Why are you thinking such evil things?

English Revised Version
And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus knew what they were thinking. He asked them, "Why are you thinking evil things?

Good News Translation
Jesus perceived what they were thinking, and so he said, "Why are you thinking such evil things?

International Standard Version
But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking, replied, "Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts?

Majority Standard Bible
But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?

NET Bible
When Jesus saw their reaction he said, "Why do you respond with evil in your hearts?

New Heart English Bible
But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?

Webster's Bible Translation
And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, Why think ye evil in your hearts?

Weymouth New Testament
Knowing their thoughts Jesus said, "Why are you cherishing evil thoughts in your hearts?

World English Bible
Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jesus, having known their thoughts, said, “Why think evil in your hearts?

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus, having known their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?

Young's Literal Translation
And Jesus, having known their thoughts, said, 'Why think ye evil in your hearts?

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jesus seeing their reflections, said, Why reflect ye within your hearts?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jesus seeing their thoughts, said: Why do you think evil in your hearts?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when Jesus had perceived their thoughts, he said: “Why do you think such evil in your hearts?

New American Bible
Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts?

New Revised Standard Version
But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But Jesus knew their thoughts; so he said to them, Why do you think evil in your hearts?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But Yeshua knew their thinking, and he said to them, “Why do you think evil things in your heart?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said: "Why do evil thoughts arise in your hearts?

Godbey New Testament
And Jesus seeing their thoughts said, Why do you think evil in your hearts?

Haweis New Testament
And Jesus, seeing their thoughts, said, wherefore do ye imagine evil things in your hearts?

Mace New Testament
and Jesus perceiving their reflections, said, why do you entertain so bad an opinion?

Weymouth New Testament
Knowing their thoughts Jesus said, "Why are you cherishing evil thoughts in your hearts?

Worrell New Testament
And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why think ye evil in your hearts?

Worsley New Testament
said to them, Why think ye evil in your hearts?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
3On seeing this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” 4But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? 5Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’…

Cross References
Mark 2:8
At once Jesus knew in His spirit that they were thinking this way within themselves. “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” He asked.

Luke 5:22
Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus replied, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?

John 2:24-25
But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.

Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. / Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

Jeremiah 17:10
I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

1 Chronicles 28:9
As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

Psalm 139:1-4
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me. / You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. / You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. ...

Proverbs 15:11
Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!

John 6:64
However, there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him.)

John 16:30
Now we understand that You know all things and that You have no need for anyone to question You. Because of this, we believe that You came from God.”

Acts 1:24
And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen

Revelation 2:23
Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

Matthew 12:25
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.

Luke 6:8
But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and stand among us.” So he got up and stood there.


Treasury of Scripture

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Why think you evil in your hearts?

knowing.

Matthew 12:25
And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

Matthew 16:7,8
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread…

Psalm 44:21
Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

Wherefore.

Ezekiel 38:10
Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:

Acts 5:3,4,9
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? …

Acts 8:20-22
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money…

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Matthew 9
1. Jesus heals a paralytic
9. calls Matthew from the receipt of custom;
10. eats with tax collectors and sinners;
14. defends his disciples for not fasting;
20. cures the sick woman;
23. raises Jairus' daughter from death;
27. gives sight to two blind men;
32. heals a mute man possessed of a demon;
36. and has compassion on the multitude.














But Jesus knew
The phrase "But Jesus knew" underscores the divine omniscience of Jesus Christ. The Greek word used here is "γινώσκω" (ginōskō), which means to know, perceive, or understand. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but is deeply intuitive and spiritual. Jesus' ability to perceive the thoughts of others highlights His divine nature, affirming His identity as the Son of God. In the historical context, this would have been a powerful demonstration of His authority and insight, setting Him apart from other teachers and leaders of the time.

what they were thinking
The phrase "what they were thinking" refers to the inner thoughts and intentions of the scribes and Pharisees present. The Greek word "ἐνθυμέομαι" (enthumeomai) is used, which means to ponder or consider deeply. This indicates that Jesus was aware of their internal deliberations and skepticism. In a broader scriptural context, this reveals the truth that God is not only aware of our actions but also our innermost thoughts and motivations, emphasizing the importance of purity in both heart and mind.

and said
The phrase "and said" introduces Jesus' response to the unspoken thoughts of the scribes. This demonstrates His willingness to address and correct misunderstandings or false beliefs directly. The act of speaking here is significant, as it shows Jesus' proactive approach in teaching and guiding those around Him, even when they are not openly expressing their doubts or questions.

'Why do you harbor evil
The word "harbor" in "Why do you harbor evil" is translated from the Greek "ἐνθυμέομαι" (enthumeomai), which, as mentioned earlier, means to ponder or consider. The use of "harbor" suggests a deliberate and ongoing contemplation of evil, rather than a fleeting thought. The term "evil" is translated from "πονηρός" (ponēros), which can mean wicked, malicious, or harmful. This phrase challenges the audience to examine their hearts and motives, urging them to reject evil thoughts and intentions.

in your hearts?
The phrase "in your hearts" refers to the innermost being or the center of one's thoughts and emotions. The Greek word "καρδία" (kardia) is used, which is often translated as "heart" and signifies the seat of moral and spiritual life. In biblical times, the heart was considered the core of a person's identity and decision-making. By addressing the heart, Jesus emphasizes the need for inner transformation and purity, aligning with the broader biblical theme that true righteousness begins within. This serves as a reminder that God desires sincerity and integrity from His followers, not just outward compliance.

(4) Knowing their thoughts.--The better MSS. give "seeing," as with an immediate act of intuition. St. Mark adds his usual "immediately," and both he and St. Luke use the word which implies fulness of knowledge.

Wherefore think ye evil?--Literally, evil things. The thoughts were evil because, in face of the mighty works and the divine wisdom of the Teacher, they were assuming that He had wantonly spoken words that involved the most extreme of all forms of sin against the God in whose name He taught.

Verse 4. - And Jesus knowing; εἰδώς (but Textus Receptus, with margin of Westcott and Hort, and of Revised Version, ἰδών, "seeing" ); parallel passages, ἐπιγνούς. The difference of form with agreement in sense points to varying translations of ידע (so Peshito, in each place). Perhaps the same cause may also account for the difference in the next words, ἐνθυμήσεις ἐνθυμεῖσθε, but in the parallel passages, διαλογίζονται, διαλογισμούς διαλογίζεσθε (cf. also ver. 8). (For similar instances of our Lord's knowledge, cf. Matthew 12:25; Luke 6:8; Luke 9:47John 2:25; cf. further, supra, Matthew 8:10, note.) Their thoughts, said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? Evil (πονηρά). Does the plural point to stages in their reasoning? or is it merely used because he was addressing more than one person?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

knew
εἰδὼς (eidōs)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

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

they
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.

were thinking
ἐνθυμήσεις (enthymēseis)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1761: Inward thought, reflection, plur: thoughts. From enthumeomai; deliberation.

[and] said,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Why
Ἵνα‿ (Hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

do you harbor
ἐνθυμεῖσθε (enthymeisthe)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1760: To meditate upon, reflect upon, ponder. From a compound of en and thumos; to be inspirited, i.e. Ponder.

evil
πονηρὰ (ponēra)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

hearts?
καρδίαις (kardiais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2588: Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.


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