What Is Palsy in Luke 5?

In Luke 5, “palsy” refers to a form of paralysis or severe bodily weakness that left a man unable to walk or move normally. The man was helpless enough that others had to carry him on a bed.

Luke 5:18 says:

“And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy…”

Then in Luke 5:24 Jesus said:

“I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.”

So the man with palsy was not merely sick in a minor way. He was physically disabled, unable to rise by his own strength. His friends brought him to Christ, even lowering him through the housetop because of the crowd.

The greater issue in the passage is not only physical healing, but Christ’s authority to forgive sins. Jesus first said:

“Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.” — Luke 5:20

The scribes and Pharisees objected because only God can forgive sins. They were right that forgiveness belongs to God alone, but they were wrong because they refused to recognize that Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh.

Christ then healed the man publicly to prove His authority:

“But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins…” — Luke 5:24

The palsied man pictures helplessness, but the passage is a real historical miracle, not just a symbol. The man could not raise himself physically, and no sinner can save himself spiritually. Christ alone has power to forgive and restore.