1. AND JESUS having returned to Capernaum, after some days it was rumored about that He was in the house [probably Peter's].
2. And so many people gathered together there that there was no longer room [for them], not even around the door; and He was discussing the Word.
3. Then they came, bringing a paralytic to Him, who had been picked up and was being carried by four men.
4. And when they could not get him to a place in front of Jesus because of the throng, they dug through the roof above Him; and when they had scooped out an opening, they let down the [thickly padded] quilt or mat upon which the paralyzed man lay.
5. And when Jesus saw their faith [their confidence in God through Him], He said to the paralyzed man, Son, your sins are forgiven [you] and put away [that is, the penalty is remitted, the sense of guilt removed, and you are made upright and in right standing with God].
6. Now some of the scribes were sitting there, holding a dialogue with themselves as they questioned in their hearts,
7. Why does this Man talk like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins [remove guilt, remit the penalty, and bestow righteousness instead] except God alone?