Matthew 9:3
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemes.
American King James Version (AKJV)
And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemes.
American Standard Version (ASV)
And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
And some of the scribes said among themselves, This man has no respect for God.
Webster's Revision
And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
World English Bible
Behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man blasphemes."
English Revised Version (ERV)
And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
Clarke's Matthew 9:3 Bible Commentary
This man blasphemeth - Βλασφημεω comes either from βλαπτειν την φημην, to hurt or blast the reputation or credit of another, or from βαλλειν ταις φημαις, to smite with reports. Whenever it is used in reference to God, it simply signifies, to speak impiously of his nature, or attributes, or works. Injurious speaking is its proper translation when referred to man.
The scribes were the literati of that time; and their learning, because not used in dependence on God, rendered them proud, envious, and obstinate. Unsanctified knowledge has still the same effect: that light serves only to blind and lead men out of the way which is not joined with uprightness of heart. The most sacred truths often become an occasion of delusion, where men are under the government of their evil passions.
Barnes's Matthew 9:3 Bible Commentary
This man blasphemeth - The word "blaspheme" originally means to speak evil of anyone; to injure by words; to blame unjustly. When applied to God, it means to speak of him unjustly; to ascribe to him acts and attributes which he does not possess; or to speak impiously or profanely. It also means to say or do anything by which his name or honor is insulted, or which conveys an "impression" unfavourable to God. It means. also, to attempt to do, or say a thing, which belongs to him alone, or which he only can do. This is its meaning here. Christ was charged "with saying a thing in his own name, or attempting to do a thing, which properly belonged to God;" thus assuming the place of God, and doing him injury, as the scribes supposed, by an invasion of his prerogatives. "None," said they (see Mark and Luke), "can forgive sins but God only." In this they reasoned correctly. See Isaiah 43:25; Isaiah 44:22. None of the prophets had this power; and by saying that "he forgave sins," Jesus was understood to affirm that he was divine; and as he proved this by working a miracle expressly to confirm the claim, it follows that he is divine, or equal with the Father.
Wesley's Matthew 9:3 Bible Commentary
9:3 This man blasphemeth - Attributing to himself a power (that of forgiving sins) which belongs to God only.