τί ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον, εἰπεῖν, ἀφέωνταί σοι αἱ ἁμαρτίαι σου, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει; (Luke 5:23)
Opening the Sacred Question: A Comparative Syntax of Authority
In this verse from Luke 5:23, Jesus confronts the scribes and Pharisees with a question that slices through unbelief with rhetorical force: “What is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” While the surface meaning challenges human assumptions about divine authority, a deeper grammatical structure shapes the very way we perceive His power. In this reflection, we’ll examine how verb voice, word order, and Koine Greek syntax reinforce theological depth.
1. Verbal Landscape: The Perfect Passive Indicative in ἀφέωνταί
Breaking It Down
- ἀφέωνταί — 3rd person plural, perfect passive indicative from ἀφίημι
This form is striking. Why? Because the perfect tense in Koine Greek denotes a past action with present, ongoing results. The passive voice shows that the subject (sins) receives the action — forgiveness.
Significance
Jesus doesn’t use a future or even aorist — He uses the perfect passive: ἀφέωνταί. The grammar preaches: “Your sins have already been forgiven — and they remain forgiven.” It’s the grammar of finality. No repetition needed. His authority is not aspirational but established.
2. Infinitives as Objects of Comparison: εἰπεῖν
Form and Function
The repetition of εἰπεῖν (to say) introduces a fascinating comparative structure:
- Is it easier to say “Your sins are forgiven”
- or to say “Rise and walk”?
These infinitives function as complementary objects of the adjective εὐκοπώτερον (easier). The infinitive εἰπεῖν (aorist active infinitive of λέγω) reflects the simple, undefined verbal action — the act of speaking.
Hidden Implication
By repeating the infinitive, Jesus frames the issue: the problem isn’t saying — anyone can say something. But backing words with authority? That’s where divine grammar meets divine power.
3. Syntactic Symmetry and Parallelism
Chiasm and Rhythm
There is almost a chiastic balance in the structure:
εἰπεῖν, ἀφέωνταί σοι...
ἢ
εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει
This syntactic rhythm reinforces the dual challenge: one statement addresses the invisible realm (forgiveness), the other the visible (healing). Yet the structure puts them on equal footing — revealing Jesus’ claim to have authority in both.
4. Semantic Force of the Comparative: εὐκοπώτερον
Lexical Notes
εὐκοπώτερον is the comparative form of εὐκοπος, meaning “easy, effortless.” It appears only here in the New Testament.
Theological Contrast
The question doesn’t ask what’s harder for God, but what’s easier to say. The implication is that both statements — forgiveness and healing — demand divine authority. But only one (healing) yields immediate, visible results. The challenge exposes unbelief: just because forgiveness cannot be seen doesn’t make it less real.
5. Pronouns in Dialogue: σοι and σου
Second Person Singular Pronouns
– σοι — dative singular of σύ: “to you”
– σου — genitive singular of σύ: “of you” (possessive)
Jesus personalizes the declaration — not generic forgiveness, but your sins, and you are the recipient. This is a subtle but deeply pastoral detail, revealing the grammar of grace.
6. Word Order and Emphasis
Greek word order is flexible, and that flexibility is often emphatic.
– ἀφέωνταί σοι — the verb comes first, emphasizing the state: “They have been forgiven you.”
– ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει — imperative verbs fronted, commanding action.
The contrast between a divine declaration of forgiveness and an authoritative command to rise is heightened by how the verbs are placed.
A Table of Key Forms
| Greek Word | Parsing | Function | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| ἀφέωνταί | Perfect Passive Indicative, 3rd Plural | Main Verb | They have been forgiven |
| εἰπεῖν | Aorist Active Infinitive | Complement of εὐκοπώτερον | To say |
| ἔγειρε | Present Active Imperative, 2nd Singular | Command | Rise |
| περιπάτει | Present Active Imperative, 2nd Singular | Command | Walk |
Final Reflection: The Grammar of Authority
Jesus doesn’t merely speak forgiveness — He embodies it. The grammar of Luke 5:23 isn’t just an exercise in syntax. It is a declaration of the Word made flesh, who speaks with authority both to the soul and to the body. The sacred text invites us not only to study grammar, but to worship the One who says both: “Your sins are forgiven,” and “Rise and walk.”
