5:22a

Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus replied: In Greek, this clause begins with a conjunction that indicates a contrast. This contrast is between what the teachers of the law thought about Jesus and what Jesus knew about himself and his authority.

Some English versions translate this conjunction as “but.” For example:

But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said (New Century Version)

Other English versions do not use a conjunction here (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation). Connect these verses in a way that is natural in your language.

5:22b

Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?: This is a rhetorical question. Jesus used this rhetorical question to rebuke the religious leaders. Jesus did have authority to forgive sins. So he told them that they were wrong to think that he was blaspheming.

Some ways to translate this rebuke are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Why are you thinking these things? (New Century Version)
-or-
Why do you think this is blasphemy? (New Living Translation (1996))

• As a statement or command. For example:

You are mistaken/wrong to think these things.
-or-
Do not think like that!

thinking these things in your hearts: In some languages it may sound unnatural to say that people are thinking in their hearts. You may have a different body part or expression to describe where someone thinks. Or the word you use for thinking may already imply that this takes place within a person. In this case you could just say:

Why are you thinking these things? (New Century Version)

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