Matthew 9:6. Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
See also Mark 2:9-12.
The “bed” was simply a mat or blanket which could be carried in the hands. The poor sometimes had no other bed than the outer garment. See note on Deuteronomy 24:12-13 (#205). The wealthier people in the East have quilts or mattresses filled with cotton, which are spread on the floor or on the divan. See note on 2 Kings 1:4 (#325). In the text the paralytic, being healed, was told to take up his bed and go home. All he had to do was to roll up his blanket and depart. A similar incident took place at the pool of Bethesda. See John 5:8-9,11-12. On such simple “beds” the sick were easily carried. This is referred to in Matthew 9:2; Mark 2:3-4; Luke 5:18; Acts 5:15.