The Greek word, παραλὐω, to loosen, shows that the disease was paralysis. Persons thus afflicted were brought to the Lord on beds or couches (Matt. 9:2-6; Mark 2:3-10; Luke 5:18, 24; Acts 8:7; Acts 9:33). The paralyzed were a type of that thorough human helplessness which can be relieved and raised up by God only.