Barnes New Testament Notes

Verse 5. Their faith. Their confidence, or belief, that he could heal him.

Son. Literally, child. The Hebrews used the words son and child with a great latitude of signification. They were applied to children, to grandchildren, to adopted children, to any descendants, to disciples, followers, young people, and to dependents. See Barnes "Mt 1:1".

In this place, it denotes affection, or kindness. It was a word of consolation: -- an endearing appellation, applied by the Saviour to the sick man, to show his compassion, to inspire confidence, and to assure him that he would heal him.

{g} "saw their faith" Ac 14:9; Eph 2:8