Vincent's NT Word Studies
19. Tiles. Wyc., has sclattis, slates.Couch (klinidiw). Luke uses four words for the beds of the sick: klinh, as verse 18, the general word for a bed or couch; krabbatov (Acts v. 15; ix. 33), a rude pallet (see on Mark ii. 4); klinidion, a small couch or litter, as here, a couch so light that a woman could lift and carry it away. Thus, in the "Lysistrata" of Aristophanes, 916, Myrrine says: "Come now, let me carry our couch" (klinidion). The fourth term, klinarion (Acts v. 15), cannot be accurately distinguished from the last. The last two are peculiar to Luke.
Into the midst before Jesus. See on Mark ii. 4.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
5:19 {By what way they might bring him in} (poias eis enegkwsin auton). Deliberative subjunctive of the direct question retained in the indirect. {The housetop} (to dwma). Very old word. The flat roof of Jewish houses was usually reached by outside stairway. Cf. #Ac 10:9 where Peter went for meditation. {Through the tiles} (dia twn keramwn). Common and old word for the tile roof. #Mr 2:4 speaks of digging a hole in this tile roof. {Let him down} (kaqekan auton). First aorist (k aorist) effective active of kaqiemi, common verb. #Mr 2:4 has historical present calwsi, the verb used by Jesus to Peter and in Peter's reply (#Lu 5:4f.). {With his couch} (sun twi klinidiwi). Also in verse #24. Diminutive of kline (verse #18) occurring in Plutarch and _Koin_ writers. #Mr 2:4 has krabatton (pallet). It doubtless was a pallet on which the paralytic lay. {Into the midst before Jesus} (eis to meson emprosqen tou iesou). The four friends had succeeded, probably each holding a rope to a corner of the pallet. It was a moment of triumph over difficulties and surprise to all in the house (Peter's apparently, #Mr 2:1).
