THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK - Chapter 2 - Verse 4

Verse 4. The press. The crowd, the multitude of people. Jesus was probably in the large open area, or hall, in the centre of the house. See Barnes "Mt 9:2".

The people pressed into that area, and blocked up the door, so that they could not have access to him.

They uncovered the roof where he was. See Barnes "Mt 9:2".

Houses were flat. In cities they joined each other, and the roofs constituted an agreeable place for walking. It is not improbable that they ascended a neighbouring house, and came over the hall, where Jesus was. They removed the curtain or awning, drawn over the area, where Jesus was, so that they might let the man down before him.

When they had broken it up. When they had removed the awning, and a part of the banisters, so that they could let the man down.