As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though Luke mentions "a blind man," the ancient commentators point out this might be the same story as Matthew and Mark, who mention two or one (Bartimaeus). This "discrepancy" actually highlights how each Gospel writer chose to focus on different aspects, revealing a deeper truth about God's attention to even a single, well-known individual like Bartimaeus, while not diminishing His power displayed in lesser-known miracles.
As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a common route on the way to Jerusalem, He encounters a blind man begging by the roadside. This event, though similar to another miracle occurring as Jesus left Jericho (as recorded by Matthew and Mark), happens as He is entering the city, highlighting the continuous ministry and compassion Jesus offers.
This man wasn't just physically blind; he was right in the path of the One who could bring light. His situation is a powerful picture of our own spiritual condition.
The verse sets the scene for a profound encounter. Jesus is approaching Jericho, a city known for its prosperity but also for the sin and spiritual blindness associated with it. Sitting by the roadside, begging, this man represents anyone stuck in a state of need, dependent on the mercy of passersby.
His physical blindness is a stark metaphor for spiritual blindness. He's unable to see the world, to navigate life independently, or to appreciate its beauty. This is where he is, right on the edge of the promised city, yet stuck in darkness. His posture of begging signifies his utter dependence and his awareness of his lack.
This isn't just a random event; it's a divinely appointed moment. Jesus is drawing near, and the man's desperate situation places him directly in the path of healing and hope.
Jericho wasn't just a dot on the map; its historical and symbolic weight adds depth to this encounter. Why there? Why then?
Jericho holds significant meaning in Scripture. It was the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land, a victory often associated with God's direct intervention.
However, by Jesus' time, Jericho had a reputation. It was a thriving city, known for its lush vegetation and, unfortunately, for its association with sin and tax collectors (as seen with Zacchaeus in the next chapter). It represented a place on the threshold of something new, yet deeply entrenched in its old ways.
Placing this healing encounter on the road Jericho is strategic. It suggests that Jesus is bringing His healing power the very places marked by spiritual decay and need. It’s a powerful image of God’s kingdom encroaching on a broken world.
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Understand the original words
typhlos · Greek Adjective/Noun
In a biblical context, physical blindness often serves as a metaphor for spiritual darkness or the inability to perceive the truth of God and the glory of the Gospel apart from divine illumination.
c. 63 BC
Roman Control Established
Rome gains significant influence and eventually control over Judea, impacting local governance and the social conditions of its people.
c. 37 BC - 4 BC
Herod the Great's Reign
Herod the Great, a client king of Rome, significantly rebuilds Jericho, making it a notable city with royal residences and agricultural importance.
c. AD 25-30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins His public ministry, gathering disciples and performing miracles throughout Galilee and Judea.
c. AD 30-33 (around Passover)— this verse
Jesus Approaches Jericho
Jesus is traveling towards Jerusalem for Passover, passing near the city of Jericho. A blind man is encountered begging by the roadside.
c. AD 30-33 (shortly after encounter)
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of His final week, which culminates in His crucifixion.
This passage describes the same event of Jesus healing a blind man (or men) near Jericho, offering a parallel narrative that highlights the details of the crowd's reaction and the blind man's persistence.
Mark 10:46Mark's account names the blind man as Bartimaeus and provides further details about his crying out to Jesus and the crowd's attempts to silence him, adding depth to Luke's brief mention.
Isaiah 35:5This prophetic passage foretells a time when the eyes of the blind will be opened, directly foreshadowing the miraculous healing of the blind man as a fulfillment of God's promises.
John 9:1This passage recounts Jesus healing a man born blind, showing a consistent pattern of Jesus demonstrating His divine power and compassion by restoring sight to those who are visually impaired.
Luke 19:1This immediately following passage describes Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus in Jericho, showing that this healing encounter occurred as Jesus was entering the city, setting the stage for further transformative events.
calvinLuke 18:35-43: "And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:"
- And while they were departing from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30. And, lo, two blind men sitting near the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried aloud, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. 31. And the multitude rebuked them, that they might be silent; but they cried out the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son…
gillLuke 18:35: "And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:"
And it came to pass that as he was come nigh unto Jericho,.... Which lay in his way to Jerusalem; a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: this was not blind Bartimaeus, nor his companion, for they were cured by Christ as he went out of Jericho; but this man before he came to it; for we afterwards read of his entrance into, and passing through Jericho, Luke 19:1 tho…
Even though Luke mentions "a blind man," the ancient commentators point out this might be the same story as Matthew and Mark, who mention two or one (Bartimaeus). This "discrepancy" actually highlights how each Gospel writer chose to focus on different aspects, revealing a deeper truth about God's attention to even a single, well-known individual like Bartimaeus, while not diminishing His power displayed in lesser-known miracles.
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a common route on the way to Jerusalem, He encounters a blind man begging by the roadside. This event, though similar to another miracle occurring as Jesus left Jericho (as recorded by Matthew and Mark), happens as He is entering the city, highlighting the continuous ministry and compassion Jesus offers.
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a common route on the way to Jerusalem, He encounters a blind man begging by the roadside. This event, though similar to another miracle occurring as Jesus left Jericho (as recorded by Matthew and Mark), happens as He is entering the city, highlighting the continuous ministry and compassion Jesus offers.
"As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging." — Even though Luke mentions "a blind man," the ancient commentators point out this might be the same story as Matthew and Mark, who mention two or one (Bartimaeus). This "discrepancy" actually highligh…
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Last reviewed October 2026