Luke 18:38-39
And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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When the blind man cries out "Jesus, Son of David," he's not just calling out a name; he's boldly confessing his belief that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the one from the royal line of David who has the power to bring deliverance. His desperate plea for mercy, even when others try to silence him, reveals a profound faith in Jesus' divine authority and compassion.
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind beggar cries out to Him, recognizing Him not just as Jesus of Nazareth, but as the "Son of David," a Messianic title. Despite the crowd trying to silence him, his desperate plea intensifies, showcasing a profound faith in Jesus' power to bring mercy and healing.
Understand the original words
huie Dauid · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title acknowledging Jesus as the promised descendant of David, who would occupy the throne of David eternally. By using this title, the blind man identifies Jesus as the Messiah of Israel.
eleēson · Greek Verb
In a biblical context, this is a plea for God's gracious intervention based not on the merit of the one asking, but on the character and compassion of God. It reflects a posture of humility and a recognition of one's total dependence on God's favor.
epetimōn · Greek Verb
To express strong disapproval or to reprimand someone, often to silence them or curb their actions. In the Gospels, it frequently reflects the disciples' or the crowd's misunderstanding of who Jesus is or who He should be interacting with.
The blind man's cry, "Son of David," is deeply resonant. This Messianic title points back to the promised king from David's line, a hope held by Jews through centuries of exile and restoration, now finding its fulfillment in Jesus.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Conquest of Israel
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of many Israelites and a significant disruption of Jewish identity.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Southern Kingdom of Judah is conquered by the Babylonians, the Temple is destroyed, and a large portion of the population is exiled to Babylon. This event deeply impacted Jewish identity and their understanding of God's promises.
c. 539 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
Under Persian rule, many Jewish exiles are allowed to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple and their community. This marked a period of restoration and renewed hope.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Jesus' Life and Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and calling disciples. His ministry fulfills many Old Testament prophecies.
This passage also describes blind men crying out 'Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!' as Jesus passed by, highlighting the persistence and faith required to call on Jesus.
Mark 10:47Mark's account names the blind man Bartimaeus and records his identical plea, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me,' emphasizing the recognized Messianic title.
John 9:38After Jesus heals a man born blind, the man's simple but profound declaration, 'Lord, I believe,' echoes the faith demonstrated by Bartimaeus in calling Jesus 'Son of David'.
Isaiah 35:5This prophecy foretells a time when 'the eyes of the blind shall be opened,' directly aligning with the blind beggar's desperate cry for Jesus to restore his sight.
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 18:38: "And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me."
And he cried, saying, Jesus thou son of David,.... Believing him, at once, to be the Messiah; whence he calls him the son of David, which was a character and title of the Messiah, well known to the Jews; See Gill on Matthew 1:1 and therefore immediately called out unto him, being willing to take that opportunity as he passed, and whilst he was within hearing, to make his suit to him for his sight: saying, have mercy…
When the blind man cries out "Jesus, Son of David," he's not just calling out a name; he's boldly confessing his belief that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the one from the royal line of David who has the power to bring deliverance. His desperate plea for mercy, even when others try to silence him, reveals a profound faith in Jesus' divine authority and compassion.
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind beggar cries out to Him, recognizing Him not just as Jesus of Nazareth, but as the "Son of David," a Messianic title. Despite the crowd trying to silence him, his desperate plea intensifies, showcasing a profound faith in Jesus' power to bring mercy and healing.
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind beggar cries out to Him, recognizing Him not just as Jesus of Nazareth, but as the "Son of David," a Messianic title. Despite the crowd trying to silence him, his desperate plea intensifies, showcasing a profound faith in Jesus' power to bring mercy and healing.
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c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus approaches Jericho
As Jesus travels toward Jerusalem for the final Passover, he passes through or near the city of Jericho. This is the immediate setting for the healing of Bartimaeus.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and rises from the dead, offering salvation and new life. This event is the cornerstone of Christian faith.
"And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”" — When the blind man cries out "Jesus, Son of David," he's not just calling out a name; he's boldly confessing his belief that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the one from the royal line of David who ha…
