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)
In calling Jesus "Son of David," this blind man wasn't just using a common greeting; he was identifying Jesus as the promised Messiah, the one who would bring salvation and restoration. This bold declaration, even while being shouted down by the crowd, revealed a profound, faith-filled understanding of who Jesus truly was, beyond just a traveling healer.
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)
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind man begging by the roadside hears the commotion of a crowd passing by. Upon learning it's Jesus, he begins to cry out, but the crowd tries to silence him. Despite their efforts, he persists with even greater urgency, calling out a specific, Messianic title for Jesus.
Why would a blind beggar call Jesus 'Son of David'? It wasn't just a casual greeting; it was a loaded confession.
Calling Jesus 'Son of David' was a profound declaration of faith in a time when this title was deeply significant. It directly connected Jesus to the promised Messiah, the heir of King David, whom the Jewish people eagerly awaited. This wasn't a generic praise; it was an acknowledgment of Jesus' divine authority and his role as the promised deliverer.
This title carried immense weight, implying that Jesus was not just a healer or a teacher, but the one God had chosen to restore His people and His kingdom. For this blind man, it meant Jesus held the power to bring about a miraculous restoration, just as the Messiah was prophesied to do.
This man didn't just ask nicely; he cried out, even when people tried to silence him. What does this tell us about desperate faith?
The blind man’s persistent cry is a powerful example of desperate faith. He understood his need was urgent and that Jesus was his only hope. When the crowd tried to shut him up, his resolve only strengthened. This wasn't passive hope; it was active, vocal, and unyielding pursuit of divine intervention.
His willingness to cry out, potentially drawing negative attention or appearing foolish to others, demonstrates a deep conviction that Jesus possessed the power to change his reality. He was willing to overcome social pressure and even the rebukes of those around him, knowing that Jesus’ mercy was worth the struggle.
Jesus didn't just heal him; He was moved with compassion. What does this reveal about God's heart for us?
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The story highlights Jesus’ deep compassion, a core aspect of His character. The Greek word used speaks of being moved in the deepest part of His being, like visceral empathy. He didn't see the blind man as an inconvenience or just another case to be handled, but felt his suffering.
This isn't just about a physical healing. Jesus’ response shows that God notices and cares about our deepest needs and sorrows. His compassion moves Him to act, to offer healing, restoration, and mercy. It’s a beautiful picture of God’s heartfelt engagement with human suffering.
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 title 'Son of David' was a Messianic claim, showing this blind beggar's belief that Jesus was the promised deliverer, a powerful statement given the political and religious climate of Judea at the time.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Movement
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and gathering followers, culminating in his approach to Jerusalem.
c. 30-33 AD
Messianic Expectations in Judea
There was widespread expectation among Jewish people for a Messiah, often envisioned as a Davidic king who would restore Israel.
c. 30-33 AD
Jericho's Significance
Jericho was a significant city in Judea, located in a fertile valley near the Jordan River, a common stop on routes to Jerusalem.
This passage describes two blind men crying out to Jesus with the exact same plea, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!', highlighting the consistent Messianic title used by those seeking His help.
Mark 10:47Mark's account also records the blind man, Bartimaeus, calling Jesus 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me,' emphasizing the faith associated with this specific title.
1 Samuel 15:22This verse connects obedience with the desire for mercy, echoing the blind man's cry for mercy as he recognizes Jesus' authority, a quality inherent in true obedience.
Psalm 51:1This Psalm begins with a plea for mercy based on God's steadfast love, mirroring the blind man's desperate call for mercy as he turns to Jesus in his need.
Isaiah 35:5This prophecy foretells that in the Messianic age, 'the eyes of the blind shall be opened,' directly aligning with the blind man's cry to Jesus as the fulfillment of this promise.
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…
In calling Jesus "Son of David," this blind man wasn't just using a common greeting; he was identifying Jesus as the promised Messiah, the one who would bring salvation and restoration. This bold declaration, even while being shouted down by the crowd, revealed a profound, faith-filled understanding of who Jesus truly was, beyond just a traveling healer.
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind man begging by the roadside hears the commotion of a crowd passing by. Upon learning it's Jesus, he begins to cry out, but the crowd tries to silence him. Despite their efforts, he persists with even greater urgency, calling out a specific, Messianic title for Jesus.
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind man begging by the roadside hears the commotion of a crowd passing by. Upon learning it's Jesus, he begins to cry out, but the crowd tries to silence him. Despite their efforts, he persists with even greater urgency, calling out a specific, Messianic title for Jesus.
"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!”" — In calling Jesus "Son of David," this blind man wasn't just using a common greeting; he was identifying Jesus as the promised Messiah, the one who would bring salvation and restoration. This bold dec…
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Last reviewed October 2026