And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Luke, with his keen eye for human feeling, highlights that this afflicted boy was his father's "only child." This isn't just a detail about family structure; it emphasizes the profound weight of this father's singular hope and desperation resting entirely on Jesus.
And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus and his disciples have just descended from a mountaintop where Jesus was transfigured, and as they rejoin the crowds, a desperate father interrupts, begging Jesus to look upon his only son who is afflicted by a spirit. This plea follows immediately after the disciples’ failure to cast out the spirit, a failure that has drawn the attention and criticism of the scribes.
What makes this father's plea so desperate? It's not just his son's suffering, but the profound value placed on a unique child.
In this moment, Luke highlights a crucial detail: the afflicted boy is an 'only child.' This isn't just a biographical note; it underscores the immense value and preciousness of this son to his father. In ancient Near Eastern culture, having only one child often meant an entire family's hopes, legacy, and emotional well-being were tied to that single life.
This detail amplifies the father's anguish and the weight of his request. He isn't just asking for a cure; he's pleading for the restoration of his entire world. His desperation is palpable, driven by the unique bond and singular importance of his son.
The father pleads, 'Teacher, I beg you to look upon my son.' What does this specific request reveal about his perception of Jesus and the nature of true help?
The father addresses Jesus as 'Teacher' (or 'Master'), acknowledging His authority and wisdom. But his plea goes beyond mere recognition; he asks Jesus to 'look upon' his son. This phrase, as noted by scholars, implies more than a casual glance. It suggests a look of profound pity, earnest examination, and compassionate regard—akin to a physician assessing a patient's condition.
This isn't a demand for a magical fix, but an appeal for Jesus's personal, attentive care. The father believes Jesus has the power and, crucially, the willingness to see and address the depth of his son's suffering. It's a cry for empathetic intervention from someone who truly understands and can act.
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didaskale · Greek Noun
The title used for Jesus Christ, indicating his authority and role as a conveyor of divine truth and instruction. It acknowledges his divine wisdom and prophetic status.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus conducted a widespread ministry throughout Galilee, performing miracles, teaching, and gathering disciples. This period saw increasing crowds following him and a growing reputation.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Transfigured on the Mount
Immediately before this event, Jesus took Peter, John, and James up a mountain where he was transfigured, speaking with Moses and Elijah. This was a moment of divine revelation.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Descent from the Mount and Crowd Encounter
As Jesus and his disciples descended the mountain, they encountered a large crowd. A man urgently approached Jesus with a desperate plea for his only son.
Early 1st century AD
Disciples' Inability to Heal
The father explained that he had brought his son to Jesus' disciples, but they were unable to cast out the spirit afflicting him. This highlighted a spiritual struggle and the disciples' limitations.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Heals the Boy
Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and after a violent struggle, healed the boy, restoring him to his father. The crowd was astonished by God's power.
This passage presents a very similar scenario where a father desperately seeks Jesus' help for his suffering son, highlighting the urgency and parental anguish involved in seeking divine intervention.
Mark 9:17This verse provides further detail about the son's affliction, describing it as a 'mute spirit' that causes severe convulsions, similar to the distress mentioned by the father in Luke.
Luke 8:42This reference highlights the unique tenderness of Luke's Gospel, as he also mentions the 'only daughter' in Jairus's story, emphasizing his focus on unique or cherished family members in need.
John 11:3This verse describes Mary and Martha sending word to Jesus about their sick brother Lazarus, saying 'Lord, he whom you love is ill,' echoing the father's plea for Jesus to 'look upon' his son because of their relationship.
vincentLuke 9:38: "And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child."
Master (διδάσκαλε)Teacher.Look upon (ἐπίβλεψαι)Only here and James 2:3. To look with pitying regard; and by medical writers of examining the condition of a patient.
calvinLuke 9:37-43: "And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him."
- And when they were come to the multitude, a man came to him, kneeling before him, 15. And saying, Lord, have compassion on my son, for he is lunatic, and is grievously distressed; for frequently he falleth into the fire, and frequently into the water. 16. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17. And Jesus answering said, O unbelieving and perver…
Luke, with his keen eye for human feeling, highlights that this afflicted boy was his father's "only child." This isn't just a detail about family structure; it emphasizes the profound weight of this father's singular hope and desperation resting entirely on Jesus.
Jesus and his disciples have just descended from a mountaintop where Jesus was transfigured, and as they rejoin the crowds, a desperate father interrupts, begging Jesus to look upon his only son who is afflicted by a spirit. This plea follows immediately after the disciples’ failure to cast out the spirit, a failure that has drawn the attention and criticism of the scribes.
Jesus and his disciples have just descended from a mountaintop where Jesus was transfigured, and as they rejoin the crowds, a desperate father interrupts, begging Jesus to look upon his only son who is afflicted by a spirit. This plea follows immediately after the disciples’ failure to cast out the spirit, a failure that has drawn the attention and criticism of the scribes.
"And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child." — Luke, with his keen eye for human feeling, highlights that this afflicted boy was his father's "only child." This isn't just a detail about family structure; it emphasizes the profound weight of this…
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Last reviewed October 2026