Breakdown of Mark 10:46

"And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside." — Mark uniquely names this blind man Bartimaeus, the "son of Timaeus." This detail, though seemingly small, highlights that Bartimaeus wasn't just any blind beggar; he was a known individual, possibl…

Mark 10:46 Meaning Explained

All verses

Mark 10:46

And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Mark uniquely names this blind man Bartimaeus, the "son of Timaeus." This detail, though seemingly small, highlights that Bartimaeus wasn't just any blind beggar; he was a known individual, possibly from a family that was also recognized, making his prominent healing all the more significant.

What Mark 10:46 means

Jesus and his disciples are on their way to Jerusalem, passing through the city of Jericho, a bustling place known for its palm groves. As they are leaving the city, a large crowd follows them, and by the roadside sits Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, calling out for Jesus' attention.

The Known Stranger by the Road

Imagine this scene: Jesus is leaving a bustling city, surrounded by a crowd. And there, by the roadside, is a man. Who is he, and why does Mark make sure we know his name?

Mark's Gospel often highlights specific individuals, giving us glimpses into their lives and their encounters with Jesus. Here, we meet Bartimaeus, a blind beggar.

His Identity: Mark is precise, telling us he is 'Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus.' The name 'Bartimaeus' itself means 'son of Timaeus,' making the phrasing a bit like saying 'John, the son of John.' This suggests Bartimaeus was well-known, perhaps even famous in Jericho, for his condition and his plea.
His Condition: He was not just blind, but a 'blind beggar.' This paints a picture of someone dependent on the charity of others for survival, likely facing a life of hardship and marginalization.
His Location: Sitting 'by the roadside' outside Jericho, he was in a place where people frequently passed by. This was his vantage point, his place of work and desperation, waiting for an opportunity to receive help.

A Name and a Cry

When Bartimaeus hears Jesus is passing by, something shifts. He doesn't just passively hope; he actively cries out. What does his specific cry reveal about his faith?

Bartimaeus's response to Jesus's approach is immediate and powerful. Hearing that it's Jesus, he doesn't hesitate.

The Cry: He begins to cry out, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' This is not a generic plea for help.
Understanding Jesus: Calling Jesus 'Son of David' is significant. In that cultural context, this title acknowledged Jesus as the promised Messiah, the heir of David's royal line, who was expected to bring salvation and restoration. Bartimaeus, though blind and a beggar, recognized Jesus's true identity and divine authority.
Even when the crowd tries to silence him, Bartimaeus cries out even more fiercely. This shows a determined faith, an unwavering conviction that Jesus was his only hope for healing and mercy. He refused to be deterred.

Historical context

Written: Likely written in the late 50s or early 60s AD.
Author: Traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of Peter and Paul. Likely written from Rome.
Location: The events described take place in and around Jericho, and the Gospel was likely written from Rome.
Genre: Gospel narrative, characterized by its fast-paced action and vivid, direct accounts.

Historical background

c. 4 BC
Herod the Great dies
Herod the Great, who had significantly developed Jericho with palaces and gardens, dies. His death leads to political instability and revolts, impacting the region around Jericho.
c. AD 30
Jesus approaches Jericho
Jesus, accompanied by many followers, is traveling towards Jerusalem for the Passover. The large crowds create noise and excitement as they enter and exit the city of Jericho.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus heals Bartimaeus
As Jesus leaves Jericho, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, persistently calls out to Him for mercy and healing. Jesus stops and restores Bartimaeus's sight, a significant public miracle.
c. AD 30
Bartimaeus follows Jesus
Immediately after being healed, Bartimaeus demonstrates his gratitude and newfound faith by following Jesus and glorifying God.
c. AD 30 - AD 33
Jesus' Ministry in Jerusalem

Key themes

01Desperate need for healing
02Persistent faith in Jesus
03Jesus' compassion revealed
04Encounter at the roadside

Cross-references

Matthew 20:29

This passage describes a similar healing of two blind men as Jesus leaves Jericho, highlighting the crowd's initial attempt to silence them and Jesus' compassion.

Luke 18:35

Luke's account places the healing as Jesus approaches Jericho, offering a slightly different perspective on the timing and context of Bartimaeus' encounter with Jesus.

Isaiah 35:5

This Old Testament prophecy foretells a time when the eyes of the blind will be opened, directly fulfilled by Jesus' healing of Bartimaeus, showing God's redemptive plan.

John 9:1

This passage discusses the man born blind and Jesus' teaching about how suffering isn't always due to sin, providing theological context for why Jesus might heal someone like Bartimaeus.

Acts 3:2

This verse describes a lame man sitting at the Beautiful Gate of the temple begging, illustrating the commonality of disability and begging on roadsides, similar to Bartimaeus' situation.

Scholarly commentary

Mark 10:46: "And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging."

(46-52) And they came to Jericho. —See Notes on Matthew 20:29-34 . St. Mark agrees with St. Matthew in placing the miracle as the disciples were leaving Jericho, and differs from him in speaking of one blind man only, and in giving his name. Blind Bartimæus.—Better, as giving the same order as the Greek, the…
ellicott

Mark 10:46-52: "And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway 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…

calvin

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Historical context

Written: Likely written in the late 50s or early 60s AD.
Author: Traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of Peter and Paul. Likely written from Rome.
Location: The events described take place in and around Jericho, and the Gospel was likely written from Rome.
Genre: Gospel narrative, characterized by its fast-paced action and vivid, direct accounts.

Historical background

c. 4 BC

Herod the Great dies

Herod the Great, who had significantly developed Jericho with palaces and gardens, dies. His death leads to political instability and revolts, impacting the region around Jericho.

c. AD 30

Jesus approaches Jericho

Jesus, accompanied by many followers, is traveling towards Jerusalem for the Passover. The large crowds create noise and excitement as they enter and exit the city of Jericho.

c. AD 30— this verse

Jesus heals Bartimaeus

As Jesus leaves Jericho, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, persistently calls out to Him for mercy and healing. Jesus stops and restores Bartimaeus's sight, a significant public miracle.