And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" not because He doesn't know, but to draw out Bartimaeus's personal confession of need. The blind man’s heartfelt plea, "Rabboni, let me recover my sight," uses a title of deep reverence, showing he recognized Jesus’s authority, but also his own dependent state, making the request both humble and bold.
And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus leaves Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus cries out to Him, persistently calling Him "Son of David" despite the crowd trying to silence him. Jesus stops and asks the man what he wants, to which Bartimaeus, showing great reverence, requests to regain his sight. This encounter immediately follows Jesus' conversation with James and John about greatness and service, highlighting a different kind of greatness—humility and persistent faith—as Bartimaeus is healed.
Have you ever called someone 'Master' with a deep sense of reverence? Blind Bartimaeus uses a special word for Jesus that shows his heart.
In this moment, Bartimaeus calls Jesus 'Rabboni,' a word that means 'my Master' or 'my Teacher.' It’s a step beyond just 'Rabbi.'
A Deeper Reverence
This title wasn't just a polite address; it signaled Bartimaeus's deep belief in Jesus's authority and his personal need for Jesus's help. It's a title reserved for someone he saw as uniquely qualified to meet his deepest need.
Jesus already knew Bartimaeus was blind. So why ask, 'What do you want?' This question is for us, too.
Jesus’s question, 'What do you want me to do for you?' isn't because He doesn't know. It's a powerful invitation.
Why Ask?
Ask a follow-up
This question forces us to confront what we truly long for and to bring it directly to Jesus.
In a world of shadows, Bartimaeus cried out for light. What does this simple request reveal about his hope?
Bartimaeus's request, 'let me recover my sight,' is incredibly focused and direct. It's not a vague wish; it's a specific plea for restoration.
More Than Just Seeing
His request, made with such conviction, shows a man ready to leave his old life behind and embrace whatever Jesus offered.
Understand the original words
rhabbouni · Greek Noun
A title of respect meaning 'my great one' or 'my master,' used by disciples to address Jesus as their teacher and authoritative leader. It reflects a relationship of submission to his instruction and lordship.
anablepō · Greek Verb
The physical or spiritual ability to perceive light and objects, often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe spiritual understanding and the ability to perceive God's truth. Losing or recovering sight frequently serves as a sign of spiritual transformation or divine intervention.
This event occurred during Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, highlighting His compassion and power even as He approached His own suffering and death. Bartimaeus's earnest plea and immediate following of Jesus after being healed underscore the transformative power of faith in the face of desperate need.
c. 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Perea
Jesus conducted much of His public ministry in the northern region of Galilee and the eastern region of Perea, teaching in synagogues and villages, and healing the sick.
c. 1st century AD
Jesus' Final Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus began His final journey towards Jerusalem, aware of the impending suffering and death that awaited Him there. This journey involved passing through regions like Perea and Jericho.
c. 1st century AD
Jesus Arrives in Jericho
Jesus entered or passed by the city of Jericho, a significant town in ancient Judea, during His final journey to Jerusalem. A large crowd accompanied Him.
c. 1st century AD
Bartimaeus Begs by the Roadside
Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, sat by the roadside near Jericho, seeking alms from passersby as Jesus's procession approached.
c. 1st century AD
Bartimaeus Cries Out to Jesus
Hearing that Jesus was passing by, Bartimaeus called out persistently, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" despite the crowd's attempts to silence him.
c. 1st century AD
Jesus Calls for Bartimaeus
Jesus stopped and commanded that Bartimaeus be brought to Him, demonstrating His willingness to engage with those in need.
c. 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus Heals Bartimaeus
Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted, and upon hearing the plea to 'recover my sight,' He restored the man's vision, attributing the healing to his faith.
This passage describes two blind men crying out to Jesus as 'Son of David,' echoing Bartimaeus's plea and highlighting the persistent faith required to approach Jesus.
Luke 18:41Jesus asks the same question, 'What do you want me to do for you?', showing His consistent method of drawing out the desire of those seeking His help, even when He knows their need.
John 9:39Jesus states His purpose is to bring division and to give sight to the blind, directly linking this healing event to His mission and spiritual sight.
Hebrews 4:15This verse speaks of approaching Jesus, our High Priest, with confidence because He was tempted in every way, yet did not sin, mirroring Bartimaeus's bold approach despite opposition.
1 Samuel 16:7God looks at the heart, not outward appearance, which is relevant here as Jesus saw beyond Bartimaeus's physical blindness to his sincere desire and faith.
calvinMark 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…
cambridgeMark 10:51: "And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight."
51 . Lord ] The original word is “Rabboni” = my Master . The blind man gives Him the title of greatest reverence that he knew. The title occurs only here and in John 20:16 , where it is used by Mary Magdalene to her risen Lord. The gradations of honour were Rab, Rabbi, Rabban, Rabboni .
Jesus asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" not because He doesn't know, but to draw out Bartimaeus's personal confession of need. The blind man’s heartfelt plea, "Rabboni, let me recover my sight," uses a title of deep reverence, showing he recognized Jesus’s authority, but also his own dependent state, making the request both humble and bold.
As Jesus leaves Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus cries out to Him, persistently calling Him "Son of David" despite the crowd trying to silence him. Jesus stops and asks the man what he wants, to which Bartimaeus, showing great reverence, requests to regain his sight. This encounter immediately follows Jesus' conversation with James and John about greatness and service, highlighting a different kind of greatness—humility and persistent faith—as Bartimaeus is healed.
As Jesus leaves Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus cries out to Him, persistently calling Him "Son of David" despite the crowd trying to silence him. Jesus stops and asks the man what he wants, to which Bartimaeus, showing great reverence, requests to regain his sight. This encounter immediately follows Jesus' conversation with James and John about greatness and service, highlighting a different kind of greatness—humility and persistent faith—as Bartimaeus is healed.
"And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”" — Jesus asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" not because He doesn't know, but to draw out Bartimaeus's personal confession of need. The blind man’s heartfelt plea, "Rabboni, let me recover my sig…
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Last reviewed October 2026