And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
These blind men, in their desperate cry, are not just asking for their sight back; they are confessing Jesus as the promised Messiah, the "Son of David." This title wasn't just a lineage claim; it was a profound theological statement, revealing their deep-seated hope that the prophesied kingdom and healing power of the Messiah had finally arrived in the person of Jesus.
And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished a significant healing in the house of a synagogue leader and then in another home, demonstrating his power. As Jesus leaves this location, two blind men follow him, boldly calling out to him as "Son of David," a clear acknowledgment of their belief that he is the promised Messiah. This plea for mercy and healing sets the stage for Jesus to test their faith before granting them sight, and immediately after this, a mute demon-possessed man is brought to him.
These blind men followed Jesus, shouting a title that held immense hope. What did 'Son of David' really mean to them?
When these two blind men cried out, 'Son of David,' they weren't just giving Jesus a nickname. They were calling Him the Messiah!
A Title of Hope
For the Jewish people, 'Son of David' was a well-known prophecy pointing to the promised King, a descendant of King David who would bring salvation and restore God's kingdom. It was a title loaded with expectation and the hope for a divinely appointed deliverer.
Declaring Faith
By using this title, these men publicly declared their belief that Jesus was that promised Messiah. It was more than a plea for healing; it was an act of faith in Jesus' identity and His divine authority to bring mercy and restoration.
Jesus seemed to ignore them at first. Yet, these men didn't give up. What does their persistence teach us about prayer?
These blind men didn't just ask once; they followed Jesus, crying out with urgency. Their persistent cry for mercy reveals a powerful aspect of faith.
The Cry for Mercy
Their plea, 'Have mercy on us,' acknowledges their desperate need and their inability to help themselves. It's a humble recognition of their affliction and a direct appeal for compassion.
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Faith in Action
Despite their blindness and Jesus' initial apparent indifference, they continued to call out. This wasn't blind hope, but a determined faith rooted in the belief that Jesus, as the Son of David, was their only hope for healing and restoration. Their persistence showed a deep conviction that Jesus had the power and willingness to help.
Understand the original words
typhlos · Greek Adjective
Having no power of sight. In scripture, it is frequently used both literally and metaphorically to describe spiritual darkness or the inability to perceive divine truth.
eleos · Greek Noun
Compassion, pity, or the withholding of deserved punishment. It is a central attribute of God, often invoked by those in need of His intervention and grace.
huios Dauid · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title based on the Davidic Covenant. It identifies Jesus as the promised heir to the throne of David, the rightful King and Messiah of Israel.
c. 4 BC
Herod the Great Dies
The death of Herod the Great, a powerful Idumean ruler installed by Rome, created a vacuum and unrest in Judea. His kingdom was divided among his sons, leading to further political instability.
c. AD 6
Judea Becomes a Roman Province
Following the deposition of Herod Archelaus, Judea was directly incorporated into the Roman Empire under a prefect. This marked a significant increase in Roman presence and direct rule, often leading to friction.
Early 1st Century AD
Growing Messianic Expectations
Judean society was alive with expectation of a Messiah, often envisioned as a Davidic king who would restore Israel's glory and overthrow foreign oppressors. This context fueled intense interest in anyone claiming or perceived as fulfilling this role.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, performing miracles, teaching, and gathering followers. His fame spread rapidly, drawing crowds who hoped for healing and deliverance.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men
As Jesus departed from a house in Capernaum or a nearby town, two blind men followed him, crying out for mercy and identifying him as the 'Son of David,' a clear Messianic title. Their plea reflects their faith in his power to heal and restore.
This prophecy directly links the Messiah's coming with the opening of the eyes of the blind, which is precisely what these men are calling Jesus to do by recognizing Him as the 'Son of David.'
Matthew 15:22This passage shows another non-Israelite woman calling Jesus 'Son of David' and pleading for mercy, highlighting a consistent theme of Jesus' compassionate response to those who recognize His messianic identity.
Matthew 20:30Here, two more blind men cry out 'Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!' as Jesus passes by, echoing the same desperate plea and messianic recognition found in Matthew 9:27.
Psalm 146:8This psalm speaks of the Lord opening the eyes of the blind as one of His works, aligning with the expectation that the 'Son of David' would perform such acts of mercy and restoration.
barnesMatthew 9:27: "And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us."
And when Jesus departed thence - The scene of this miracle was near Capernaum. The blind men probably followed him with their cry for aid immediately on his leaving the house of Jairus. Thou Son of David - By the Son of David the Jews meant the Messiah. He was the descendant or Son of David by way of eminence, Isaiah 9:7; Luke 1:32; Revelation 22:16. See the notes…
cambridgeMatthew 9:27: "And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us."
27 . Song of Solomon of David ] See note ch. Matthew 1:1 . The thought of the kingdom of heaven had been closely linked with the reign of a Son of David, but doubtless with many Jews the glory of the Asmonean dynasty (the Maccabees) and the established power of the Herods had tended to obscure this expectation. To have clung to it was an act of faith. 27–31 . A Cu…
These blind men, in their desperate cry, are not just asking for their sight back; they are confessing Jesus as the promised Messiah, the "Son of David." This title wasn't just a lineage claim; it was a profound theological statement, revealing their deep-seated hope that the prophesied kingdom and healing power of the Messiah had finally arrived in the person of Jesus.
Jesus has just finished a significant healing in the house of a synagogue leader and then in another home, demonstrating his power. As Jesus leaves this location, two blind men follow him, boldly calling out to him as "Son of David," a clear acknowledgment of their belief that he is the promised Messiah. This plea for mercy and healing sets the stage for Jesus to test their faith before granting them sight, and immediately after this, a mute demon-possessed man is brought to him.
Jesus has just finished a significant healing in the house of a synagogue leader and then in another home, demonstrating his power. As Jesus leaves this location, two blind men follow him, boldly calling out to him as "Son of David," a clear acknowledgment of their belief that he is the promised Messiah. This plea for mercy and healing sets the stage for Jesus to test their faith before granting them sight, and immediately after this, a mute demon-possessed man is brought to him.
"And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”" — These blind men, in their desperate cry, are not just asking for their sight back; they are confessing Jesus as the promised Messiah, the "Son of David." This title wasn't just a lineage claim; it wa…
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Last reviewed October 2026