Luke 18:35

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, that as {G1722} he {G846} was come nigh {G1448} unto {G1519} Jericho {G2410}, a certain {G5100} blind man {G5185} sat {G2521} by {G3844} the way side {G3598} begging {G4319}:

Complete Jewish Bible

As Yeshua approached Yericho, a blind man was sitting by the road, begging.

Berean Standard Bible

As Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road, begging.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as he drew nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:35 introduces a pivotal moment in Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem, setting the stage for a remarkable encounter near the ancient city of Jericho. As Jesus approaches, He comes across a marginalized, unnamed blind man sitting by the roadside, relying on begging for survival. This verse not only highlights Jesus' consistent ministry to the vulnerable and overlooked but also foreshadows the profound spiritual insights and transformative power He brings to those in desperate need, emphasizing His divine proximity to human suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the beginning of the healing account of a blind beggar, a narrative that immediately precedes Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus in Jericho ([Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Jesus and Zacchaeus")). It is situated within the broader context of Jesus' final, resolute journey to Jerusalem, a journey He had [set His face to accomplish](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem"). This segment of Luke's Gospel (chapters 9-19) details Jesus' teachings on discipleship, the nature of the Kingdom of God, and His interactions with various individuals, often emphasizing His compassion for the outcast and His challenge to conventional religious thinking. The healing of the blind man serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority and identity as the Messiah, capable of bringing physical and spiritual sight, a theme that resonates throughout His ministry as recorded in the Gospels.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho was an ancient and significant city, strategically located in the Jordan Valley, serving as a gateway to Jerusalem. It was a fertile oasis, known for its date palms and balsam, and a major customs point, making it a place of both wealth and poverty. Blindness in the ancient world often led to social ostracization and economic destitution, forcing individuals to rely on begging for survival. Such individuals were considered ritually unclean by some, further marginalizing them from community life and temple worship. The "wayside" (or "roadside") was a common place for beggars to position themselves, hoping for alms from travelers. Jesus' willingness to engage with and heal such an individual challenged the prevailing social and religious norms, demonstrating a radical inclusiveness that was central to His Kingdom message.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 18:35 contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' compassion for the marginalized**, a recurring motif in Luke, who frequently portrays Jesus ministering to the poor, sick, and outcast ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Nazareth Manifesto")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **human need and helplessness**, depicting the blind beggar's complete dependency on others, which serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity's spiritual blindness and need for divine intervention. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **divine proximity and opportunity**, as Jesus' physical approach to Jericho signals a moment of profound spiritual significance for those prepared to receive Him. This encounter anticipates the dramatic miracle that follows, demonstrating Jesus' power and authority over physical ailments and, by extension, over spiritual darkness, a power that would soon be fully revealed in Jerusalem.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **come nigh (Greek, _engízō'_):** This verb, derived from a word meaning "near," signifies to make near or to approach. It implies a drawing closer, not just in physical proximity but often with an impending sense of arrival or the imminence of an event. In this context, it highlights Jesus' deliberate movement towards Jericho, which sets the stage for the encounter, emphasizing that the divine initiative is drawing near to human need.
* **blind man (Greek, _typhlós'_):** This adjective describes a state of being "opaque" or "smoky," leading to the meaning of physical or mental blindness. Here, it denotes physical sightlessness, emphasizing the man's profound disability and vulnerability. The term also carries significant symbolic weight throughout the Gospels, often representing spiritual ignorance or an inability to perceive divine truth.
* **begging (Greek, _prosaitéō'_):** This verb, a compound of "to" and "to ask," means to ask repeatedly or importune, specifically to solicit alms. It vividly portrays the man's economic hardship and social status, underscoring his complete dependence on the charity of others. His posture of begging also implicitly suggests a posture of desperate need and perhaps even a readiness to receive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass,"**: This common Lukan introductory phrase (often translated from the Greek _kai egeneto_) serves as a narrative connector, signaling a new event or development in the story. It gives a sense of divine orchestration, implying that this event is not accidental but part of God's unfolding plan.
* **"that as he was come nigh unto Jericho,"**: This clause establishes the geographical setting and the timing of the encounter. Jesus' approach to Jericho is significant, as it is His final stop before ascending to Jerusalem for His passion. The phrase "nigh unto" allows for flexibility in interpretation regarding whether Jesus was entering or leaving the city, harmonizing with parallel accounts. It underscores the idea of divine proximity – Jesus is drawing near to a place of significant human need and spiritual preparation.
* **"a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:"**: This introduces the central figure of the upcoming miracle. The man is unnamed ("a certain blind man"), highlighting his marginalized status and perhaps representing all those in similar conditions. His position "by the way side" indicates his reliance on the flow of travelers for sustenance, while "begging" explicitly states his destitution and complete dependence. This vivid imagery immediately evokes sympathy and sets up the dramatic contrast with Jesus' power and compassion.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:35 employs several **literary devices** to enhance its narrative and thematic impact. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Jesus' approach to Jericho, a city often associated with spiritual significance and the gateway to Jerusalem, hints at the profound spiritual events about to unfold in the capital. The blind man himself serves as powerful **symbolism** for spiritual blindness, a state from which only Christ can bring true sight. His physical condition mirrors the spiritual condition of many who encountered Jesus but failed to recognize His true identity. The **contrast** between the man's utter helplessness and Jesus' imminent power is stark, setting the stage for a dramatic display of divine authority. Furthermore, the scene presents a subtle **irony**: while many with physical sight remained spiritually blind to Jesus' messianic claims, this physically blind man will soon "see" Jesus for who He truly is, leading to his healing and discipleship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:35 serves as a powerful theological statement about Jesus' ministry and the nature of the Kingdom of God. It underscores the divine initiative in seeking out the lost and marginalized, demonstrating that God's compassion extends to those on the fringes of society. The blind man's desperate state highlights humanity's universal need for divine intervention, not only for physical healing but for spiritual enlightenment. Jesus' willingness to stop and engage with such an individual, despite His urgent journey to Jerusalem, exemplifies the core values of His Kingdom: radical inclusion, profound empathy, and transformative power. This encounter prefigures the ultimate spiritual sight that Jesus offers through His atoning work, opening the eyes of those who are spiritually blind to the truth of God's grace and salvation.

* [Mark 10:46-52](/mark/10-46-52 "The Healing of Bartimaeus")
* [Matthew 20:29-34](/matthew/20-29-34 "The Healing of Two Blind Men")
* [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Prophecy of the Messiah's Healing Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:35 invites us to pause and consider the profound implications of Jesus' approach to human suffering and marginalization. Just as the blind man sat by the wayside, many in our contemporary world, though perhaps not physically blind, are spiritually or emotionally "begging" for hope, purpose, or connection. This verse reminds us that Jesus is continually drawing near to those in need, often in the most unexpected places and circumstances. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of awareness and empathy, to truly "see" the marginalized in our communities, and to recognize that divine encounters can happen even in the mundane. The blind man's story, which unfolds in the subsequent verses, teaches us about the power of persistent faith and the accessibility of Christ to all who cry out to Him. It encourages us to bring our own areas of blindness—whether spiritual, emotional, or intellectual—to the Lord, trusting that He is willing and able to grant us sight and transformation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who are the "blind" and "begging" individuals in my community or sphere of influence that Jesus might be drawing me to notice?**
* **In what areas of my own life might I be spiritually blind or "sitting by the wayside," waiting for Jesus to draw near?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to stop for a marginalized individual challenge my own priorities and perceptions of who is worthy of attention?**

### FAQ
**Why do the Gospel accounts seem to differ on the details of this healing near Jericho?**

Answer: The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) each record an account of Jesus healing a blind man (or men) near Jericho, but with slight variations. Matthew 20:29-34 mentions two blind men, Mark 10:46-52 names one, Bartimaeus, and Luke 18:35-43 focuses on one unnamed blind man. Furthermore, Matthew and Mark place the event as Jesus is leaving Jericho, while Luke states "as he was come nigh unto Jericho." Scholars reconcile these differences by understanding "nigh unto" (Luke's phrase) to encompass the general vicinity of the city, meaning it could have occurred as Jesus was approaching or departing the broader Jericho area. The discrepancy in the number of men is often explained by the possibility that Luke and Mark focus on the most prominent or vocal individual, while Matthew includes both. These variations are typical of ancient biographical writing, where the emphasis was on conveying the truth of the event and its theological significance rather than strict journalistic precision, and they do not undermine the core historical reality of the miracle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:35, in its depiction of Jesus drawing near to a blind beggar, profoundly foreshadows and embodies the Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Jesus' ministry of opening the eyes of the blind, as prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 35:5](/isaiah/35-5 "Isaiah 35:5 - Eyes of the Blind Opened") and [Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes"), is not merely about physical sight but about bringing spiritual illumination to a world shrouded in darkness. The blind man's physical condition symbolizes humanity's spiritual blindness—our inability to perceive God's truth and our desperate need for divine intervention. Jesus, as the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), comes to dispel this darkness, offering not just a temporary fix but eternal salvation. His ultimate act of compassion on the cross, where He became sin for us, provides the means for all who are spiritually blind to receive true sight, allowing them to see God's grace and enter into His glorious Kingdom. Thus, this encounter near Jericho is a microcosm of Jesus' entire redemptive mission: drawing near to the lost and broken, offering transformative healing, and leading them into the light of His saving truth, culminating in the spiritual sight offered through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 20:29

¶ And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.

Matthew 20:34

So Jesus had compassion [on them], and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

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.

Mark 10:52

And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

1 Samuel 2:8

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

John 9:8

¶ The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

Luke 16:20

And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,