Luke 18:36

And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.

And {G1161} hearing {G191} the multitude {G3793} pass by {G1279}, he asked {G4441} what {G5101} it {G5124} meant {G1498}.

When he heard the crowd going past, he asked what it was all about;

When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening.

and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant.

Luke 18:36 captures a pivotal moment in the story of the blind beggar near Jericho, highlighting his active curiosity and the initial spark of hope that would lead to a miraculous encounter with Jesus. It's a testament to the power of inquiry and attentiveness, even in the midst of physical limitation.

Context

This verse immediately follows the introduction of a blind man sitting by the highway, begging (Luke 18:35). Jesus, along with His disciples and a large multitude, was passing through or near the city of Jericho on His final journey towards Jerusalem. The commotion of such a large crowd was unusual, prompting the blind man, who relied heavily on his hearing, to inquire about its cause.

Key Themes

  • Active Inquiry and Curiosity: Despite his physical blindness, the man demonstrates remarkable spiritual and mental alertness. He doesn't passively endure the noise but actively seeks to understand what is happening, showcasing a proactive spirit in seeking truth.
  • Anticipation of Significance: The sheer volume of the "multitude" (Greek: ochlos) signals to the blind man that this is no ordinary passing. His question reveals an expectation that something important or different is unfolding, an openness to divine intervention.
  • Hope in Desperate Circumstances: As a beggar, the blind man lived a life of dependency and probable despair. His question, however, carries a subtle undertone of hope, suggesting that perhaps this unusual event could be a turning point for his suffering.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "he asked what it meant" translates the Greek verb epynthaneto (ἐπυνθάνετο). This verb is in the imperfect tense, which implies a continuous or repeated action. It suggests that the blind man was not merely asking a single, casual question but was perhaps persistently inquiring, seeking a clear and full explanation of the commotion until he received a satisfactory answer. This highlights his earnest desire to understand.

Related Scriptures

This inquisitive moment directly sets the stage for the blind man's transformative encounter with Jesus. The answer to his question, that "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," is revealed in Luke 18:37, immediately prompting his persistent and desperate cry for mercy (Luke 18:38). This narrative powerfully illustrates how faith can lead to miraculous healing, a theme echoed in other Gospel accounts of Jesus' compassion, such as the parallel story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52.

Practical Application

Luke 18:36 serves as a powerful reminder for us to cultivate a spirit of spiritual curiosity and attentiveness. When we sense God's presence or activity around us, we should not remain passive or indifferent. Instead, like the blind man, we are called to actively inquire, seek understanding, and engage with what God is doing. This verse underscores the importance of being spiritually alert, ready to discern divine movements, and willing to ask the questions that can open the door to a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 21:10

    And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

  • Matthew 21:11

    And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

  • Luke 15:26

    And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

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