Luke 18:37

KJV

And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they told {G518} him {G846}, that {G3754} Jesus {G2424} of Nazareth {G3480} passeth by {G3928}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and they told him, “Yeshua from Natzeret is passing by.”

Berean Standard Bible

“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him.

American Standard Version

And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:37 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of the blind man near Jericho, where the surrounding crowd informs the persistent beggar of Jesus' immediate proximity. This simple yet profound declaration, "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," serves as the catalyst for the blind man's fervent cry for mercy, setting the stage for a miraculous encounter and highlighting the critical role of awareness and opportunity in divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 18:37 is nestled within the broader narrative of Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, a journey punctuated by His teaching on discipleship and repeated prophecies of His impending suffering and resurrection (e.g., [Luke 18:31-34](/luke/18-31-34 "Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection")). Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus and His disciples, accompanied by a large crowd, are approaching Jericho. A blind man, sitting by the roadside, hears the commotion and inquires about its cause. The crowd's response in Luke 18:37 directly answers his question, providing the critical information that enables him to call out to Jesus, leading to his subsequent healing in [Luke 18:38-43](/luke/18-38-43 "The Healing of the Blind Man Near Jericho"). This event serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' compassion and authority just before His arrival in Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho was an ancient and significant city, strategically located on a major trade route and serving as a gateway to Jerusalem from the east. Blindness in the ancient world often led to begging, as it severely limited one's ability to work and participate fully in society, frequently resulting in social marginalization. Such individuals were often dependent on the charity of others. The large crowds following Jesus were typical of His public ministry, as His teachings and miracles drew significant attention. The identification "Jesus of Nazareth" was a common way to distinguish Him, referencing His hometown, though it could sometimes carry a dismissive connotation (cf. [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "Nathanael's Skepticism About Nazareth")). Here, however, it functions as a straightforward and widely recognized identifier.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **divine opportunity**, as Jesus' passage through Jericho represents a unique, fleeting moment for the blind man's life to be transformed. It highlights the **accessibility of Jesus**, who, despite being on a critical journey, remains approachable to those in need. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **witness and proclamation**, as the crowd, perhaps unknowingly, serves as a vital messenger, pointing the blind man to the source of his potential healing. This act of informing is crucial, as it enables the blind man to exercise his **active faith**, which is vividly demonstrated in his subsequent persistent cry for mercy (cf. [Luke 18:38](/luke/18-38 "The Blind Man's Persistent Cry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **told (Greek, _apangéllō'_):** This verb means "to announce," "to bring word," or "to declare." In this context, it signifies the act of relaying information, specifically the identity and proximity of Jesus. It implies a direct communication that is clear and informative, providing the blind man with the essential knowledge he needs to respond.
* **Jesus of Nazareth (Greek, _Iēsoûs Nazōraîos'_):** "Jesus" (G2424, _Iēsoûs_) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name "Joshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." "Nazareth" (G3480, _Nazōraîos_) refers to His hometown. This combined phrase was the common public identifier for Christ during His earthly ministry, distinguishing Him by His origin. It signifies His human identity and earthly roots, even as His divine nature is understood through His actions.
* **passeth by (Greek, _parérchomai'_):** This verb means "to come near or aside," "to go by or away," or "to pass over." It conveys the idea of movement and transit, indicating that Jesus is physically present and in motion, moving through the area. This emphasizes the immediacy of the moment and the fleeting nature of the opportunity for the blind man.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they told him":** This phrase identifies the agents of information ("they," the crowd) and the recipient ("him," the blind man). It highlights the communal aspect of the scene, where the general populace provides crucial details to an individual in need. This act of telling is not just casual conversation but a direct response to the blind man's inquiry, making the information accessible and actionable.
* **"that Jesus of Nazareth":** This clause provides the specific identity of the person causing the commotion. The use of "Jesus of Nazareth" is a precise and widely recognized designation, ensuring the blind man knows exactly who is approaching. It grounds the miraculous event in the historical person of Jesus.
* **"passeth by":** This final clause conveys the action and immediacy of the situation. Jesus is not stationary but moving past. This implies a limited window of opportunity for the blind man, underscoring the urgency of his subsequent response. It also sets the stage for Jesus' direct interaction with the man, as His "passing by" brings Him within earshot.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:37 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Catalyst**, as the crowd's simple statement acts as the direct trigger for the blind man's desperate and persistent cry for healing. Without this information, his subsequent actions would not occur. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**: the crowd, with their physical sight, merely states a fact about Jesus' presence, perhaps not fully grasping the divine significance of the moment, while the physically blind man immediately "sees" the profound opportunity for spiritual and physical restoration. The verse also utilizes **Descriptive Detail** through its concise phrasing, painting a vivid picture of the scene—the commotion, the blind man's inquiry, and the crowd's informative response—all contributing to the narrative's tension and anticipation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores the theological truth that God often works through human agency to bring about His purposes. The crowd's simple declaration, "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," is an act of unwitting evangelism, a casual statement that carries profound spiritual weight for the one who hears it. It highlights the divine initiative in making Himself known and accessible, even as it calls for a human response of faith. The fleeting nature of Jesus "passing by" also subtly teaches the importance of recognizing and seizing moments of divine opportunity, for such moments may not recur. This encounter foreshadows the broader truth that Jesus is continually "passing by" in various ways, offering opportunities for encounter, transformation, and salvation to those who are attentive and willing to cry out to Him.

* [Mark 10:46-52](/mark/10-46-52 "The Healing of Blind Bartimaeus"): A parallel account of the healing of a blind man near Jericho, highlighting the man's persistent faith and Jesus' compassionate response.
* [John 9:1-7](/john/9-1-7 "Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind"): Another instance of Jesus healing a blind man, emphasizing Jesus as the Light of the World and His power over physical infirmity.
* [Romans 10:14](/romans/10-14 "How Then Shall They Call?"): "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" This verse underscores the necessity of hearing the message about Christ to respond in faith, echoing the crowd's role in Luke 18:37.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:37 serves as a powerful reminder of the ever-present opportunities for encountering God in our daily lives. Just as the blind man's ears were open to the commotion and his heart to the hope of Jesus' presence, we are called to cultivate spiritual attentiveness. Are we aware of the "passing by" moments when God is moving, speaking, or presenting opportunities for growth, healing, or intervention? This verse challenges us to seize those moments with the same urgency and focused intent as the blind man. Furthermore, it highlights our potential role as unintentional messengers. Our simple words about Jesus, our testimony, or even our very lives can serve as the "telling" that points others to Christ, enabling them to seek Him for themselves. We may not always realize the profound impact our casual remarks or faithful living can have on someone else's spiritual journey, but this passage affirms that such acts can be the catalyst for divine encounters.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How attentive are we to the "passing by" moments of God's presence or opportunity in our lives, whether through circumstances, people, or promptings of the Spirit?**
* **In what ways can we, like the crowd, serve as simple but effective messengers, pointing others to Jesus through our words or actions, even if we don't fully grasp the impact?**
* **What "blindness"—spiritual, emotional, or relational—in our own lives might Jesus be "passing by" to address, and how might we cry out to Him for healing?**

### FAQ
**Why is "Jesus of Nazareth" used instead of just "Jesus"?**

Answer: The use of "Jesus of Nazareth" (or "Jesus the Nazarene") was a common and necessary identifier in the 1st century. "Jesus" was a relatively common name, so adding "of Nazareth" distinguished Him from others. It served as a geographical descriptor, indicating His hometown. While sometimes used derisively (as seen in [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "Nathanael's Question About Nazareth"), "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?"), in this context, it functions as a straightforward, widely recognized public title. It grounds His identity in a specific place and time, emphasizing His historical reality and how He was known among the people.

**What is the significance of Jesus "passing by"?**

Answer: The phrase "passeth by" (Greek: _parérchomai_) is highly significant because it conveys a sense of immediacy and a fleeting opportunity. Jesus was on a journey, not stationary. For the blind man, this meant a limited window of time during which he could access Jesus. It underscores the urgency of recognizing and responding to divine presence. It highlights that God's opportunities are often presented in specific moments and require a prompt, faith-filled response, rather than passive waiting. It also emphasizes Jesus' active movement in His ministry, bringing salvation and healing to those He encountered along His path.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:37, with its simple declaration that "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," profoundly foreshadows the broader Christ-centered reality of God's redemptive plan. The physical "passing by" of Jesus in Jericho, offering a singular opportunity for healing, points to His ultimate "passing by" through human history in the Incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. This historical event in Jericho, where the physically blind man is given sight, serves as a powerful emblem of Jesus as the true [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "Jesus, the Light of the World"), who comes to open the eyes of those spiritually blind (cf. [John 9:5](/john/9-5 "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.")). His journey to Jerusalem, which this passage precedes, culminates in the ultimate "passing by"—His sacrifice on the cross—which provides the means for all humanity to move from spiritual darkness to light (cf. [Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Walk as Children of Light"); [2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "God Who Commanded Light to Shine Out of Darkness")). Thus, the crowd's simple statement is a microcosm of the gospel: Jesus, the Son of God, has passed by in our world, offering salvation and inviting all who hear His name to cry out in faith and receive spiritual sight.

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 2:23

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Luke 2:51

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

2 Corinthians 6:2

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.)

Mark 2:1

¶ And again he entered into Capernaum after [some] days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

Mark 2:3

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

John 1:45

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

John 12:35

Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.