Luke 18:38

KJV

And he cried, saying, Jesus, [thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he cried {G994}, saying {G3004}, Jesus {G2424}, thou Son {G5207} of David {G1138}, have mercy {G1653} on me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He called out, “Yeshua! Son of David! Have pity on me!”

Berean Standard Bible

So he called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

American Standard Version

And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:38 captures the fervent, desperate cry of a blind man near Jericho, who, upon discerning Jesus' presence, boldly addresses Him as "Jesus, Son of David," and pleads for mercy. This pivotal moment underscores the man's profound spiritual insight and unwavering faith, setting the stage for Jesus' compassionate response and miraculous healing, illustrating the power of persistent, humble supplication to the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful encounter occurs as Jesus is on His final, determined journey towards Jerusalem, a path He has repeatedly foretold will lead to His suffering and death ([Luke 18:31-34](/luke/18-31-34 "Luke 18:31-34 - Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection")). The narrative immediately precedes the account of Zacchaeus in Jericho ([Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Jesus and Zacchaeus")). Importantly, the blind man's persistent faith and clear recognition of Jesus' messianic identity stand in stark contrast to the disciples' ongoing confusion and lack of understanding regarding Jesus' mission and impending passion. The man's cry also echoes the themes of persistence in prayer and humble faith highlighted in the preceding parables of the persistent widow ([Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow")) and the Pharisee and the tax collector ([Luke 18:9-14](/luke/18-9-14 "Luke 18:9-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector")), positioning him as an exemplar of the very faith Jesus seeks.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho was a significant city, strategically located on the main route from Galilee to Jerusalem, making it a common stop for pilgrims. In ancient Israel, blindness was a common affliction, often leading to social marginalization and dependence on begging for survival, as there were no social safety nets. The physically disabled were frequently viewed with suspicion, sometimes even believed to be suffering due to sin ([John 9:1-2](/john/9-1-2 "John 9:1-2 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind")). The title "Son of David" was a deeply significant messianic appellation among the Jewish people, rooted in God's covenant with King David ([2_samuel/7-12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). It referred to the promised descendant of David who would be the Messiah, the rightful King of Israel, who would restore the kingdom. For a blind beggar to publicly declare Jesus as the "Son of David" was a bold and profound theological statement, risking rebuke from the crowd or religious authorities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Recognition of Jesus' Identity**. Despite his physical blindness, the man possesses remarkable spiritual insight, recognizing Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the "Son of David," a title the disciples themselves struggled to fully grasp. Secondly, the man's unwavering **Faith and Persistence** are central. His refusal to be silenced by the crowd and his continued, louder cry demonstrate a tenacious faith that Jesus often commended as a prerequisite for divine intervention ([Luke 17:19](/luke/17-19 "Luke 17:19 - Your Faith Has Made You Well")). Finally, the scene underscores Jesus' **Divine Compassion and Mercy** for the marginalized. Jesus, despite His urgent journey to Jerusalem, stops for an outcast, demonstrating His kingdom values of prioritizing the humble and needy, a recurring motif throughout His ministry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cried (Greek, _boáō'_):** This verb signifies a loud, urgent shout, a "halloo" or a cry for help. It conveys the man's desperation and his determination to be heard above the noise of the crowd. It is not a polite request but a forceful, public declaration of need.
* **Son (Greek, _huiós'_):** While literally meaning "child" or "son," in this context, when combined with "David," it denotes a direct descendant and, more significantly, the rightful heir. It carries the weight of lineage and the fulfillment of prophecy, establishing a claim to royal authority and messianic identity.
* **David (Greek, _Dabíd'_):** Refers to King David, the revered monarch of Israel, from whose lineage the Messiah was prophesied to come. By invoking David's name, the blind man explicitly identifies Jesus as the promised Messiah, the true King of Israel, who would bring salvation and restoration.
* **mercy (Greek, _eleéō'_):** This word signifies active compassion that leads to practical help or deliverance, often implying divine grace. It is more than mere pity; it is a plea for God's compassionate intervention to alleviate suffering, heal, or save. The man is not demanding, but humbly appealing to Jesus' benevolent power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he cried, saying,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the urgency and public nature of the blind man's plea. He doesn't whisper or wait to be noticed; he actively and loudly calls out, demonstrating his desperation and conviction that Jesus is his only hope. His voice cuts through the commotion of the crowd, demanding attention.
* **"Jesus, thou Son of David,"**: This is the core of the man's address, revealing profound spiritual insight. By calling Jesus "Jesus," he acknowledges His person and presence. By adding "Son of David," he publicly declares his belief in Jesus' messianic identity, recognizing Him as the promised King from David's royal line. This title is a theological statement, signifying Jesus' unique authority and power to fulfill Old Testament prophecies.
* **"have mercy on me."**: This is a direct, humble, and specific request. It is not a demand for healing, but a plea for active compassion and grace. The man understands that his healing, or any help, would be an act of Jesus' unmerited favor and divine power, acknowledging his own helplessness and dependence on Jesus' benevolence.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account of the blind man employs several powerful literary devices. There is striking **Irony** present, as the physically blind man "sees" Jesus' true identity as the "Son of David" more clearly than the crowd or even the disciples, who possess physical sight but often lack spiritual understanding. This spiritual insight in the face of physical limitation is a recurring motif in the Gospels. The man's persistent cry and the subsequent miracle serve as **Foreshadowing** for Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He will be hailed as King, and for the spiritual sight He offers to all who believe. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Contrast** effectively, pitting the blind man's humble, persistent faith against the crowd's attempts to silence him and the rich young ruler's inability to sacrifice for the kingdom. Finally, **Symbolism** is deeply embedded, with physical blindness often representing spiritual blindness throughout the Gospels, and the restoration of sight symbolizing spiritual enlightenment, salvation, and the dawning of God's kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:38 powerfully illustrates the theological truth that genuine faith, even from the marginalized, is recognized and rewarded by God. The blind man's cry is a model of humble, persistent prayer, rooted in a correct understanding of Jesus' identity as the Messiah. His appeal for "mercy" encapsulates the human condition of need and dependence on divine grace, while Jesus' willingness to stop and respond demonstrates God's active compassion for the suffering and outcast. This encounter affirms Jesus' authority not only as a healer but as the promised King who brings salvation and restoration, highlighting that true spiritual sight comes from recognizing Him as Lord.

* [Matthew 9:27-29](/matthew/9-27-29 "Matthew 9:27-29 - Jesus Heals Two Blind Men")
* [Mark 10:46-52](/mark/10-46-52 "Mark 10:46-52 - Bartimaeus Receives His Sight")
* [Psalm 6:2](/psalm/6-2 "Psalm 6:2 - A Plea for Mercy in Distress")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The blind man's unwavering cry in Luke 18:38 offers profound lessons for our own spiritual journey. His example challenges us to examine the depth of our faith and the persistence of our prayers. Are we willing to cry out to Jesus despite the distractions and discouragements of the world, or even the rebukes of those around us? Do we truly believe in His authority and identity as the "Son of David," the one who has the power to meet our deepest needs? This passage encourages us to be bold in approaching Jesus with our vulnerabilities, our "blind spots," and our desperate pleas for mercy, trusting that He is always ready to stop, listen, and respond with compassion. Just as the blind man's physical sight was restored, our spiritual sight can be sharpened as we fix our gaze on Christ, allowing Him to illuminate areas of darkness in our lives and grant us the wisdom to see His will clearly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "blind spots" or areas of spiritual need in your life are you hesitant to bring to Jesus?**
* **How does the blind man's persistence challenge your own prayer life?**
* **In what ways do you acknowledge Jesus' true identity as "Son of David" in your daily life and worship?**
* **What obstacles (internal or external) prevent you from crying out to Jesus with your deepest needs?**

### FAQ
**Why did the blind man call Jesus "Son of David"?**

Answer: The blind man called Jesus "Son of David" because it was a widely recognized messianic title among the Jewish people. It signified that Jesus was the long-awaited King, the promised descendant of King David, who would fulfill Old Testament prophecies and restore Israel. By using this title, the blind man demonstrated profound spiritual insight, recognizing Jesus' true identity and authority as the Messiah, even though he was physically blind. This public declaration was a bold act of faith, acknowledging Jesus' unique claim to divine kingship and His power to bring about salvation and healing. It was a direct appeal to Jesus' royal and redemptive authority.

**What does "have mercy on me" mean in this context, and why is it significant?**

Answer: In this context, "have mercy on me" (Greek: _eleéson_) is far more than a simple request for pity. It is a humble yet urgent plea for active, compassionate intervention from a position of power and grace. The blind man is not demanding, but rather appealing to Jesus' divine benevolence and ability to alleviate his suffering and restore his sight. It signifies a recognition of his own helplessness and a complete reliance on Jesus' power and willingness to act. This plea is significant because it acknowledges Jesus' authority to bring about a miraculous change, trusting that His mercy will lead to tangible healing and deliverance, aligning with the broader biblical theme of God's compassion for the afflicted and His readiness to respond to those who cry out to Him in faith ([Psalm 103:8](/psalm/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Compassionate and Gracious")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The blind man's fervent cry to "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Christ. Jesus, as the true "Son of David," is the promised King who comes not merely to restore physical sight, but to open the eyes of the spiritually blind and bring salvation to all who call upon His name. The blind man's recognition of Jesus' messianic identity foreshadows the universal confession that Jesus is Lord, a truth revealed fully in the New Testament ([Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confess Jesus as Lord")). His plea for "mercy" is answered supremely in Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He bore the sins of humanity, offering ultimate compassion and deliverance from spiritual blindness and eternal death ([2_corinthians/5-21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through faith in Him, we receive not just physical healing, but the spiritual sight that enables us to see God's truth, walk in His light, and inherit eternal life, fulfilling the very essence of the mercy sought by the blind man near Jericho ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")).

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 9:27

¶ And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on us.

Luke 18:39

And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

Matthew 15:22

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, [thou] Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Romans 1:3

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

Revelation 22:16

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.