Luke 18:39

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they which went before {G4254} rebuked {G2008} him {G846}, that {G2443} he should hold his peace {G4623}: but {G1161} he {G846} cried {G2896} so much {G4183} the more {G3123}, Thou Son {G5207} of David {G1138}, have mercy {G1653} on me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those in front scolded him in order to get him to shut up, but he shouted all the louder, “Son of David! Have pity on me!”

Berean Standard Bible

Those who led the way admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

American Standard Version

And they that went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:39 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, highlighting the persistent faith of a blind beggar who, despite being rebuked by the crowd, cries out with increasing fervor to Jesus, acknowledging Him as the "Son of David" and pleading for mercy. This verse powerfully illustrates the man's unwavering determination to reach Jesus, setting the stage for a miraculous encounter that underscores divine compassion in response to desperate, unyielding faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the narrative immediately preceding Jesus' entry into Jericho and His subsequent healing of the blind man (Luke 18:35-43). It follows directly after the blind man's initial cry for mercy in [Luke 18:38](/luke/18-38 "Luke 18:38 - The Blind Man's Cry") and sets up Jesus' compassionate response in [Luke 18:40](/luke/18-40 "Luke 18:40 - Jesus Responds to the Blind Man"). The entire episode is strategically placed by Luke after Jesus' teaching on the parable of the persistent widow and the unrighteous judge in [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"), and the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in [Luke 18:9-14](/luke/18-9-14 "Luke 18:9-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector"). The blind man's tenacious crying out directly embodies the principle of persistent prayer and humility that Jesus had just taught, thereby serving as a living illustration of His preceding lessons.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus and His disciples were on their final journey to Jerusalem, passing through Jericho, a significant city in the Jordan Valley, known for its strategic location and agricultural wealth. Large crowds often accompanied traveling rabbis, especially during pilgrimage seasons, creating a dynamic and sometimes chaotic environment. Beggars were common in ancient societies, often marginalized and dependent on charity due to lack of social welfare systems, especially those with disabilities like blindness. The crowd's attempt to silence the blind man reflects a common desire to maintain order, perhaps viewing his cries as disruptive or undignified, or even believing that Jesus, a revered teacher, should not be bothered by such a person. The title "Son of David" was a deeply significant Messianic title in Jewish thought, connecting Jesus to the royal lineage and prophetic expectations of a deliverer from the house of King David, who would restore Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 18:39 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Foremost is the theme of **Persistent Faith and Prayer**, mirroring the parable of the persistent widow in [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"), where Jesus encourages disciples to "always pray and not give up." The blind man's refusal to be silenced despite rebuke exemplifies this tenacity. Another crucial theme is **Jesus' Messianic Identity**, as the blind man's repeated cry, "Thou Son of David," is a clear and public acknowledgment of Jesus as the prophesied Messiah, the heir to David's throne ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus' Genealogy")). This recognition stands in stark contrast to the spiritual blindness of many religious leaders. Furthermore, the verse highlights **Divine Compassion and Accessibility**, demonstrating Jesus' willingness to stop for the marginalized and overlooked, contrasting with the crowd's desire to dismiss the man. Finally, the theme of **Overcoming Obstacles** is prominent, as the blind man's resolute pursuit of Jesus despite external opposition underscores the importance of unwavering focus on Christ in the face of societal pressure or personal discouragement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rebuked (Greek, _epitimáō'_):** From G2008, meaning "to tax upon, i.e. censure or admonish; by implication, forbid." This word conveys a strong sense of authoritative disapproval or a command to cease. The crowd was not merely asking the man to be quiet; they were sternly ordering him to stop, attempting to exert their authority over him to control the situation and perhaps prevent what they perceived as a disturbance.
* **cried (Greek, _krázō'_):** From G2896, meaning "to 'croak' (as a raven) or scream, i.e. (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)." This verb suggests a loud, urgent, and perhaps even desperate sound, more intense than a simple shout. It emphasizes the man's fervent and uninhibited plea, indicating the depth of his need and the intensity of his desire to be heard by Jesus.
* **have mercy (Greek, _eleéō'_):** From G1653, meaning "to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)." This is the core of the blind man's plea. It is not merely a request for pity, but a profound appeal for active compassion and intervention, rooted in the understanding that Jesus possesses the power and grace to alleviate his suffering. It signifies a recognition of Jesus' benevolent authority and a humble request for a demonstration of His divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they which went before rebuked him":** This clause introduces the opposition faced by the blind man. "They which went before" refers to those in the vanguard of the crowd, likely the more zealous or those trying to maintain order around Jesus. Their action of "rebuking" (G2008, _epitimáō_) signifies a stern command, an attempt to silence the man and perhaps dismiss his cries as an annoyance or an inappropriate interruption to Jesus' progress.
* **"that he should hold his peace":** This specifies the purpose of the crowd's rebuke. They wanted him to be silent (G4623, _siōpáō_), to cease his loud appeals. This highlights the social pressure and the dismissive attitude of the crowd towards a marginalized individual seeking attention from a revered figure.
* **"but he cried so much the more":** This pivotal phrase marks a dramatic turning point. The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a strong contrast to the crowd's actions. Instead of being silenced, the blind man's cries intensified ("so much the more" from G4183, _polýs_ and G3123, _mâllon_). His "cried" (G2896, _krázō_) indicates a loud, fervent, and desperate shout, demonstrating his unwavering resolve and profound need.
* **"[Thou] Son of David, have mercy on me":** This is the substance of the blind man's intensified cry. His address, "Son of David" (G5207, _huiós_ and G1138, _Dabíd_), is a significant Messianic title, revealing his profound theological understanding and faith in Jesus' identity as the promised King. His plea, "have mercy on me" (G1653, _eleéō_ and G3165, _mé_), is a direct and humble request for compassionate intervention, acknowledging his own helplessness and Jesus' power to heal and deliver.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account in [Luke 18:39](/luke/18-39 "Luke 18:39 - The Blind Man's Persistence") masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten the narrative's impact. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the crowd's attempts to silence the man against his escalating cries. This contrast emphasizes the man's extraordinary faith and determination in the face of opposition. There is also a powerful use of **Repetition**, as the blind man's cry of "Son of David, have mercy on me" is either repeated or implied to be continuous and intensifying. This repetition underscores the urgency of his plea and his unwavering recognition of Jesus' Messianic identity. The phrase "cried so much the more" functions as a form of **Intensification** or **Hyperbole**, vividly portraying the man's desperate and unyielding resolve. This linguistic choice not only conveys the volume of his voice but also the depth of his spiritual and emotional conviction. Finally, the use of the **Messianic Title** "Son of David" is a profound Christological statement, serving as a form of **Foreshadowing** for Jesus' ultimate role as the King who brings salvation, while simultaneously highlighting the spiritual insight of a marginalized individual compared to the spiritual blindness of the religious elite.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:39 profoundly illustrates the nature of genuine faith and prayer, particularly in the face of adversity. The blind man's unyielding cry, despite the crowd's rebuke, demonstrates a tenacious trust in Jesus' ability and willingness to intervene. This persistence is not a manipulation of God, but an expression of profound desperation and conviction that only Jesus holds the key to his deliverance. His recognition of Jesus as "Son of David" elevates his plea beyond a simple request for physical healing to a theological affirmation of Jesus' Messianic authority, linking his personal need to the broader redemptive work of God. The scene serves as a powerful reminder that God often responds not to the polite requests of the comfortable, but to the desperate cries of the humble and persistent, who acknowledge His true identity and power.

* [Matthew 15:22-28](/matthew/15-22-28 "Matthew 15:22-28 - The Canaanite Woman's Persistence") - A Canaanite woman persistently cries out to Jesus for her demon-possessed daughter, also using the title "Son of David," and is eventually commended for her great faith.
* [Luke 11:5-8](/luke/11-5-8 "Luke 11:5-8 - The Parable of the Friend at Midnight") - Jesus teaches another parable about persistent prayer, where a friend's shameless persistence leads to his request being granted.
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence") - Encourages believers to "approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need," echoing the blind man's bold plea for mercy.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The blind man's unwavering persistence in Luke 18:39 offers a powerful blueprint for our own spiritual lives. In a world that often encourages conformity and discourages overt expressions of faith, the man's refusal to be silenced by the crowd's rebuke speaks volumes. It challenges us to examine whether we allow the opinions, pressures, or even well-intentioned but misguided advice of others to deter us from earnestly seeking God. His desperate cry, "Son of David, have mercy on me," is a model of humble yet bold prayer, recognizing both our profound need and Jesus' ultimate authority and compassion. We are called to cultivate a faith that is not easily discouraged, a prayer life marked by tenacity, and a heart that unreservedly acknowledges Jesus as Lord. This verse reminds us that true spiritual breakthrough often comes not through quiet compliance, but through a holy desperation that refuses to give up until it encounters the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "crowds" or voices in your life attempt to silence your pursuit of Jesus or your earnest prayers?**
* **How does the blind man's persistence challenge your own approach to prayer when answers seem delayed or obstacles arise?**
* **In what ways can you more boldly declare Jesus' identity as Lord and Messiah in your daily life?**
* **What specific areas of your life are you in desperate need of God's mercy, and how might you approach Him with the same fervent plea as the blind man?**

### FAQ
**Why did the crowd try to silence the blind man?**

Answer: The crowd likely tried to silence the blind man for several reasons. In ancient cultures, large crowds accompanying a revered teacher like Jesus would often try to maintain order and decorum. A loud, persistent beggar could be seen as a disruption or an annoyance. They might have believed Jesus was too important or busy to be bothered by a marginalized individual, or perhaps they simply wanted to avoid a chaotic scene. Their actions reflect a common human tendency to dismiss or overlook those on the fringes of society, especially when they disrupt the perceived order.

**What is the significance of the blind man calling Jesus "Son of David"?**

Answer: The title "Son of David" (Greek, _Huios Dauid_) is profoundly significant because it is a Messianic title. In Jewish tradition, the Messiah was prophesied to be a descendant of King David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). By calling Jesus "Son of David," the blind man was not merely identifying Jesus by His lineage but was publicly acknowledging Him as the long-awaited Messiah, the promised King who would bring salvation and justice. This demonstrates a remarkable spiritual insight from a physically blind man, contrasting sharply with the spiritual blindness of many who saw Jesus but did not recognize His true identity.

**How does this passage relate to the parable of the persistent widow earlier in Luke 18?**

Answer: This passage serves as a living illustration of the principles taught in the parable of the persistent widow in [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"). In that parable, Jesus encourages His disciples to "always pray and not give up." The blind man's actions perfectly embody this teaching: despite being rebuked and told to be quiet, he cries out "so much the more," demonstrating an unwavering, tenacious persistence in his plea for mercy. Both the parable and the narrative emphasize the power of persistent, unyielding prayer to move God's heart, not because God is unwilling, but to cultivate a resilient faith in those who seek Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:39, though a narrative of a physical healing, profoundly points to the person and work of Christ beyond the immediate miracle. The blind man's desperate cry, "Thou Son of David, have mercy on me," is a proto-Gospel plea. It acknowledges Jesus not merely as a healer, but as the promised King, the Messiah who inherits the throne of David and brings salvation ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus' Genealogy")). This title, used by a marginalized individual, foreshadows the universal recognition of Jesus as Lord and Savior. The mercy he seeks is not just physical sight, but a deeper, spiritual mercy that Jesus, as the Son of God, is uniquely qualified to bestow. Just as Jesus stopped for this physically blind man, He continually stops for those who are spiritually blind, deafened by sin, and marginalized by the world, offering them the ultimate healing of salvation. His willingness to respond to such a fervent, persistent cry underscores His role as the compassionate High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")) and the Good Shepherd who seeks out the lost ([Luke 15:4-7](/luke/15-4-7 "Luke 15:4-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")). The blind man's encounter with the "Son of David" anticipates the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")), receiving His boundless mercy and grace.

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

Genesis 32:26

And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

Genesis 32:28

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Psalms 141:1

¶ A Psalm of David. LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.

Matthew 26:40

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

Matthew 26:44

And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Luke 18:15

¶ And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when [his] disciples saw [it], they rebuked them.

Luke 11:8

I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.