18:40 18:40

Luke 18:41

18:42 18:42

Bible Versions

Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.
Saying {G3004}, What {G5101} wilt thou {G2309} that I shall do {G4160} unto thee {G4671}? And {G1161} he said {G2036}, Lord {G2962}, that {G2443} I may receive my sight {G308}.
“What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said, “Lord, let me be able to see.”
“What do you want Me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “let me see again.”
What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

Luke 18:41 captures a pivotal moment in the healing of a blind beggar near Jericho, a powerful testament to Jesus' compassion and power. After the man persistently cried out for mercy despite the crowd's attempts to silence him, Jesus stops and directly engages him.

Context

This verse is the direct question Jesus poses to the blind man, who has just called out to Him, "Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me!" (see Luke 18:38). The setting is just as Jesus is leaving Jericho, a significant ancient city. The crowd's initial reaction to silence the man highlights the societal marginalization of the disabled in that era, yet Jesus' action of stopping and calling him demonstrates His radical inclusion and focus on individual need.

Key Themes

  • Direct and Specific Prayer: Jesus' question, "What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?", is an invitation for a clear, personal, and specific request. It underscores that while God knows our needs, He often desires us to articulate them in prayer, fostering a deeper relationship.
  • Recognition of Jesus' Authority: The blind man's immediate response, "Lord, that I may receive my sight," demonstrates his recognition of Jesus' power and authority to grant such a miracle. He doesn't ask for money or mere pity, but for a fundamental restoration.
  • Divine Compassion and Accessibility: This interaction showcases Jesus' profound compassion, as He pauses His journey to attend to one marginalized individual. He is accessible to all who genuinely seek Him, regardless of their social standing or physical condition.
  • The Power of Faith: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the man's persistent crying out (Luke 18:38-39) and his direct, confident request are indicative of a profound faith that Jesus acknowledges and rewards in the subsequent verse (Luke 18:42). This aligns with Jesus' teaching on the power of asking, seeking, and knocking.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Lord" used by the blind man is the Greek word Kyrios (κύριος), which can mean master, sir, or even God. In this context, it signifies a profound reverence and acknowledgment of Jesus' divine authority and power, beyond just a polite address. The phrase "receive my sight" comes from the Greek anablepō (ἀναβλέπω), which literally means "to look up" or "to regain sight," emphasizing a restoration rather than a first-time seeing, perhaps implying he was not born blind but lost his sight, or simply highlighting the dramatic nature of the healing.

Practical Application

Luke 18:41 encourages believers to be specific in their prayers, trusting that God hears and responds to genuine needs. It reminds us that Jesus is not distant but is willing to engage personally with our struggles, inviting us to express our deepest desires to Him. Just as the blind man sought physical sight, we are called to seek spiritual clarity and healing from the "Lord" who has the power to transform our lives.

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.

  • Matthew 20:21

    And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

  • Matthew 20:22

    But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

  • 1 Kings 3:5

    ¶ In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

  • 1 Kings 3:15

    And Solomon awoke; and, behold, [it was] a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.

  • Romans 8:25

    But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].

  • Philippians 4:6

    Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
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