Luke 18:43

KJV

And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw [it], gave praise unto God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} immediately {G3916} he received his sight {G308}, and {G2532} followed {G190} him {G846}, glorifying {G1392} God {G2316}: and {G2532} all {G3956} the people {G2992}, when they saw {G1492} it, gave {G1325} praise {G136} unto God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Instantly he received his sight and began following him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they too praised God.

Berean Standard Bible

Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, glorifying God. And all the people who saw this gave praise to God.

American Standard Version

And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:43 climactically concludes the narrative of Jesus' encounter with a blind man near Jericho, showcasing the immediate and profound impact of divine healing. The verse details the instantaneous restoration of the man's sight, followed by his immediate act of discipleship in accompanying Jesus and glorifying God. This miraculous event culminates in a collective response of praise from the entire observing crowd, publicly affirming God's power at work through Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful resolution to the preceding narrative in [Luke 18:35-42](/luke/18-35-42 "Luke 18:35-42 - The Healing of the Blind Beggar"). As Jesus approached Jericho on His final journey to Jerusalem, a blind beggar persistently cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" ([Luke 18:38](/luke/18-38 "Luke 18:38 - The Blind Man's Persistent Cry")). Despite the crowd's attempts to silence him, his unwavering faith and desperate plea captured Jesus' attention. Jesus then called him, asked what he desired, and upon the man's request for sight, declared, "Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee" ([Luke 18:42](/luke/18-42 "Luke 18:42 - Jesus Heals Through Faith")). Luke 18:43 immediately follows, demonstrating the instantaneous fulfillment of Jesus' word and the man's subsequent actions, which transition directly into Jesus' entry into Jericho in [Luke 19:1](/luke/19-1 "Luke 19:1 - Jesus Enters Jericho").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho was a significant city, often a stopping point for pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem, especially during Passover. Blindness was a prevalent affliction in ancient society, often leading to a life of begging and social marginalization, as medical solutions were limited. In the cultural understanding of the time, physical ailments, including blindness, were sometimes attributed to sin or divine judgment, making a healing miracle a profound demonstration of God's power and favor. The blind man's address of Jesus as "Son of David" was a significant messianic title, indicating a recognition of Jesus' royal and redemptive identity. The public nature of the healing and the crowd's praise underscore the communal aspect of religious experience and the immediate validation of divine intervention.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 18:43 powerfully illustrates several core themes found throughout the Gospel of Luke. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Power and Authority of Jesus** over physical infirmity, demonstrating His ability to bring about instantaneous and complete healing. Secondly, the narrative emphasizes the **Efficacy of Faith**, as Jesus explicitly states that the man's faith was instrumental in his healing ([Luke 18:42](/luke/18-42 "Faith as the Catalyst for Healing")). Thirdly, the man's immediate response of "followed him" underscores the theme of **Immediate Transformation and Discipleship**, presenting a model of how one should respond to divine grace—not just with gratitude, but with a commitment to walk with Christ. This aligns with Jesus' broader call to [discipleship](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Call to Discipleship") throughout Luke's Gospel. Finally, the verse prominently features the theme of **Glorifying God**, as both the healed man and the entire crowd publicly acknowledge and praise God for the miraculous work performed through Jesus, serving as a powerful witness to His divine nature and the coming of His Kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **immediately (Greek, _parachrēma'_):** (G3916) From παρά and χρῆμα (in its original sense); at the thing itself, i.e. instantly. This adverb emphasizes the instantaneous and complete nature of the healing, leaving no room for doubt about the direct and powerful effect of Jesus' word. It signifies a divine, rather than gradual, restoration.
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** (G190) From Α (as a particle of union) and (a road); properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany (specially, as a disciple). This word is crucial as it indicates more than mere gratitude; it signifies a commitment to discipleship. The man, once blind and marginalized, now walks with Jesus, becoming part of His retinue.
* **glorifying (Greek, _doxázō'_):** (G1392) From δόξα; to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application). This verb describes the act of giving honor, praise, and adoration to God. It's a recognition of His majesty, power, and divine intervention, moving beyond simple thanks to an act of worship and exaltation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And immediately he received his sight":** This clause highlights the miraculous and instantaneous nature of Jesus' healing power. The use of "immediately" (Greek: _parachrēma_) emphasizes that the restoration of vision was not a gradual process but a sudden, complete, and undeniable act of divine authority, demonstrating Jesus' absolute control over physical limitations.
* **"and followed him":** This phrase signifies the healed man's profound response of discipleship. His physical healing leads directly to a spiritual commitment. He doesn't just go his way, but chooses to accompany Jesus, indicating a transformation beyond the physical, embracing a new path as a follower of Christ.
* **"glorifying God":** This clause describes the healed man's worshipful reaction. His immediate response to receiving sight is to give praise and honor to God, acknowledging the divine source of his miracle. This act of glorification is a public testimony to God's power and goodness, demonstrated through Jesus.
* **"and all the people, when they saw [it], gave praise unto God.":** This final clause broadens the scope of the response to include the entire observing crowd. Their collective praise to God serves as a public validation of the miracle and Jesus' authority. Their witnessing of the event compels them to acknowledge God's mighty work, reinforcing the impact of Jesus' ministry on the community.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:43 effectively employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Irony** is present in the narrative leading up to this verse, where the physically blind man "sees" Jesus' true identity as the "Son of David" ([Luke 18:38](/luke/18-38 "Luke 18:38 - Blind Man's Recognition of Jesus")) more clearly than many of the sighted religious leaders. **Contrast** is evident in the man's initial state of marginalized blindness versus his immediate restoration to sight, mobility, and inclusion among Jesus' followers. The physical healing itself serves as potent **Symbolism** for spiritual insight and transformation, suggesting that just as the man's physical eyes were opened, so too can spiritual eyes be opened to the truth of Christ. The adverb "immediately" functions as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the divine power and instantaneous nature of the miracle, leaving no doubt about its supernatural origin. Finally, this verse acts as a **Narrative Climax**, providing the triumphant resolution to the tension established by the blind man's persistent cries and the crowd's initial attempts to silence him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:43 is a profound theological statement on God's active presence and power through Jesus Christ. It underscores the truth that Jesus is not merely a healer but the embodiment of divine authority, capable of bringing about immediate and complete transformation. The miracle serves as a tangible sign of the inbreaking of God's Kingdom, where the marginalized are restored, and darkness is overcome by light. The man's response of following and glorifying God, echoed by the crowd, illustrates the proper human response to divine grace: not just gratitude, but worship, discipleship, and public witness. This narrative teaches that genuine faith leads to a life devoted to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness in all circumstances.

* [Mark 10:52](/mark/10-52 "Mark 10:52 - Bartimaeus' Healing and Discipleship")
* [Acts 3:8](/acts/3-8 "Acts 3:8 - Lame Man Leaps and Praises God")
* [Matthew 9:8](/matthew/9-8 "Matthew 9:8 - Crowds Glorify God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the blind man's healing in Luke 18:43 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as the man's physical eyes were opened, we are called to allow Christ to open our spiritual eyes to His truth, His will, and the reality of His presence in our lives. Our response to God's grace, whether in dramatic intervention or quiet transformation, should mirror the man's immediate and wholehearted commitment: to follow Jesus and to glorify God. This means not just private devotion, but a public witness through our lives, actions, and words. When God works powerfully, it should lead us to join with the "all the people" in acknowledging His mighty works, reminding us that His power is still at work, calling us to a life of faith and obedience. This passage challenges us to consider if our response to God's grace is truly "immediate" and if our lives consistently "glorify God" in the sight of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the blind man's immediate response to Jesus' healing challenge our own tendencies toward delayed or hesitant obedience to Christ's call?**
* **In what specific ways can we, like the healed man and the crowd, publicly "glorify God" for His work in our lives and in the world around us?**
* **What forms of "blindness" (spiritual, emotional, relational, or intellectual) might Jesus be inviting us to bring to Him for healing today, trusting in His power to restore our sight?**

### FAQ
**Question?** Why is the man's immediate following of Jesus significant?

Answer: The man's immediate decision to follow Jesus is profoundly significant because it demonstrates a response of true discipleship, not merely gratitude for a physical healing. It signifies a complete turning point in his life, moving from a position of marginalization and dependence to one of active allegiance to Christ. This act of "following him" (Greek: _akolouthéō_) is a recurring theme in the Gospels, representing a commitment to Jesus' teachings, mission, and lifestyle, even to the point of [taking up one's cross](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Cost of Discipleship"). It shows that his faith was not just for a temporary benefit but for a transformed life in the presence of the [King of Kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords").

**Question?** How does this miracle relate to spiritual sight?

Answer: The physical healing of blindness in the Gospels frequently serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and understanding. Just as the man received physical sight, those who come to faith in Christ receive spiritual understanding, moving from a state of spiritual darkness and ignorance to one of light and truth. Jesus often referred to Himself as the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), and His miracles of opening blind eyes illustrate His power to open the spiritual eyes of those who are spiritually blind to the truth of God and His Kingdom. This theme is particularly prominent in stories like the healing of the man born blind in [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - The Healing of the Man Born Blind"), where physical sight is directly contrasted with spiritual insight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:43 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah who brings light to a world shrouded in spiritual darkness. This miraculous healing of physical blindness is a tangible sign of Jesus' greater mission: to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, to liberate those enslaved by sin, and to usher in the Kingdom of God. Prophecies in the Old Testament, such as [Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes") and [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - Proclaiming Liberty to the Captives"), foretold that the Messiah would bring sight to the blind, a promise Jesus explicitly claimed to fulfill in [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Nazareth Sermon"). As the [Great Physician](/mark/2-17 "Mark 2:17 - Jesus Heals the Sick"), Jesus not only healed physical ailments but offered the ultimate healing for the human soul, providing a path to see God truly through faith in Him. His death and resurrection ultimately provide the means for humanity to move from spiritual blindness to seeing the [truth of the Gospel](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life") and experiencing eternal life, enabling us to truly "glorify God" in Spirit and truth.

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

Psalms 146:8

The LORD openeth [the eyes of] the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:

2 Thessalonians 1:10

When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

2 Thessalonians 1:12

That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 43:21

This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

John 9:39

¶ And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

John 9:40

And [some] of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?

Acts 4:21

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all [men] glorified God for that which was done.