Luke 9:38

KJV

And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

KJV (with Strong's)

And,{G2532} behold {G2400}, a man {G435} of {G575} the company {G3793} cried out {G310}, saying {G3004}, Master {G1320}, I beseech {G1189} thee {G4675}, look {G1914} upon {G1909} my {G3450} son {G5207}: for {G3754} he is {G2076} mine {G3427} only child {G3439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Suddenly a man in the crowd shouted, “Rabbi! Look at my son, I beg you, because he’s my only child!

Berean Standard Bible

Suddenly a man in the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only child.

American Standard Version

And behold, a man from the multitude cried, saying, Teacher, I beseech thee to look upon my son; for he is mine only child:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:38 presents a poignant scene where a man from the crowd desperately appeals to Jesus, recognizing His unique authority and power. The father's urgent cry for his "only child," who is suffering from an affliction beyond the disciples' help, underscores the depth of his anguish and the profound hope he places in Jesus as his last resort for healing and deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of the Transfiguration on the mountain, where Jesus' divine glory was revealed to Peter, James, and John ([Luke 9:28-36](/luke/9-28-36 "Luke 9:28-36 - The Transfiguration")). As Jesus and the three disciples descend from this spiritual high point, they are met by a large crowd, including the father with his afflicted son. The narrative juxtaposition highlights the transition from divine revelation to human suffering, demonstrating Jesus' readiness to engage with the pressing needs of humanity even after experiencing profound spiritual communion. The subsequent verses ([Luke 9:39-42](/luke/9-39-42 "Luke 9:39-42 - Jesus Heals the Demoniac Boy")) reveal that the other disciples, who had remained at the base of the mountain, had attempted and failed to cast out the demon afflicting the boy, setting the stage for Jesus' powerful and decisive intervention. This failure of the disciples underscores the unique authority and power of Jesus.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, illness and affliction were often attributed to demonic influence or divine judgment, leading to significant social stigma and despair. While there were traditional healers and exorcists, their success was inconsistent, and many suffered without relief. The presence of a "large crowd" (Luke 9:37) is typical of Jesus' ministry, as people flocked to Him, drawn by His teachings and miraculous healings. The father's public outcry reflects the common practice of seeking out renowned healers, often in a desperate and public manner, to gain attention and intervention. The emphasis on the child being "mine only child" (G3439, *monogenḗs*) would have resonated deeply with the cultural value placed on children, especially male heirs, and the profound grief associated with the potential loss or suffering of a sole offspring, making the father's plea all the more compelling and relatable to the audience.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Human Desperation and Divine Compassion**, showing the depth of human need and Jesus' immediate response to suffering. Secondly, the father's address to Jesus as "Master" (G1320, *didáskalos*) reinforces the theme of **Jesus' Authority and Unique Identity**, portraying Him not merely as a teacher but as one possessing inherent power over evil and disease, a theme consistently demonstrated throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke/9 "Luke 9 - Jesus' Ministry and Authority"). Thirdly, the specific detail of the "only child" (G3439, *monogenḗs*) emphasizes the theme of **Preciousness of Life and Parental Love**, echoing other instances in Luke where Jesus restores life to only children, such as the widow's son at Nain ([Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11-17 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son")) and Jairus's daughter ([Luke 8:40-56](/luke/8-40-56 "Luke 8:40-56 - Jesus Heals Jairus's Daughter")). These narratives collectively underscore Jesus' profound compassion for the vulnerable and His power to overcome even the most dire circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cried out (Greek, _anaboáō'_):** G310, derived from "ana" (up) and "boaō" (to cry aloud). This word signifies a loud, urgent, and often desperate shout or call. It conveys the intensity of the father's distress and his determination to be heard above the noise of the crowd, emphasizing the depth of his anguish and the pressing nature of his need. It's not a mere speaking, but a forceful, attention-grabbing cry.
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** G1320, meaning an instructor, teacher, or master. While often translated as "teacher," in Luke's Gospel, the term *epistata* (ἐπιστάτα, used by Luke in similar contexts, though not the direct Strong's number for *didáskalos* here, it's important to note the KJV's choice of "Master" reflects a deeper sense of authority) is frequently used by those who recognize Jesus' unique position of authority, especially His disciples or those seeking His help. It implies not just intellectual respect but an acknowledgment of His commanding presence and ability to act.
* **only child (Greek, _monogenḗs'_):** G3439, from *monos* (only) and *ginomai* (to become, to be born). This term means "only-born" or "sole." Its inclusion is highly significant, intensifying the father's plea by highlighting the unique preciousness and irreplaceable nature of the suffering son. It evokes profound empathy and underscores the immense personal tragedy the father faces, making his appeal to Jesus all the more desperate and compelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying,"**: The conjunction "And" (G2532, *kaí*) connects this event directly to the preceding narrative of the Transfiguration, indicating an immediate shift in setting and focus. "Behold" (G2400, *idoú*) functions as an interjection, drawing the reader's attention to the sudden and dramatic appearance of this man. The phrase "a man of the company" (G435, *anḗr* G575, *apó* G3793, *óchlos*) indicates he emerged from the large crowd, signifying his determination to reach Jesus despite the throng. His act of "crying out" (G310, *anaboáō*) conveys extreme urgency and desperation, a public display of profound need.
* **"Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son:"**: The address "Master" (G1320, *didáskalos*) signifies the man's recognition of Jesus' authority and perhaps His teaching role, but in this context, it carries an implicit acknowledgment of Jesus' power. "I beseech thee" (G1189, *déomai* G4675, *soû*) is a strong plea, indicating a humble yet earnest request, almost binding himself to the petition. The specific request "look upon my son" (G1914, *epiblépō* G1909, *epí* G3450, *moû* G5207, *huiós*) is more than a casual glance; *epiblépō* implies gazing with favor, pity, or compassionate regard, signifying a desire for Jesus' merciful and active attention to his child's plight.
* **"for he is mine only child."**: The conjunction "for" (G3754, *hóti*) introduces the reason and justification for the father's intense plea. The declaration "he is mine only child" (G2076, *estí* G3427, *moí* G3439, *monogenḗs*) is the emotional core of the verse. This detail, unique to Luke's account of this miracle, amplifies the tragedy and the father's desperation. It highlights the irreplaceable nature of the child and the profound parental anguish, appealing directly to Jesus' compassion and reinforcing the urgency of the situation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse to evoke empathy and emphasize the gravity of the situation. The immediate opening, "**And, behold,**" uses an **Exclamation** or **Interjection** to grab the reader's attention, signaling a sudden and significant event. The father's direct address, "**Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son,**" is a powerful example of **Direct Address** and **Pathos**. It appeals directly to Jesus' authority and compassion, while simultaneously drawing the reader into the emotional intensity of the father's plea. The most poignant device is the use of **Emphasis** through the phrase "**for he is mine only child.**" This specific detail, unique to Luke's account of this healing, amplifies the father's desperation and the preciousness of the child, creating a deep sense of **Pathos** that resonates with universal themes of parental love and loss. It also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the extraordinary nature of the miracle Jesus is about to perform, as the healing of an "only child" often carries profound symbolic weight in Luke's Gospel, pointing to Jesus' life-giving power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:38 stands as a powerful testament to the accessibility of Jesus to those in desperate need and His profound compassion for human suffering. The father's cry, born out of a situation beyond human remedy, illustrates a core theological truth: when all other avenues fail, Jesus remains the ultimate hope and authority. This encounter highlights Jesus' unique power over spiritual and physical ailments, contrasting sharply with the disciples' prior inability to help. It underscores the divine nature of Jesus' ministry, where His presence alone brings the potential for radical transformation and healing, reaffirming His role as the compassionate Son of God who hears and responds to the cries of the afflicted.

* [Matthew 17:14-21](/matthew/17-14-21 "Matthew 17:14-21 - Jesus Heals a Demoniac Boy (Parallel Account)")
* [Mark 9:14-29](/mark/9-14-29 "Mark 9:14-29 - Jesus Heals a Demoniac Boy (Parallel Account)")
* [Psalm 34:17-18](/psalms/34-17-18 "Psalm 34:17-18 - The Lord Hears the Righteous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This poignant scene from Luke 9:38 offers profound lessons for our own lives. The father's desperate cry, "Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child," resonates deeply with the human experience of helplessness in the face of overwhelming challenges, especially when those we love are suffering. His action serves as a powerful model for us: to bring our deepest, most urgent needs directly to Jesus, without hesitation or reservation. It reminds us that no problem is too great, no pain too profound, for the Lord to address. Even when we have exhausted all other options, or when those we rely on have failed, Jesus remains the ultimate source of hope and intervention. We are encouraged to approach Him with the same raw honesty, humility, and desperate faith, trusting that His compassion and power are sufficient for every impossible situation. This narrative calls us to cultivate a persistent and expectant prayer life, believing that Jesus is not only willing but able to "look upon" our needs with favor and bring about miraculous change.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "only child" (or most precious thing) in your life are you currently bringing before the Lord with desperate urgency?**
* **In what areas of your life have you exhausted all other options and now feel compelled to cry out to Jesus as your "Master" and only hope?**
* **How does the father's public and unashamed cry for help challenge or encourage your own approach to prayer and seeking divine intervention?**

### FAQ
**Why is the detail "mine only child" so important in Luke's account?**

Answer: The detail "mine only child" (G3439, *monogenḗs*) is profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it heightens the emotional intensity of the father's plea, evoking deep empathy from the audience. Losing or seeing an only child suffer was, and remains, one of the most devastating experiences a parent could face, representing the loss of lineage, hope, and the future. By including this detail, Luke underscores the father's immense anguish and desperation, making his cry to Jesus all the more urgent and compelling. Secondly, it connects this miracle to other instances in Luke's Gospel where Jesus demonstrates His life-giving power over death and disease for "only children," such as the widow's son at Nain ([Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11-17 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son")) and Jairus's daughter ([Luke 8:40-56](/luke/8-40-56 "Luke 8:40-56 - Jesus Heals Jairus's Daughter")). This recurring motif emphasizes Jesus' unique compassion and authority over life and death, portraying Him as the ultimate source of hope and restoration, particularly for the vulnerable and those facing irreplaceable loss.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate cry of the father in Luke 9:38, pleading for his "only child," finds its ultimate echo and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as this earthly father brought his precious, suffering son to the Master, God the Father, in His infinite love, gave His own "only begotten Son" (G3439, *monogenḗs*), Jesus Christ, for the salvation of a suffering humanity ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Jesus, the true Master and Lord, descended from the glory of the Transfiguration, a glimpse of His divine majesty, to meet the raw, chaotic reality of human brokenness and demonic oppression. He is the compassionate High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest Sympathizes")). The father's plea for Jesus to "look upon" his son with favor and pity is answered by Christ's redemptive gaze upon all who are afflicted by sin and its consequences. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus not only healed the boy in Luke 9 but also conquered the ultimate power of sin and death, offering eternal life and deliverance to all who cry out to Him ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the one who willingly became a "suffering servant" ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant")) to bear our infirmities and sorrows, ultimately offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our spiritual and eternal well-being.

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

Zechariah 12:10

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.

Luke 7:12

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

John 4:47

When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

Luke 8:41

And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

Luke 8:42

For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

Genesis 44:20

And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.

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.