Mark 10:47

KJV

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, [thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he heard {G191} that {G3754} it was {G2076} Jesus {G2424} of Nazareth {G3480}, he began {G756} to cry out {G2896}, and {G2532} say {G3004}, Jesus {G2424}, thou Son {G5207} of David {G1138}, have mercy {G1653} on me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he heard that it was Yeshua from Natzeret, he started shouting, "Yeshua! Son of David! Have pity on me!"

Berean Standard Bible

When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

American Standard Version

And when he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:47 captures the pivotal moment when Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, hears that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. Immediately recognizing Jesus not merely as a man, but as the long-awaited Messiah, he begins to cry out with fervent urgency, addressing Jesus as "Son of David" and pleading for mercy. This verse highlights Bartimaeus's profound faith and desperate hope, setting the stage for his miraculous healing and subsequent discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the climactic healing of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52), which serves as the final healing miracle recorded in Mark's Gospel before Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His Passion. It immediately follows Jesus' third and most explicit prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection (Mark 10:32-34), and His teaching on servant leadership (Mark 10:35-45), where the disciples still struggle with understanding true greatness. Bartimaeus's clear-sighted recognition of Jesus as "Son of David" stands in stark contrast to the spiritual blindness of the disciples and the religious leaders, who often fail to grasp Jesus' true identity and mission. The narrative arc of Mark often juxtaposes physical sight with spiritual insight, as seen in the earlier healing of a blind man at Bethsaida in [Mark 8:22-26](/mark/8-22-26 "Mark 8:22-26 - Healing of a Blind Man at Bethsaida"), making Bartimaeus's story a powerful culmination of this theme.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho was an ancient and strategically important city, located on a major trade route and a common pilgrimage path to Jerusalem, especially during Passover. As Jesus was leaving Jericho, a large crowd would have naturally gathered, making it difficult for an individual to gain His attention. In ancient society, blindness was a severe disability that often rendered individuals incapable of work, forcing them into begging as their sole means of survival. Such individuals were typically marginalized and dependent on the charity of others. The title "Son of David" carried immense historical and messianic weight for a Jewish audience, directly linking Jesus to the covenant God made with King David (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), promising an eternal kingdom through his lineage. For Bartimaeus to use this title publicly was a bold theological declaration of Jesus' identity as the long-prophesied Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 10:47 contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **faith leading to action**, as Bartimaeus's hearing about Jesus immediately prompts a vocal and persistent plea. Secondly, it highlights the stark contrast between **physical blindness and spiritual sight**, with the physically blind Bartimaeus demonstrating a deeper understanding of Jesus' identity than many who could see. This echoes themes found throughout [Mark's Gospel](/mark/1 "The Gospel of Mark - Overview"), where true insight often comes from unexpected sources. Thirdly, the verse underscores **Jesus' compassion and accessibility**, as He stops for a marginalized individual despite the surrounding crowd. Finally, Bartimaeus's use of "Son of David" emphasizes the crucial theme of **Jesus' messianic identity**, affirming His role as the promised deliverer and heir to David's throne, a theme central to the Gospels' portrayal of Christ's mission and authority, particularly as He approaches Jerusalem for His ultimate act of salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, a primary verb meaning "to hear (in various senses)." In this context, Bartimaeus's hearing is not merely auditory perception but implies an understanding or recognition that stirs him to action. It signifies an active reception of information that leads to a profound response, indicating his readiness to believe.
* **cry out (Greek, _krázō'_):** From G2896, a primary verb meaning "to 'croak' (as a raven) or scream, i.e. (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)." This word conveys an intense, urgent, and public outcry, suggesting Bartimaeus's desperation and determination to get Jesus' attention despite potential obstacles or social norms. It highlights the force and volume of his plea.
* **mercy (Greek, _eleéō'_):** From G1653, derived from ἔλεος, meaning "to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)." Bartimaeus's plea for mercy is a humble recognition of his profound need and Jesus' power and compassion. It is a request for divine intervention, an act of grace that extends beyond mere pity to active help and restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth":** This opening clause establishes the catalyst for Bartimaeus's action. The news of Jesus' presence, specifically "Jesus of Nazareth" (a common identifier), reached his ears, igniting a spark of hope. For a blind beggar, such news would be life-altering, as Jesus' reputation for healing was widespread. His hearing is not passive but leads to an immediate and decisive response.
* **"he began to cry out, and say":** This phrase describes Bartimaeus's urgent and public reaction. The Greek verb for "began" (G756, _árchomai_) suggests an immediate initiation of action, while "cry out" (G2896, _krázō_) denotes a loud, insistent, almost desperate vocalization. This was not a quiet request but a forceful, attention-grabbing shout, indicating his profound need and unwavering determination to be heard by Jesus.
* **"Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me":** This is the content of Bartimaeus's powerful plea. By addressing Jesus as "Son of David," Bartimaeus publicly acknowledges Jesus' messianic identity, a title loaded with theological significance for a Jewish audience, recognizing Him as the promised King and deliverer. His request, "have mercy on me," is a humble yet profound appeal for divine compassion and healing, acknowledging his own helplessness and Jesus' unique power to intervene in his life. It encapsulates both his faith and his desperate need.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:47 employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Irony** is prominent, as the physically blind Bartimaeus demonstrates a clearer spiritual perception of Jesus' true identity as the "Son of David" than many of the sighted religious leaders or even Jesus' own disciples, who often struggled to grasp His messianic role. This highlights the theme of spiritual blindness versus spiritual sight throughout Mark's Gospel. The scene also uses **Foreshadowing**, as Bartimaeus's immediate and persistent crying out, followed by his decisive act of casting off his cloak and coming to Jesus (Mark 10:50), foreshadows the radical commitment required for true discipleship. His subsequent following of Jesus on the way (Mark 10:52) stands in stark contrast to the rich young ruler who turned away (Mark 10:22), illustrating the cost and reward of genuine faith. Finally, **Symbolism** is deeply embedded, with Bartimaeus's physical blindness symbolizing humanity's spiritual ignorance and inability to perceive divine truth without Christ's intervention, and his healing representing spiritual enlightenment and salvation. His cry for "mercy" is a symbolic plea for divine grace to overcome not just physical affliction but also spiritual brokenness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Bartimaeus's cry for mercy to "Jesus, thou Son of David" is a profound theological statement. It reveals a deep understanding of Jesus' identity not just as a miracle worker, but as the promised Messiah, the heir to the Davidic covenant who would bring salvation and restoration. His faith, expressed through persistent and public appeal, demonstrates that true recognition of Christ's identity leads to active seeking and humble petition. This encounter underscores God's character as one who hears the cries of the marginalized and responds with compassion and power, particularly when approached with genuine faith. The healing that follows is a tangible manifestation of the kingdom of God breaking into the present, offering hope and new life to those who acknowledge Jesus' authority and need His grace.

* [Matthew 20:29-34](/matthew/20-29-34 "Matthew's Account of Two Blind Men Healed")
* [Luke 18:35-43](/luke/18-35-43 "Luke's Account of Blind Bartimaeus Healed")
* [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah's Prophecy of Healing in the Messianic Age")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Bartimaeus's story in Mark 10:47 offers a powerful blueprint for how we should approach Jesus with our needs. His immediate and persistent cry, despite being a marginalized figure and likely facing societal pressure to be quiet (as seen in the subsequent verse), exemplifies a faith that refuses to be silenced or deterred. He didn't just hear about Jesus; he acted on that knowledge, recognizing Jesus' unique authority and power to grant mercy. For us, this means first identifying Jesus correctly—not just as a historical figure or a good teacher, but as the "Son of David," the divine Messiah capable of intervening in our deepest needs. It calls us to acknowledge our own spiritual and physical "blindness" or needs, and then to cry out to Him with unwavering persistence and humility, trusting in His compassion. We are encouraged not to let the "crowd"—whether it be societal expectations, self-doubt, or the discouragement of others—prevent us from urgently bringing our petitions before the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "blindness" (spiritual, emotional, relational) in my life am I being called to bring before Jesus with the same urgency as Bartimaeus?**
* **In what ways do I allow "the crowd" (external pressures, internal doubts, or the opinions of others) to hinder my persistent pursuit of Jesus?**
* **How does Bartimaeus's immediate and public confession of Jesus as "Son of David" challenge my own willingness to acknowledge Christ's identity in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the title "Son of David" so significant in Bartimaeus's cry?**

Answer: The title "Son of David" is profoundly significant because it is a direct messianic title, identifying Jesus as the long-awaited King and deliverer promised through the lineage of King David. According to the Davidic Covenant (as found in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), God promised David that his throne and kingdom would be established forever through his descendants. By calling Jesus "Son of David," Bartimaeus is not merely acknowledging Jesus' human ancestry but is making a bold theological declaration that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the one who fulfills these ancient prophecies and has the authority to bring about the promised restoration and salvation. This recognition of Jesus' royal and divine authority is central to his plea for mercy and his subsequent healing.

**What does Bartimaeus's immediate following of Jesus after his healing imply about true discipleship?**

Answer: Bartimaeus's immediate decision to follow Jesus "on the way" (Mark 10:52) after receiving his sight is highly symbolic and implies a profound model of true discipleship. It signifies a complete and unreserved commitment to Christ, demonstrating that genuine faith leads to immediate obedience and a willingness to abandon one's former life to walk with Jesus. Unlike the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22) who went away sorrowful because he could not part with his possessions, Bartimaeus, having nothing, gives up his beggar's cloak (Mark 10:50) and follows Jesus. This act illustrates that true discipleship involves recognizing Jesus' authority, receiving His grace, and then dedicating one's life to Him, embracing the journey of faith wherever it leads, even towards Jerusalem and the cross.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The cry of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:47, "Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me," resonates deeply with the Christ-centered narrative of salvation. Bartimaeus's recognition of Jesus as the "Son of David" is a prophetic acknowledgment of Jesus' dual nature: fully human, descended from the royal line of David (as affirmed in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), and fully divine, possessing the power to grant mercy and heal. His desperate plea for mercy is answered by the one who is the embodiment of divine compassion and grace, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah who would bring sight to the blind (e.g., [Isaiah 35:5](/isaiah/35-5 "Isaiah 35:5 - Eyes of the Blind Opened")). This physical healing is a powerful sign of the greater spiritual healing that Christ offers to humanity. He is the one who opens the eyes of the spiritually blind, rescuing us from the darkness of sin and ignorance, and bringing us into His marvelous light ([John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus Came for Judgment")). Bartimaeus's immediate following of Jesus "on the way" (Mark 10:52) after receiving his sight symbolizes the new life and true discipleship available to all who encounter and believe in the Son of David, who ultimately offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice to secure eternal mercy and reconciliation with God ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant")).

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

Mark 1:24

Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

Matthew 9:27

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

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.

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.

Acts 13:22

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the [son] of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

Acts 13:23

Of this man's seed hath God according to [his] promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

Luke 18:36

And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.