Mark 10:47

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.

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}.

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

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

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 on Mark 10:47 (KJV)

This verse is part of the well-known account of Jesus healing blind Bartimaeus as Jesus was leaving Jericho on His way to Jerusalem. Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, hears the commotion and learns that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.

Historical and Cultural Context

Jericho was an ancient and important city, situated on a major route to Jerusalem. Begging was often the only means of survival for those with disabilities like blindness in ancient society. A large crowd would typically follow Jesus, making it difficult for an individual to get His attention.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Faith and Recognition: Bartimaeus hears "Jesus of Nazareth," but his cry uses the title "Son of David." This is a significant messianic title, indicating that Bartimaeus had faith that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the one who could bring healing and restoration. His faith was not passive but led to action.
  • Urgency and Persistence: The phrase "began to cry out" suggests a loud, insistent call. Despite likely being ignored or told to be quiet by the crowd (as seen in the next verse, Mark 10:48), Bartimaeus persisted in making his plea heard by Jesus.
  • Plea for Mercy: His request, "have mercy on me," is a humble acknowledgment of his need and Jesus' power and compassion. It's a recognition that any help would be an act of grace.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "cry out" is krazō (κράζω), which means to scream, shriek, or call out loudly, often in distress or urgent appeal. It emphasizes the intensity and volume of Bartimaeus's voice.

Cross-references

This event is also recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. See Matthew 20:30 (which mentions two blind men) and Luke 18:38.

Practical Application

Bartimaeus's story is a powerful example of how to approach Jesus with our needs. We are encouraged to identify Jesus correctly (as the powerful Son of David, the Messiah), recognize our need for His mercy, and cry out to Him with faith and persistence, not being deterred by obstacles or others.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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